■JOT
 
 V 
 
 
 
 A U- 
 

 
 / 
 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 N - OF THE 
 
 LATTER YEARS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 CHARLES JAMES FOX. 
 
 \ 
 
 Di cui la fama ancor nel mondo dura 
 E durera quanto '1 moto, lontana. 
 
 Dante. 
 
 by 
 
 JOHN BERNARD TROTTER, Esq. 
 
 LATB PRIVATE SECRETARY TO MR. FOX. 
 
 Hontson : 
 
 PRINTED FOR RICHARD PHILLIPS, 
 
 NO. 7> NEW BRIDGE STREET j 
 By GEORGE SIDaEY, Northnmbsrland Street, Strand. 
 
 ■ 
 
 1811
 
 G. Sidney, Printer, 
 Northumberland Street, Strand.
 
 TO 
 
 HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS 
 
 THE PRINCE REGENT. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IN dedicating to your Royal High- 
 ness a work which illustrates the private 
 and public life, and describes the last mo- 
 ments, of the late Right Honourable 
 Charles James Fox, I feel a feeble degree 
 of consolation, in turning from the mournful 
 pages which close the volume, to the conside- 
 ration that your Royal Highness will sym- 
 pathize, with the author, in all those pas- 
 sages which delineate the constancy, and
 
 IV 
 
 tenderness in friendship, which invariably 
 marked Mr. Fox through life, as ivell as in 
 those which faintly pour tray his love for 
 his country, his zeal for public liberty, and 
 his thirst for knowledge I 
 
 Your Royal Highness did not admit him 
 to that distinguished share of your confidence 
 and friendship, which soothed his moments 
 of pain, without fully appreciating all his 
 amiable and noble qualities ! 
 
 Your Royal Highness will, I hope, in- 
 dulgently pardon any warmth of expression, 
 issuing from those feelings of enthusiam and 
 sensibility, which unavoidably grow out of 
 the subject upon which I have treated, and 
 which is still too affecting, even after a 
 lapse of five years, to admit of the calm-
 
 ness which is necessary to enable an author to 
 submit himself to public criticism, 
 
 I am bound also to intreat your Royal 
 Highness s pardon, for thus intruding upon 
 your Royal Highness, while engaged in the 
 midst of so many public cares, and afflicted 
 by so much domestic sorrow I 
 
 Your Royal Highness will, however, 
 I trust, impute my presumption to its just 
 cause ; to my Knowledge of your refined, 
 and constant attention to a dying friend, — 
 of your anxiety for his repose, in moments 
 when the world are too apt to neglect the 
 departing sufferer, — of that interesting sen- 
 sibility, which endears you so much to those 
 who arc acquainted with you in the private 
 circle, — and of your public virtues, which are
 
 VI 
 
 drawing upon you the love, admiration, and 
 
 t 
 
 blessings of this great empire ! 
 I am, Sir, 
 With every sentiment of duty, 
 Of profound respect, 
 
 And unfeigned gratitude, 
 Your Royal Highnesses 
 
 Devoted and dutiful Servant, 
 JOHN BERNARD TROTTER, 
 
 Montalta, near Wicklow, August, 1811.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 f N laying before the Public a work, pur- 
 porting to consist of Memoirs, or Biogra- 
 phical Sketches, of a considerable part of 
 the Life of the late Right Honourable 
 Charles James Fox, I have no claim to 
 approbation for a complete and entire work, 
 as my acquaintance with that illustrious 
 character did not commence till the evening 
 of his days. Consequently, I have not at- 
 tempted to give a full account of his ac- 
 tions, or life: others may hereafter accom- 
 plish that task ; mine is at present a less 
 important and less extensive one.
 
 V1U 
 
 I knew Mr. Fox, however, at a period 
 when his glories began to brighten, — when 
 a philosophical and noble determination had, 
 for a considerable time, induced him to re- 
 nounce the captivating allurements and 
 amusements of fashionable life, — and when, 
 resigning himself to rural pleasures, domes- 
 tic retirement, and literary pursuits, he be- 
 came a new man, or rather, more justly may 
 I say, he returned to the solid enjoyment of 
 a tranquil, yet refined, rural life, from which 
 he had been awhile withdrawn, but had 
 never been alienated. 
 
 The more we consider the nature of Mr. 
 Fox's education, (which, according to mo- 
 dern views, might be deemed by many an 
 excellent one, but had too much of incite- 
 ment, and too little of discipline,) the more 
 we must wonder^at, and respect the firm- 
 ness and self- correction which he evinced 
 during the last half of his life. Educated 
 by a father who early saw, and admired, the
 
 IX 
 
 talents of bis son, he was too soon brought 
 forward into politics, and into a responsible 
 situation. The great models of antiquity 
 were not sufficiently considered ; but the 
 natural partiality of the late Lord Holland 
 goes far in excuse for his error respecting 
 the education of his accomplished son. He 
 did only what thousands have done, and are 
 doing, unfavourable as are such errors, to 
 the complete and advantageous develope- 
 ment of a great character. The mind, like 
 the oak, does not, or cannot, attain full per- 
 fection, but by slow degrees. All prema- 
 ture shoots, until the leading roots have 
 deeply and firmly seized upon the soil, are in- 
 jurious; and exhaust, or enfeeble, the nascent 
 tree. It must be granted, too, that a com- 
 mercial and luxurious nation, however great, 
 is less favourable to the production of so 
 extraordinary a character as that of Mr. 
 Fox, than one in which simplicity and dis- 
 interestedness would be the prevailing fea- 
 tures.
 
 The powerful weight of mercantile in- 
 terests in the councils of the English peo- 
 ple, is decidedly adverse to the germination, 
 expansion, and glory of genius. The no- 
 blest and highest motives impelled Mr. Fox, 
 in vain, to put forth his powers, to excite his 
 country to what is wisest and most glori- 
 ous, — to advise with prophetic force, and 
 to argue with irresistible demonstration. He 
 was not heard with interest, because there was 
 nothing congenial in his arguments ; he was 
 neither applauded nor rewarded, because his 
 auditors had no faculty by which to estimate 
 his merits ; and he returned home weary and 
 disgusted. The views of mercenary politi- 
 cians coincide rather with the declaiming ar- 
 rogance of any man who has bartered the 
 national welfare for mercantile support ; 
 who has strengthened his party by the arti- 
 ficial influence of commerce ; and, having 
 satisfied his thirst for domination, leaves his 
 country involved, his party in difficulties, 
 and commerce itself languishing and ex-
 
 XI 
 
 hausted, by the efforts which its avarice had 
 tempted it to make, and which his incite- 
 ments had contributed to extend. 
 
 There is a strong similarity, not only in the 
 style of oratory, but in the fortunes of De- 
 mosthenes and Fox. The oratory of both 
 was plain, but of mighty strength. Each 
 appears to have thought more of his subject 
 than his audience, — to have burst forth with 
 demonstrative reasoning and facts, — and, 
 trusting to the power of truth on the hearts of 
 patriots, to have given the wisest councils, 
 in the strongest and most vigorous manner. 
 Demosthenes had the great advantage of 
 speaking to a large and independent popular 
 assembly. Fox spoke to one of too aristo- 
 cratic, as well as commercial a cast, to expect 
 the same effects from his eloquence. 
 
 I have often admired the sweetness and 
 equanimity of his temper in returning from 
 the unavailing war of words, in which he
 
 Xll 
 
 bore so super-eminent, but fruitless a 
 part. Though fatigued with so many bar- 
 ren struggles, although he distinctly saw the 
 ruin preparing by a rash and obstinate mi- 
 nister, for his country, no expression of bit- 
 terness ever escaped him in private life ; 
 the name of that minister was rarely, if at 
 all, noticed by him, and never with acri- 
 monv. His determination, when he se- 
 ceded from parliament, to retire much from 
 public life, until the misguided people saw 
 the errors into which they were plunging, 
 certainly arose from this hopeless scene of 
 useless debate, — a determination which I 
 have never ceased to regret he did not scru- 
 pulously adhere to, as suitable to the 
 grandeur of his character, his simplicity, 
 and his indifference for power; at once bene- 
 ficial to his health, and promising ultimate 
 advantage to the state. 
 
 Having enjoyed his private friendship, 
 and been admitted into his domestic circle,
 
 Xlll 
 
 at this period, I may be asked what were 
 his preparations for debate ? I answer, — 
 none! — I have often known him, when a 
 debate was expected of importance, pursu- 
 ing his usual studies, the day before, in 
 poetry, history, botany, or natural history ; 
 his conversation was the same ; his walks, 
 and his inspection of his little farm, were 
 unchanged; nor, as far as came within my 
 observation, did he abstract himself from his 
 family or ordinary society an hour, or a 
 moment, for any preparation w T hen great 
 debates were impending. 
 
 His dispatches, which were compositions 
 nothing inferior to his orations, and, I be- 
 lieve, quite siii generis in England, he men- 
 tally composed before they were committed 
 to paper, when he wrote or dictated them 
 with great facility. They, as well as his 
 orations, were digested, I think, in a few 
 moments of silent rapid reflection, and they 
 then gave him no further anxiety. His me-
 
 XIV 
 
 mory was so exquisitely powerful, that it 
 supplied him with every subject matter he 
 required for study ; and when other men 
 were obliged to recur to books, he had only to 
 apply to the sources of his mind, and pro- 
 ceed in his argument or composition. 
 
 Lord Holland, in his Preface to Mr. Fox's 
 Historical Fragment, has dwelt rather too 
 much upon his uncle's solicitude as to his- 
 torical composition : Mr. Fox doubtless felt 
 anxious to keep it distinct, as he ought, 
 from oratorical delivery ; but I am inclined 
 to think, that historic matter flowed from 
 him, as his dispatches did, with facility and 
 promptness. His manuscript of the Frag- 
 ment, of which a good part is in his own 
 hand-writing, has but very few corrections 
 or alterations ; and his great anxiety (and 
 very justly) appears to me to have re- 
 garded facts, rather than style. I differ 
 from the noble Editor with extreme regret 
 on this point, as I have found myself oblig-
 
 XV 
 
 ed to do in the following work on some 
 others, Mr. Fox's singular modesty and 
 sincerity may have led him to express dis- 
 trust of himself; but his powers were too 
 commanding to admit of hesitation or dif- 
 ficulty in any species of composition to 
 which he directed them. 
 
 His letters are perfect in their kind, more 
 agreeable (as they have nothing of his 
 egotism) than those of Cicero, and more 
 solid than those of Madame de Sevigne. 
 Those which I have been able to present to 
 the reader are models of English composi- 
 tion, as well as valuable depositories of the 
 critical opinions of Mr. Fox upon the most 
 excellent authors of ancient and modern 
 times. I am tempted to think, from the 
 elegance and conciseness of all his compo- 
 sitions, that his Historical Fragment was 
 written under the disadvantage of his frame 
 of mind, being somewhat affected by a 
 tinge of melancholy, which produced in
 
 XVI 
 
 so me parts a certain diffuseness, not other- 
 wise likely to have taken place. Public 
 affairs were so manifestly tending to a crisis 
 when he wrote, and the minister had so 
 much weakened and impaired the constitution, 
 that Mr. Fox could not but grieve, — for his 
 feelings were warm, and his mind of a truly 
 patriotic cast ; and it was extremely natural, 
 that, unsuspected by himself, something of 
 this disposition of mind should be imparted to 
 the work he had undertaken at that period. 
 At such a time, and in that state of mind, 
 travelling would have afforded better occu- 
 pation to Mr. Fox than writing history ; 
 but from that he was precluded : he was 
 shut out from the continent by the French 
 war, and in having recourse to history, (still 
 continuing his exertions in favour of liberty) 
 he shewed the generous struggles of a noble 
 mind to serve his country and posterity in 
 the only way left open to him ; and if a 
 shade of melancholy pervades it, the source 
 from whence it certainly sprung (for he was
 
 xvu 
 
 easy in circumstances, and truly happy in 
 domestic life) is the most honourable and 
 venerable sentiment which can exist in the 
 human breast, — grief for a wronged and un- 
 happily misguided country ! 
 
 In one grand point all his compositions, 
 his letters, dispatches, historical work, and 
 orations, beautifully harmonize, — I mean, 
 in genuine Christian love for mankind, as 
 fellow-creatures and friends. This will be 
 found the uniform impulse through Mr. Fox's 
 glorious life. In the work I offer to my 
 readers, imperfect as it is, that great prin- 
 ciple will appear to be clearly developed. 
 
 It is singular, or at least is worthy 
 of remark, that, although Mr. Fox knew 
 nothing, or very little, of geometry, 
 no man spoke or tyrote with more preci- 
 sion ; his demonstrations were always ma- 
 thematically correct and conclusive, and his 
 Language was very r and free from all
 
 V 
 
 xvin 
 
 redundancy. That noble science indubitably 
 aids and improves the powers of reasoning, 
 and is of immense utility in life; yet Mr. 
 Fox derived no assistance from it. There 
 ran, however, be little doubt that his pro- 
 gress in it would have been rapid, and that 
 his logical faculty would have been strength- 
 ened by it. About five or six years before 
 his death, he expressed much regret to me 
 at his ignorance of mathematics, and seemed 
 then inclined to turn his attention to those 
 sciences, and in particular to astronomy. It 
 is very probable, that as he appeared to testify 
 a strong inclination for mathematics, he 
 would have applied to them, if he had con- 
 tinued in retirement. 
 
 His return to politics prevented this 
 design, and suspended his History. The 
 words of the noble Editor of the Frag- 
 ment are very remarkable, as to Mr. Fox 
 forgoing his original intention of retiring for 
 a time from public life. " The remoR-
 
 XIX 
 
 strances, however, of those friends, for whose 
 judgment he had the greatest deference, ul- 
 timately prevailed." Here is a proof, from 
 the authority of Lord Holland, how re- 
 luctant Mr. Fox was to abandon his inten- 
 tion. I know that the basis of his deter- 
 mination was a solid and grand one ; that 
 occasionally at his breakfast-table we had a 
 little discussion on this point, and that Mrs. 
 Fox and myself uniformly joined in recom- 
 mending retirement, until the people felt 
 properly upon public affairs. I am sorry to 
 be compelled to say, that the friends who 
 " ultimately prevailed," calculated very ill 
 upon political matters, and did not suffici- 
 ently estimate the towering and grand cha- 
 racter of Mr. Fox. 
 
 Lord Holland also says, in his preface, 
 u The circumstances which led him once 
 more to take an active part in public dis- 
 cussions, are foreign to the purposes of this 
 preface." — Yet, either these circumstances 
 
 b2
 
 XX 
 
 should have been explained, or not at all 
 touched upon. I know, that the circum- 
 stance which Mr. Fox had made indispen- 
 sable in his original determination, had not 
 occurred. A partial change of ministry had 
 nothing to do with that general sensation of 
 the people which Mr. Fox had looked to as 
 the proper moment for his coming forward 
 with benefit to his Sovereign and his 
 country. 
 
 There is an idea which will, perhaps, very- 
 much elucidate the point, and make things 
 plainer than the circumlocution of Lord 
 Holland. The party wanted a leader! — It 
 is very obvious to me, that to this very want 
 may be attributed the solicitations which 
 " ultimately prevailed" against Mr. Fox's 
 better and undistorted judgment. I am 
 happy to testify, that Mrs. Fox constantly 
 endeavoured, as far as I had opportunity of 
 observing, to fortify and confirm Mr. Fox 
 in his wise and noble resolution ; and perse-
 
 XXI 
 
 vered, even in despite of the warmth q{ 
 party, which sometimes blamed her for de- 
 taining him in retirement. 
 
 It is, however, with considerable pain I 
 have been led to condemn Lord Holland's 
 forbearance and silence on this very interest- 
 ing point, (certainly far more so than Mr. 
 Fox's private opinion as to the minutiae of 
 style) but there is something so august in 
 his character, and my opportunities of 
 knowing its value, were such rare ones, 
 that I bend to the necessity of stating his- 
 toric truth, as far as I can, even though 
 forced to differ with the noble Lord, who 
 
 INHERITS HIS NAME AND VIRTUES. 
 
 Before I conclude this introductory Pre- 
 face to the work I have undertaken, I feel 
 it necessary to advert to the concluding pages 
 of the noble Editor just mentioned. I 
 would willingly suppress all private opinion, 
 where I can do so with justice to my subject ;
 
 xxu 
 
 but the inverse mode of reasoning to that 
 adopted by his Lordship, appears to me to 
 be the most just. Are the present race to go 
 to the grave without further knowledge of 
 Mr. Fox than that conveyed in the Preface 
 to the Fragment ? Lord Holland says, 
 
 " Those who admired Mr. Fox in pub- 
 lic, and those who loved him in private, 
 must naturally feel desirous that some me- 
 morial should be preserved of the great and 
 good qualities of his head and heart." 
 
 Ought not this to be conclusive with all 
 that great man's admirers and friends ? His 
 Lordship justly complains of false accounts, 
 and that very circumstance points out 
 the necessity of something genuine and 
 authentic ? Every one will not judge 
 so clearly as Lord Holland ; because, that 
 they do not know so much of Mr. Fox 
 as he and his other intimate friends. The 
 Preface says, " the objections to such an
 
 XXI 11 
 
 undertaking at present are obvious, and, 
 
 after much reflection, they have appeared to 
 
 those connected with him insuperable" 
 I 
 
 It never appeared to me that the task could 
 be executed by any of Mr. Fox's own family 
 with propriety ; but as one of the illustri- 
 ous DEAD'S SINCERE AND DEVOTED FRIENDS, I 
 
 never entered into any compact to abstain 
 from giving the public any information I 
 could upon the most interesting subject 
 that can occupy the attention of all liberal 
 and patriotic characters, of every lover of 
 the human race, of science, of virtue, and 
 of their country. I cannot compromise the 
 interests of truth, and the venerable fame of 
 him who is now no more ! his is truly the 
 
 " Clarum et vencrabilc Nomen," 
 
 Which to me shines as with the light of a 
 beacon, to guide me through the maze of 
 conflicting and complicated parties. Never
 
 XXIV 
 
 shall I think of sparing the delicacy of poli- 
 ticians, when the resplendent luminary from 
 whom they borrowed their lights is con- 
 cerned ; — no shadow, — no spot,— shall re- 
 main upon his orb, if the honest touch of 
 truth can remove it. If the good of an 
 empire, and the wishes of millions for in- 
 formation ; if the honour and name of Fox 
 are concerned, I cannot stop to consider of 
 wounding " the feelings of individuals." 
 I shall suppress no truth, no circumstance. 
 I stand before my country, not daring to be 
 false, and I offer to the shade of Fox the 
 imperfect, but genuine and unbiassed ho- 
 mage of a faithful tribute to his memory. 
 
 I cannot presume to think that the fol- 
 lowing volume gives an adequate idea of 
 the character of Mr. Fox. The early part 
 of his life must at present remain a deside- 
 ratum among his admirers. It is on its close 
 only that I have, I hope, been peculiarly en- 
 abled to throw a full and satisfactory degree
 
 XXV 
 
 of light. In early youth, I understand Mr. Fox 
 wasdistinguished by extraordinary application 
 to study. He was abroad for a short time at the 
 early age of fourteen, to which may be at- 
 tributed, probably, that fluency, perfect un- 
 derstanding, and good pronunciation of 
 French, which most eminently marked him, 
 amongst his coumrymen, and even French- 
 men, at Paris. His knowledge of Italian 
 was nearly as great, and probably to be 
 attributed to the same cause. If I were to 
 sketch the divisions of his life, I would 
 form them into three parts: — His youth, 
 warm and impetuous, but full of extraordi- 
 nary promise. His middle age, energetic 
 and patriotic. His latter days, com- 
 mencing from the French revolution, sim- 
 ple, grand, and sublime. 
 
 The splendour of the last period pre- 
 sents a picture of magnanimity and wis- 
 dom of stupendous dimensions, and the 
 most powerful effect. I have described his
 
 XXVI 
 
 domestic life in this period. I have given 
 to the world, his travels,-— a little of his 
 public life, — and the closing scene not 
 unworthy of the past life of Fox ! 
 
 My readers will render justice to his 
 memory, and excuse the faults and errors of 
 this performance, in considering the difficul- 
 ties which have attended the undertaking ; 
 the scarcity of written documents to con- 
 sult, and the painful recollections which 
 have often suspended the work, and ren- 
 dered its progress almost intolerable.-— 
 I have, however, acquitted myself without 
 any vain presumption, or expectation of 
 applause, but with anxious and trembling 
 solicitude, lest I may not have done justice 
 to the grand and affecting subject. 
 
 It is with no ordinary feelings of respect 
 and diffidence that I intrude upon an intel- 
 ligent public. I leave to their indulgent con- 
 sideration the following effort to give them
 
 xxvn 
 
 an outline of the latter part of the life of 
 Mr. Fox, relying upon the words of the no- 
 ble Editor of the Historical 1 ragment, that 
 u those who admired Mr. Fox in public, 
 and those who loved him in private, must 
 naturallv feel desirous that some memorial 
 should be preserved of the great and good 
 qualities of his head and heart."
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Tlie Author's distance from the Press, it is to be hoped, 
 will be received as an apology for those errors which may 
 have escaped the vigilance of the printer. 
 
 At pages 170 and 17 1? the reader is requested to alter 
 Ariosta into Ariosto. 
 
 Should this work meet with the favorable reception which 
 the partiality of friends has led the author to expect, he me- 
 ditates the plan of a work on the entire Public Life of 
 Mr. Fox ; and with that view invites the communication of 
 facts and original materials to the care of Sir Richard 
 Phillips, No. 5, Buckingham-gate, London.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Vulgar prejudices relative to Mr. Fox — His superiority 
 over Mr. Pitt — The mistakes and misfortunes of the 
 latter — Character of Mr. Fox — Description of St. 
 Anne's Hill — The author's impressions on arriving 
 there — The happy retirement of Mr. Fox.... 1 to 14. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Domestic habits of Mr. Fox — The author's obligation to 
 record his virtues — Contrasted with Mr. Pitt — His 
 love of nature — His amenity — His conjugal affection 
 — His originality — The newspapers — His conversation 
 — His political foresight— His invitation to the 
 author—Departure for France — Impressions in Kent. 
 15 to 35. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Reflections on approaching France— Reception at 
 Calais— Independent conduct towards Mr. O'Connor 
 — Singular distinction made by Sir Francis Burdett 
 — Opinion of that baronet— Calais— St. Omer's 
 ,, 36 to 50.
 
 XXX 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Impressions on entering the Netherlands—Mr. Fox's 
 knowledge of Agriculture— Delightful situation of 
 Cassel— Revolutionary impiety— Joseph Andrews- 
 Mrs. Fox — Tree of liberty 51 to 65. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Lisle— Public respect paid to Mr. Fox — General O'Mara 
 — Public dinner given to Mr. Fox— His diffidence 
 — Ghent— Charles 5th— His retirement contrasted 
 with that of Mr. Fox— Public homage to Mr. Fox 
 — Antwerp— The iEneid— Mr. Fox's tenderness 
 — His taste in poetry— Enlargement of France— Breda 
 — Gardens of the Stadtholder— Impressions excit- 
 ed by Holland — Utrecht— Industry and Liberty 
 — Amsterdam — Haarlem — Leyden — The Hague — 
 The Stadtholder— The De Witts— The jEn-id— 
 Rotterdam— Bergen-op-zoom— Agriculture and com- 
 merce— -Brussels— The iEneid— Lord Holland— M. 
 Chauvelin— Lord Grenville— Barras— Mr. Walker's 
 
 Tom Jones Gemappe Cambray Valenciennes 
 
 — Ariosto— Tour to Constaadonople 66 to 176 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Observations on Mr. Fox's character — His opinion of 
 Religion— Reflections on approaching Paris— Buona- 
 parte compared to Augustus — Arrival at Paris — 
 Hotel de Richelieu — Climate of Paris..,. 177 to 192.
 
 XXXI 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1 
 
 Attractions of Paris— The first Consul— His establish- 
 ment for life— Character of Moreau— The new 
 government — Miracles wrought by Mr. Pitt— Circu- 
 lating medium of France— French theatre— Racine 
 — Public honours paid to Mr.Fox — First consul at the 
 theatre , 193 to 20G. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Louvre— French policy— Mr. Fox's feeling of 
 paintings— His favourites— -His enthusiasm— Visit to 
 Versailles— To the Petit trianon — General Fitzpa- 
 trick— -Lord Robert Spencer— Marie Antoinette — 
 Lord St. John— Mr. Adair — Bureau des affaires 
 etrangers — Letters of Barillon — Intrigues of Louis 
 and James , 207 to 225. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Visit to Tivoli — to the theatres — Mr. Fox's ear for mu- 
 sic — Visit from Kosciusko — Description of that great 
 man — M r. Fox's reception of him — Party to St. Cloud 
 — Meudon — Madame Roland — Bellevue — Neuilly — 
 Opera Francois — Visit to theThuillerics... 22G to 241. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Conduct of Foreigners — The Levee— Second party to
 
 XXXU 
 
 St. Cloud — Monsieur de Grave — Pleasant afternoon-^ 
 Happiness of Mr. Fox — House of Murat — Visit to 
 Talleyrand — His person, and that of Madame — His 
 parties — Affairs of Switzerland 242 to 256, 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Consular review- —The great Levee — Mr. Merry-*— 
 The Chevalier D'Azara--- The Turkish Ambassador — 
 
 Count Markoff— -The Marquis Lucchesini The 
 
 Marquis de Gallo — The Count Cobenzel— Mr. Liv- 
 ingston — Cardinal Caprara — The Author's impress 
 sions— Buonaparte— Le Brun — Cambaceres— Mr. 
 Fox's introduction — Buonaparte's address to him — 
 Lord Erskine— Lawyers have a low national rank— 
 Their pursuits narrow and grovelling — Buonaparte's 
 question to a young English officer— Description of 
 Buonaparte— Reflections of the Author— Aloys Red- 
 ing— Toussaint— English dinner party— Mr. Kemble 
 — English manners — The Abbe Sieyes... 257 to 2/7» 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Historical Researches — Charles, James, and Louis- 
 Dinner at Talleyrand's- -IJuc d'Uzeze— Hauterive— 
 Rcederer— Madame Talleyrand's circle— Count Co- 
 benzel — The prince of Saxe Weimar — The Abbate' 
 Casti— Brueys— Mr. Fox in a drawing room— 
 Madame Buonaparte's drawing room — Her character 
 — Visit to Helen Maria Williams— M. Perregaux's 
 dinner 278 to 289.
 
 xxxiii 
 
 CHAPTER XIII; 
 
 Visit from M. de ia Fayette — His person, character, 
 and pure patriotism — Similarity between him and Fox 
 — His retirement — His invitation — General Fox — 
 Interior of St. Cloud — Madame Recamier's dejeune 
 — General Moreau— Eugene Beaaliarnois— -Interest- 
 ing character ot Madame Recamier— French Acting 
 — Seance of the tribunate— Hotel des Invalides — 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Exbition of national manufactures — The first Consul 
 His interview with Mr. Fox — how opinion of the 
 latter of the French government — Characteristics 
 of Mr. Fox — Mr. Hare— M. de Narbonne — Mr. 
 West and Mr. Opie— Madame Tallien's dinner— Mr. 
 
 Arthur O'Conner Amusements M. Tallien — 
 
 Buonaparte's dinner — His conversation— Mr. Fox's 
 opinion of him — His charge against Mr. Windham 
 — His political plans — Mr. Fox's impression 
 w .,* .„..«.,..,. 306 to 317* 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Visit to Fayette — His house at La Grange— -His 
 family— Madame — His Daughters— Their heroism 
 —General Fitzpatriek — Interesting trio of character*
 
 XXXIV 
 
 bally Tollendal — The vincinity— Happiness of Mr. 
 Fox — The pure and exalted character of Fayette 
 —His innocent occupations 318 to 328. 
 
 CHAPTER XVL 
 
 Rumours of war — Amiable disposition of the French — 
 Dinner at Berthier's — Berthier-~Massena— -Bougain- 
 ville— Volney— -Conclusion of labours at the Archives 
 — Mr. Fox's historical fragment— Its immaturity- 
 Researches at Paris not incorporated— Author's opi- 
 nions of the noble Editor— Description of Mr. Fox's 
 labours at the Archives— The grand opera— Lawyers 
 disagreeable every where — Notre dame — Pantheon 
 — Another consular levee— Buonaparte's repeated 
 questions 329 to 343. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 General results — Manners—Dress— Agriculture — Po- 
 lice—Politeness—Amusements of the French- 
 Government— Invigoration— Taxes — Simplification 
 of the Laws — Suspicion — Jealousy— State prisons- 
 Consequence of military state— Parting with Mr. and 
 Mrs. Fox— Conclusion of the first part, 314 to 351.
 
 PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Consequences of the death of Mr. Pitt— Mr. Fox's 
 determined retirement— Persuasions used to induce 
 him to become part of a motley administration— The 
 author's presentiments — Opinions in Ireland — Of 
 Lady Moira— Her just views and exhortations — Her 
 sensibility after Mr. Fox's death — Irish expectations 
 — The author's forebodings — His arrival in London — 
 Mr. Fox's health — Reflections — Patriotism of the 
 King— Arduous duties of Mr. Fox — His exertions 
 and assiduity— Confidence inspired by Mr. Fox- —Sir 
 F. Vincent— -Mr. Fox's dress at court — The King's 
 reception-— Intercourse between Mr. Fox and his Ma- 
 jesty—The King's opinion of his conduct in office 
 — Liberal forbearance of the Catholics — Statement 
 of their case — Pressure of business — Mr. Fox's reli- 
 ance on the conciliating character of the Duke of 
 Bedford in Ireland — Policy of Messrs. Grattan, Pon- 
 sonby, and their friends.......... 847 to 388;
 
 XXXH I 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Retirement to St. Anne's Hill — Lord Albemarle — Hi's 
 Character, and that of Lady Albemarle — The Messrs. 
 Porters — Proposed parallel of Fox and Fayette — His 
 love of Literature — Euripides— Spencer — Chaucer — 
 Asperity of Mr, Canning — Author's disappointment in 
 Lord Holland's Preface — Mr. Fox's attention to old 
 Friends — Mr. Curjan — Lord Holland — Mr. Fox's 
 assiduity in business. »,»,..,.»..»»». »»»*>».»..». 389 to 404 
 
 CHAFrER III. 
 
 Negotiations for Peace — Fox and Talleyrand — Sincerity 
 of France — Lord Grenville — Feelings of Mr. Fox — 
 Advantages resulting from his high Character — 
 Transition... 405 to 411 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 First announcement of illness — The jEneid— Dido— 
 His sympathetic conduct at Holland-House — Increase 
 
 of Disease Exercise Lord Fitzwiiliam His 
 
 excellent character— The Prince of Wales— His
 
 xxxvn 
 
 endearing attentions — Puke of Clarence — Duke of 
 York — Miss Fox — Mrs, Fox— Crabbe's Poems- 
 Mr. Sheridan — Mr. Grattan — Operation of Tapping 
 — Derangement of the negotiation with France — Lord 
 Lauderdale — Duke of Devonshire — Removal to Chis- 
 wick House — His portrait there— Employments- 
 Exercise — Return of Pittite feelings....,, 412 to 428 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Increase of Disease — The iEneid — Sympathy of the 
 Public — Consolations of a good conscience — Sum- 
 mary of his virtues — General Fitzpatriek — Lord 
 Robert Spencer— Mrs. Fox-— Duke and Duchess of 
 Devonshire-* -Lords Grenville and Grey — Value of 
 Mr. Fox's ideas on public affairs — Indifference of the 
 Cabinet — Dignity of Fox — Second operation of Tap- 
 ping — His self-possession and equanimity— Plan for 
 improving medical science....,...,., 429 to 444 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Operation useless — Author and Mrs. Fox in constant 
 attendance— Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Dryden— 
 Lord Holland— General Fitzpatriek — Miss Fox— r
 
 XXXV1J1 
 
 Her Character — Alarming- symptoms — Solemnity of 
 the Author's duty— Last employments of Mr. Fox — 
 The Duchess of Devonshire's dressing-room — Awful 
 impressions — Patience of Mr. Fox — No eauses for 
 self-reproach , 445 to 454 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 Determination to try Digitalis — The Author's forebodings 
 — Advantages of removing to St. Anne's Hill — The 
 History — His last opinions— Conduct of the Physi- 
 cians— -Author's solicitude— His reluctance to ad- 
 minister a strong remedy— Its alarming effects- 
 Approaching dissolution— His calmness— His dying 
 sentiment — His last words — His death... 465 to 46'S 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Event accompanying his death— His countenance after 
 death— Cast taken from his face — Embalming — His 
 religious opinions — The immortality of the soul—
 
 XXXIX 
 
 Resignation to Providence — Dr. Parr's work— His 
 body opened-— Observations thereon— Digitalis—- His 
 ideas of burial— His last wishes— A public funeral 
 resolved on— Vast concourse of mourners — Their cha- 
 racter and affecting conduct— The procession to 
 Westminster — Sympathy of the people— His grave- 
 Reflections and antruish of the Author, 467 to 484
 
 PART HI. 
 
 LETTERS of Mr. FOX to the Author. 
 LETTERS of GENERAL FAYETTE. 
 
 } 
 
 43?
 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 OF 
 
 CHARLES JAMES FOX, 
 
 CHAPTER f. 
 
 TN recurring to the happy days when St. 
 
 Anne's Hill possessed its benevolent and 
 
 illustrious master, a gloom pervades my 
 
 mind, which neither time, nor change of 
 
 scene, has been able wholly to dissipate. 
 
 Let me, however, suppress my feelings, 
 and commence with the period of the year 
 1802, when Mr. Fox left his beloved spot, 
 to visit the new, brilliant, and extraordinary 
 scenes then opening in France. If it will not 
 be deemed superfluous, (and can any thing 
 be superfluous relating to that great man ?) 
 I shall introduce to my reader an out- 
 line of the domestic life of Mr. Fox, in that 
 
 B
 
 2 
 
 dignified retirement in which he had 
 found true happiness, and in which those 
 admirable talents, so capable of guiding and 
 saving a nation, were devoted to the rational 
 purpose of acquiring knowledge, and enlarg- 
 ing a mind, already so powerful and 
 capacious. 
 
 The Vulgar, whose prejudices it is diffi- 
 cult to efface, and who are more prone to 
 depreciate than to make allowance for great 
 characters, have long imagined, and even still 
 continue to think, that Mr. Fox was a mere 
 dissipated man of pleasure. This idea had 
 been industriously cherished and propagated 
 by a party, w T hose interested views were pro- 
 moted, by keeping, from the councils of 
 the nation, a man so eminently their superior. 
 The unprincipled desires of selfish ambition 
 had kept him out of stations for which nature 
 had most eminently qualified him. Destined, 
 as he appeared, for being the founder of 
 a political school in England — capable of 
 raising her in the opinion of other nations, 
 it was his ill-fate to be opposed by a minister 
 incapable of appreciating his merit, and un- 
 willing to recommend it to the approbation
 
 of his sovereign ; though himself unfit to be 
 premier, and indeed inadequate to fill any 
 considerable department of the state, 
 
 The calumny thus attached to Mr. Fox, and 
 the selfish monopoly of power which exclud- 
 ed him from the cabinet, have been pro- 
 ductive of those enormous evils to the Eng- 
 lish nation — which now threaten her very 
 existence. Mr. Pitt, under the controul of an 
 extensive and liberal genius, like that of Mr. 
 Fox, might have been a useful minister of 
 . finance ; but, in the regulation of the 
 concerns of the world, his vigour was crea- 
 tiveof destruction, and his imperious spirit, so 
 unworthy a true statesman, was prejudicial 
 to liberty abroad, and dangerous to it at 
 home. The financial dictator of Downing- 
 street was unfit to cope with the consum- 
 mate military and diplomatic characters 
 who had arisen upon the Continent ; 
 and, it is very probable that his father, Lord 
 Chatham, a man great through the weakness 
 of, France, would have been foiled in such 
 a contest ; certainly not with so much dis- 
 grace, but, perhaps, with equal misfortune,
 
 to the country. The most mischievously fatal 
 error which a statesman can be guilty of, is 
 to use coercive severity in direct opposition 
 to the bent of human nature. The re-action 
 produced, countervails all common plans ; 
 and the supremacy over clerks, secretaries, 
 and members of parliament, affords dangerous 
 data on which to ground expectation, when 
 foreign nations are the subjects of fancied 
 management. An enlarged, and an arrogant 
 mind, are essentially different as to their 
 views, and the comprehensiveness of their 
 operations. To superficial or selfish obser- 
 vers their plans may seem, for a while, simi- 
 lar ; but those of the latter are productive 
 of discomfiture, and fertile in disgrace. 
 
 I have, however, no desire to stigmatize 
 one of these personages to elevate the 
 other ! Both rest in the grave : — but I should 
 deem it derogatory to Mr. Fox's memory, 
 if I paid any posthumous compliments to the 
 character and talents of a minister, of 
 whom the best that can be said is, that he 
 failed through ignorance, and ruined his 
 country through mistake. Facts are decisively
 
 against him, and the historian who describes 
 them will find, that he misunderstood the 
 law of nations, and that for temporary 
 purposes, and limited objects, he violated 
 the great principles of society, and at- 
 tempted to produce results which historical 
 reasoning, the nature of man, and the voice 
 of religion, forbad him to expect. There is no 
 political associate of that mistaken minister, 
 possessing any independent qualities of 
 mind, who, if he now dispassionately recon- 
 sider the affairs of the last twenty years, but 
 will be forced to avow his own delusion, 
 and acknowledge that the irreparable mis- 
 chiefs of a pernicious, and obstinately- 
 pursued system, more congenial to vulgar 
 prejudices, than agreeable to grand state 
 maxims, have brought on a change of poli- 
 tical relations, on the continent, directly 
 militating against the pretensions of Great 
 Britain to rank as a primary nation. 
 
 The passions of the vulgar made and kept 
 Mr. Pitt minister ; but the vulgar them- 
 selves are daily receiving convincing proofs 
 how little value they have got for their
 
 6 
 
 money, and that they are likely to obtain still 
 less for the little which has been left to them. 
 The factitious honors of that dangerous 
 elevation of man, called place — generated a 
 forced applause of that minister, after 
 the death of Mr. Fox, which was to me 
 extreroely disgusting. There could be no 
 approximation between the characters of a 
 genuine and benevolent statesman, and an 
 arrogant and unfortunate minister, whose 
 boasted merit any ingenious banker, or skil- 
 ful accomptant, might easily have rivalled. 
 It would have been better, much better, to 
 have told the abused people of England 
 the extent of their misfortunes, and to have 
 denounced the guilty author of them. 
 The incense paid to the manes of Mr. Pitt 
 derogate from the value of Mr. Fox ; and, 
 for my part, I cannot admire the com- 
 parative approbation offered by the lat~ 
 ter's coJieagues in office, or by that cele- 
 brated poet, whose charming lays ravish our 
 applause in modern times, but whom the 
 various accomplishments, as a scholar, a 
 genius, anexcellent critic in poetry, of Charles 
 James Fox, should long ago have converted^
 
 and thus have prevented him from commit- 
 ting the absurdity of placing, in the same 
 temple pictures so grossly ill-matched, or of 
 arranging in a cabinet a jewel of inesti- 
 mable value, beside the glaring, but light 
 and perishable composition which assumed 
 its semblance. 
 
 When I first had the happiness of know- 
 ing Mr. Fox, he had retired, in a great mea- 
 sure, from public life, and was inclining 
 towards the evening of his days. A serene and 
 cloudless magnanimity, respecting the pur- 
 suit of power, raised him to an enviable feli- 
 city. His habits were very domestic, and his 
 taste for literature peculiarly strong, as well 
 as peculiarly elegant. His love for a country 
 life, and all its simple and never-fatiguing 
 charms, was great. His temper disposed him 
 to enjoy, and never to repine. Had his great 
 powers been employed for the benefit of man- 
 kind, in literary composition, and researches 
 after knowledge, instead of exhausting them in 
 useless debates, w hen the issue of the contest 
 was always anticipated, and when prejudice 
 and interest gave to a declaiming minister a
 
 8 
 
 superiority, which Reason, poured forth with 
 all the energy and variety of a Demosthenes, 
 could never obtain, the world, and Europe 
 in particular, would have reaped advantages 
 which his country blindly rejected ; and that 
 great mind, which made little impres- 
 sion upon a disciplined oligarchical senate, 
 would more efficaciously have operated upon 
 the philosophers, the statesmen, and the pa- 
 triots of Europe. 
 
 A*: a time of life when other men become 
 more devoted to the pursuits of ambition, 
 or to that mean and universal passion, ava- 
 i'kv ; and vvnen their characters accordingly 
 become rigid and unproductive of new 
 sentiments, Mr. Fox had all the sensibility 
 and freshness of youth, w r ith the energetic 
 glow of manhood in its prime. Know- 
 levir-e of the world had not at all hardened 
 or disgusted him.* He knew men, and he 
 pitied, rather than condemned them. It was 
 singular to behold such a character in Eng- 
 land, whose national characteristic is rather 
 philosophic reasoning than the sensibility of 
 genius. When I first beheld St. Anne's 

 
 Hill, the impression was the most agree- 
 able I had ever received. Every thing 
 recalled to my mind the stories of Greece 
 and Rome. I saw a man of a noble family, 
 eminent for his genius and talents — an ora- 
 tor of unrivalled powers — the friend of li- 
 berty — the encourager of the fine arts — the 
 classical scholar — I saw him retired to the 
 lovely rural spot he had chosen, and said 
 within me, " This is a character of anti- 
 quity ; here is genuine greatness." I en- 
 tered his modest mansion, and found the 
 picture of a youthful mind realized. 
 
 St. Anne's Hill is delightfully situated ; 
 it commands a rich and extensive pros- 
 pect, the house is embowered in trees, 
 resting on the side of a hill : its grounds 
 decline gracefully to a road, which bounds 
 them at bottom. Some fine trees are grouped 
 round the house, and three remarkably beau- 
 tiful ones stand in the lawn ; while a pro- 
 fusion of shrubs are throughout distributed, 
 with taste and judgment. Here Mr. Fox 
 was the tranquil and happy possessor of 
 about thirty acres of land, and the inmate of a
 
 10 
 
 small but pleasant mansion. The simplicity 
 and benignity of his manners, speaking the 
 integrity and grandeur of his character, soon 
 dispelled those feelings of awe which one 
 naturally experiences on approaching what 
 is very exalted. 
 
 I speak of the year 1798, when coercion 
 was the systematic means of compressing 
 the public mind; but is believed, by many 
 to have been an artful mode of strengthen- 
 ing ministerial power, by that goading 
 kind of vigor, which drives men to warmth 
 and violence, in the expressing their feel- 
 ings in favour of the constitution and law. 
 The vindication of that system stands to 
 this day wholly upon assertion. The un- 
 happy country to which I have the honor 
 and misfortune to belong, was then suffering 
 under this reign of terror. An enthusiastic 
 party aimed at a visionary republic. The ex- 
 ample of republican France had heated their 
 imaginations, and led their understandings 
 astray. A wise statesman, by proper conces- 
 sion to all, and a just restoration of rights to Ca- 
 tholics, might have disarmed the nascent con-
 
 11 
 
 spiracy, and arrayed Ireland, far more power- 
 fully than in 1782, in favour of Great Britain : 
 but the same narrowness of mind, and po- 
 verty of genius, which coerced at home, under 
 the joint ministry of Lord Grenville and Mr. 
 Pitt, tyrannized in Ireland, under the direc- 
 tion of unprincipled men, in whose eyes a 
 nation's happiness was trifling compared with 
 the gratification of their subordinate ambi- 
 tion. Having at this period formed no very 
 decided opinions on politics, and in parti- 
 cularupon Irish affairs, I approached the great 
 statesman, who, in retirement, mourned over 
 the growing miseries he clearly foresaw, but 
 could not prevent, with sentiments of ad- 
 miration and respect, which progressively 
 increased, till that melancholv hour when, 
 several years afterwards, I saw him breathe 
 his last. 
 
 When I first visited St. Anne's Hill, the 
 summer was yet young, and all the freshness 
 of nature was upon that beautiful spot : its 
 sloping glades were unparched by autumnal 
 suns — the flowers and shrubs were redolent 
 with sweets, and the full choir of birds,
 
 12 
 
 which burst from every tree and shady recess, 
 filled the heart with gladness, and with that 
 reviving sentiment of pleasure, which is felt 
 by minds of sensibility at that period. The 
 rich expanse of cultivated country ; the mea- 
 dows, corn, woods, and villages, till the sight 
 caught the far distant smoke of London ; the 
 graceful Thames, winding below the hill, 
 which was the interesting residence of Eng- 
 land's greatest character, gave a magical, 
 but not delusive, effect to all I saw. This 
 picture of serenity and rural happiness, when 
 the rash and imperious councils of the En- 
 glish Cabinet were every where producing 
 discord, and laying the foundation of French 
 aggrandizement, was sufficiently striking to 
 impress the imagination in a most powerful 
 manner ; and the long series of calamities 
 which followed — blood, devastation and 
 torture, in Ireland ; — suspension of consti- 
 tution in England ; — overthrow of ancient 
 continental kingdoms, — and the continually 
 and fearfully augmenting power of regene- 
 rated France, subsequently gave to the feel- 
 ings of that moment a prophetic stamp, 
 which has been confirmed to a degree
 
 13 
 
 that is astonishing, even to those who, in 
 the commencement of his crusade, dreaded 
 the effects, and foretold many of the conse- 
 quences, of Mr. Pitt's measures. 
 
 This period of retirement, abstracting the 
 anguish he must have felt for the miseries of 
 the world, was, I am satisfied, the happiest 
 period of Mr. Fox's life. Assuredly the only 
 proper part for a truly great man, if he can- 
 not advantageously influence thecouncils of his 
 country, is in complete retirement to devote 
 himself to the cultivation of his mental pow- 
 ers, and to wait for that sentiment of convic- 
 tion arising in the people, which ultimately, 
 under a free constitution, becomes irresis- 
 tible. It was upon this principle Mr. Fox 
 acted, and would, I am persuaded, have con- 
 tinued to act, had not the powerful ties of 
 friendship, which bound his susceptible 
 heart, drawn him again into the fatal vortex 
 of politics. In what degree it is to be regretted, 
 that this inestimable man should ultimately, 
 by his return to parliamentary warfare, and 
 final accession to power, along with Lord 
 Grenville, have injured his health, and some-
 
 14 
 
 what diminished the lustre of his reputation, 
 the future historian will mark with care — his 
 friends with deep but fruitless sorrow, — 
 and the public, through a long course of cala- 
 mity opening before them, — will hereafter 
 unavailingly acknowledge !
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 r jpHE domestic life of Mr. Fox was equally 
 regular and agreeable. In summer he rose 
 between six and seven : in winter before 
 eight. The assiduous care, and excellent 
 management, of Mrs. Fox, rendered his rural 
 mansion the abode of peace, elegance, and 
 order, and had long procured her the gratitude 
 and esteem of those private friends, whose 
 visits to Mr, Fox, in his retirement at St. 
 Anne's Hill, made them witnesses of this ami- 
 able woman's exemplary and endearing con- 
 duct. I confess I carried with me some of 
 the vulgar prejudices respecting this great 
 man. How completely was I undeceived ! 
 After breakfast, which took place between 
 eight and nine in summer, and at a little after 
 nine in winter, he usually read some Italian 
 vautbor with Mrs. Fox, and then spent the time
 
 16 
 
 preceding dinner at his literary studies, in 
 which the Greek poets bore a principal part. 
 
 A frugal, but plentiful dinner took place 
 at three, or half past two, in summer, and 
 at four in winter ; and a few glasses of wine 
 were followed by coffee. The evening was 
 dedicated to walking and conversation till 
 tea time, when reading aloud, in history, 
 commenced, and continued till near ten. A 
 light supper of fruit, pastry, or something 
 very trifling, finished the day; and at half past 
 ten the family were gone to rest ; and the 
 next, and succeeding dawn ushered in the 
 same order and elegance, and found the same 
 content, the same happiness, and the same 
 virtuous and useful life. 
 
 " A life so sacred, such serene repose 
 Seemed Heaven itself," 
 
 Alas, those scenes are for ever closed ; that 
 heart which throbbed with every fine feeling 
 is cold ; — those private virtues which made 
 St. Anne's Hill so delightful, those public 
 ones, which might have benefited mankind, 
 are lost. It is with pain and reluctance 
 I go on ; but the dictates of friendship and
 
 17 
 
 truth ought to be obeyed. One small record, 
 unmixed with, and uncontrolled by, party 
 motives, shall afford to posterity, if it survive, 
 some means, though imperfect, of appreciat- 
 ing the private character of the most illus- 
 trious, but often the most calumniated, of 
 public men in the eighteenth century. No 
 monument yet marks a, nation s gratitude to- 
 wards him; and the all-prevailing ascendency 
 of the system which Lord Bute, Lord North, 
 and Mr. William Pitt, successively defended 
 and propagated, has stifled every parliamen- 
 tary expression of respect and veneration 
 for the memory of Charles James Fox ; 
 whilst a successful skirmish, or a dubious 
 battle, unites all parties in conferring honours 
 and rewards ! Nor do I think it is one mo- 
 ment to be admitted, that so unfortunate a 
 politician, as his parliamentary rival, could 
 have been Mr. Fox's coadjutor in office : 
 their principles were diametrically opposite: 
 the one was a practical lover of arbitrary 
 power, and in his own person exercised it too 
 long for the glory of his sovereign, or the 
 happiness of his people : the other was a sin- 
 cere friend to a limited monarchy, which is 
 
 c
 
 18 
 
 the only species of government recognized 
 by the Bntish constitution ; was a benevolent 
 statesman of the first order, and an undaunt- 
 ed advocate for liberty, whether civil rights, 
 or freedom of conscience were concerned. 
 Ministries formed of repugnant and conflict- 
 ing materials cannot be permanent or effi- 
 cient. Every department ought to be filled by 
 men of whom the statesman, who undertakes 
 to conduct the affairs of a nation has the 
 selection, and on whose principles, as well 
 as talents, he can rely. The disorder which 
 otherwise takes place from the counteraction 
 of the inferior servants of government is of 
 the worst kind, paralysing every grand mea- 
 sure of the head of the ministry, and even 
 controlling his intentions. 
 
 The great genius of Mr. Fox, to have been 
 efficient, should have reigned supreme in 
 the management of public affairs. Mr. Pitt, 
 under the wholesome restraints, and instruct- 
 ed of the enlightened mind, of that great 
 man, might have conducted a subordinate 
 department with benefit to his country ; but as 
 to co-operation with him, on any system of
 
 19 
 
 co-ordinate power, the plan must have been 
 detrimental to the public service, as long as it 
 was attempted, and certainly would have 
 been degrading to Mr. Fox. The more I have 
 considered, the more am I persuaded, that his 
 own conception of retirement was the true 
 rule of conduct to follow; and being one of 
 the most disinterested of men, and having no 
 impatience to attain power, it would have 
 been as easy as wise in him to have adhered 
 to it. 
 
 At the period to which I allude, he was be- 
 ginning to turn his attention to an historical 
 work, and our readings after tea were directed 
 to the furtherance of this grand and useful 
 object. Happy were those evenings, when the 
 instruction of the historian — the pointed re- 
 marks of the statesman — and all the ease and 
 happiness of domestic society were united. 
 The occasional visits of men of talent and 
 high character sometimes pleasingly in- 
 terrupted the evening's employment ; but I 
 have never seen Mr. Fox more perfectly 
 happy than u hen we were quite alone. He 
 
 c2
 
 20 
 
 was so utterly divested of a wish to shine, 
 or of any appetite for flattery, that he in 
 no mannerrequired,what is called, company, 
 to enliven or animate him. A lover of na- 
 ture, and consequently an enemy to art, he 
 held, I think, above every quality, sincerity 
 and unaffectedness ; and, being also of a 
 character singularly domestic and amiable, 
 he found in his little circle all he wished and 
 Wanted. To his other attainments he had 
 added very considerable knowledge in Bo- 
 tany ; and, without making it a primary ob- 
 ject, enjoyed every pursuit connected with 
 Agriculture, in a high degree. 
 
 About the end of the year 1799> Mr. Fox 
 met with an accident of a most alarming 
 nature. He was very fond of shooting, and 
 as he was following that amusement one 
 day in the neighbourhood of Chertsey, in 
 company with Mr. William Porter, of that 
 town, his gun burst in his hand. The ex- 
 plosion having shattered it much, he wrap- 
 ped it up, and returned to St. Anne's. As 
 no surgeon in the country would under- 
 take so delicate a charge upon his own re-
 
 21 
 
 sponsibility, Mr. Fox was advised to go in- 
 stantly to town. An hasty dinner was pro- 
 vided, the chaise ordered, and, accompanied 
 by Mrs. Fox, he very shortly set out for 
 London. Mr. Porter told me that he mani- 
 fested no impatience or apprehension, though 
 the anguish he suffered must have been 
 excessive : all the anxietv he testified was 
 lest Mrs.Fox should be agitated and alarmed. 
 On his way to town he composed the fol- 
 lowing verses, which display a tenderness of 
 disposition, and an exquisiteness of feeling, 
 rarely met with (unhappily for the world) 
 in those statesmen who rule mankind. 
 
 " How can I at aught repine, 
 While my dearest Liz is mine ? 
 Can I feel or pain or woe, 
 While my Lizzy loves me so ? 
 Where's the sorrow, that thy smile 
 Knows not sweetly to beguile ? 
 Sense of pain, and danger flies 
 From the looks of those dear eyes : 
 Looks of kindness, looks of love, 
 That lift my mortal thoughts above. 
 While I view that heavenly face, 
 While I feel that dear embrace,
 
 22 
 
 While I hear that soothing voice, 
 Tho' maimed or crippled, life's my choice : 
 Without them, all the fates can give 
 Has nought would make me wish to live ; 
 No, could they foil the power of time, 
 And restore youth's boasted prime, 
 Add to boot, fame, power, and wealth, 
 Undisturb'd and certain health, 
 Without thee, 'twou'd nought avail, 
 The source of every joy would fail ; 
 But lov'd by thee, by thee caress'd, 
 In pain and sickness I am blest." 
 
 Though many estimable, and subsequently 
 very elevated characters, visited at St. Anne's 
 Hill, 1 never liked it so well, as when we 
 were quite alone. There was a perfect ori- 
 ginality of character in Mr. Fox, that made 
 his society always new, and always preferable 
 to that of most other men. Professional cant, 
 and party ideas in general, give a monotony to 
 the mindb of distinguished members of so- 
 ciety. Accustomed to view things constantly 
 in one way, and not seeking for new ideas, 
 but rather occupied in advancing or defend- 
 ing their old ones, their conversation does 
 not create new sensations, and fre- 
 quently wearies rather than delights. Mr.
 
 23 
 
 Fox himself was so little obtrusive in this 
 respect, that I recollect feeling a good deal 
 of embarrassment at first, on observing how 
 frequently he was inclined to silence, 
 waiting for others to begin a conversation. 
 I soon discovered, however, that he was 
 pleased at its originating with another ; and, 
 so great was his benevolence, as well as un- 
 bounded his capacity, that whatever was 
 started, in the smallest degree interesting, 
 useful, or natural, received illustration and 
 indulgent investigation from him, How 
 well do I recollect the mornings when he 
 came down to breakfast — how benignant 
 and cheerful — how pleased with every thing 
 — how free from worldly passions, and 
 worldly views he was ! Nor were Mrs. 
 Fox's captivating manners conducive in a faint 
 manner to the harmonizing of every thing 
 around : the watchful and refined attention 
 she paid to her guests anticipated every thing 
 they could desire, and charmed away every 
 feeling of embarrassment, which diffidence, 
 in the presence of a very great man, might 
 be apt to occasion.
 
 2-4 
 
 At breakfast, the newspaper was read, 
 commonly by Mr. Fox ; as well as the 
 letters which had arrived, tor such was the 
 noble confidence of his mind, that he con- 
 cealed nothing from his domestic circle, un- 
 less it were the faults, or the secrets of his 
 friends. At such times, when the political 
 topics of the day were naturally introduced 
 by the paper, I never could observe the least 
 acrimony or anger against that party which 
 so sedulously, and indeed successfully, had 
 laboured to exclude him from the manage- 
 ment of affairs, by misrepresentations of his 
 motives, rather than by refutations of his 
 arguments. 
 
 In private conversation, I think, he was 
 rather averse to political discussion, generally- 
 preferring subjects connected with natural 
 history, in anv of its branches ; but, above 
 all, dwelling with delight on classical and 
 poetical subjects. It is not to be supposed, 
 however, that, where the interests and hap- 
 piness of millions were concerned, he 
 preserved a cold silence. He rather abstained 
 from hopeless and useless complaining, than
 
 25 
 
 withheld his mite of compassion and sym- 
 pathy tor those who suffered under a perni- 
 cious system. As my acquaintance com- 
 menced with Mr. Fox towards the evening 
 of his days, and at the period when a rebel- 
 lion in Ireland was followed, by what has 
 been fallaciously styled, a Union, I had 
 the opportunity of observing his great hu- 
 manity, and his freedom from prejudice, in 
 regard to that country. In this respect he ever 
 seemed to me to stand alone, among English 
 politicians, many of whom are liberal enough 
 in their own way, but all of whom agree 
 in a love of dominion, and in a certain degree 
 of contempt respecting the Irish, which, one 
 day or other, will, I fear, generate events 
 fatal to the repose of both islands. There is 
 no nation in Europe, perhaps, more con- 
 tracted in their way of thinking, or less lit to 
 establish a conciliating government, than the 
 English. Had the benevolent and enlarged 
 mind of Mr. Fox directed their councils, 
 during the twenty years preceding his death, 
 this narrow system would not have pre- 
 vailed, but Ireland might have been really 
 united, by the firm bonds of gratitude and
 
 26 
 
 interest, to Great Britain. The state o 
 things arising in Europe, required the most 
 enlightened and improved policy in English 
 statesmen. The coercive energy of the new 
 military government in France was alone 
 to be counterpoised, and met, on the part of 
 these islands, by a still more vigorous 
 spirit, produced by the conscious possession 
 of equal rights, and a renovated constitution. 
 
 To enter the lists with the great military 
 chieftain of the French, without similarity 
 of means or situation, has proved a want 
 of knowledge of England's true strength, 
 and rather the blindness of envy, than 
 the foresight of wisdom. Mr. Pitt treated 
 Ireland like a conquered country, and chose 
 to build upon the hollow submission of slaves, 
 rather than strengthen himself by the support 
 of free men. 1 can truly testify, that in the 
 shocking times of 1798, and, during the 
 degrading scene which crowned them, Mr. 
 Fox yearned over Irish misfortunes with a 
 truly paternal heart. 
 
 A peculiar attribute of his character was,
 
 27 
 
 an inclination to encourage and raise up ne- 
 glected merit, and to pour balm into the 
 wounds of misery. What a quality would ihis 
 have been in an English statesman, in operating 
 for the benefit and redemption of Ireland ? I 
 distinctly recollect the horror excited in him, 
 on hearing of the burning of cottages and 
 their furniture, by the military — the pain he 
 felt on reading the accounts of the actions 
 between the insurgents and the army. — How 
 well I reniember the valuable cautions he 
 gave me, when theacutenessof mv feelings for 
 a suffering country, prompted hasty and mo- 
 mentary expressions of anguish. His opi- 
 nion, which is given in one of the letters 
 annexed to this volume, when the Union was 
 agitated in Ireland, will be found solid and 
 important ; I do not take upon me to assert, 
 that it went so far as to imply the re-admis- 
 sion of catholics to the parliament of their 
 country, but I believe it must be taken to 
 have gone that length, because, reform in 
 Ireland, without relieving the great majority, 
 and fully admitting them to participation of 
 civil rights, must be deemed illusive and par- 
 tial, and, consequently, uncongenial to such
 
 28 
 
 a mind as that of Mr. Fox. The grand prin- 
 ciple he relied on in this case, namely, that 
 the aristocracy, without the support of the 
 people, are nothing, has been, since his la- 
 mented death, strongly elucidated and de- 
 monstrated in England, as it was also in Ire- 
 land at the period of the Union. Nor is it a 
 less important truth, that the people, sepa- 
 rated from the aristocracy, (or to make it 
 clearer) from all those characters whom ge- 
 nius, education, and cultivation of mind, 
 have elevated, must be feeble, or at best, hur- 
 ried on by impotent violence, and that both 
 parties must ultimately fall under too great a 
 controul of the crown. 
 
 In turning with my reader to foreign 
 scenes, these truths will be further developed, 
 but in general I shall prefer a simple exposi- 
 tion of facts, to drawing conclusions, or pro- 
 nouncing opinions ; and I must intreat my 
 readers to consider me as not presuming to 
 advance ideas and sentiments of my own as 
 those of Mr. Fox. In the latter case I shall 
 always specify what was his ; in the former, 
 I shall use the right of an independent mind
 
 29 
 
 to exercise its own powers, taking on myself 
 all responsibility and blame, where either 
 may be incurred. 
 
 The peace, or rather the truce of Amiens, 
 in 1802, very naturally excited in Mr. Fox a 
 desire to visit the continent. His historical 
 work had advanced a good way, but as he 
 approached the reign of James the 2nd. he 
 felt a want of materials, which he under- 
 stood could alone be supplied in Paris, and 
 he determined to go there. That work has 
 since appeared, and the public have formed 
 their opinion upon it. I do not hesitate to 
 say, that it would have been desirable that he 
 had gone further back, or chosen a larger pe- 
 riod, and one unconnected even by analogy 
 with modern politics. An involuntary asso- 
 ciation of ideas and feelings, tending to form 
 a comparative view of epochs and circum- 
 stances, may have had an i nrluence, unsuspect- 
 ed by the author, and have led to his dwel- 
 ling, as it has appeared to some, with 
 prolixity upon peculiar passages in the 
 unhappy reigns of Charles and James.
 
 30 
 
 The goodness of his heart, and the gran- 
 deur of his mind — the just medium of his 
 opinions between the crown and democracy, 
 and his warm love of true and rational liber- 
 ty, are, however, indelibly recorded in a 
 work, which perhaps came out too soon 
 after his death to be justly appreciated; 
 and, as it promoted the views of none of the 
 parties of the day, it is rather to be considered 
 a classic, whose wholesome tendency, and pu- 
 rity of principle, will benefit posterity, than 
 amend the present generation. 
 
 I was wandering among the beauties 
 of North Wales, when a letter from Mr. 
 Foxreached me, stating his intention of going 
 to France, in furtherance of this historical 
 work, and adding, that I could be of use 
 in copying for him in Paris. The sublime 
 scenery of the interior of North Wales, 
 the peaceful mansions of a contented and 
 happy people, the innumerable beauties of 
 nature, stamped by the hand of a divine Cre- 
 ator, and scattered profusely around me, had 
 harmonized my mirtd, and prepared it for 
 reflection and observation. Tne friendly eye
 
 31 
 
 which had penetrated these recesses, and 
 the hand which had beckoned me to leave 
 these calm and rural haunts, to behold a new 
 and brilliant order of things in the powerful 
 kingdom of France, were recognized by 
 me as heralds of friendship and beneficence; 
 but his active benevolence manifested on this 
 occasion filled me with grateful surprize. 
 
 Reader ! such a character was Mr. Fox ! 
 To raise up the neglected, and to aid those 
 whom scanty means might keep pining at 
 home, or languishing in obscurity, was his 
 bright characteristic. The practical homage 
 paid to the Deity by this great and Chris- 
 tian character, was to cheer the afflicted, and 
 elevate the oppressed. 
 
 Still T left Wales with regret, for I had ex- 
 perienced that happiness is not to be found in 
 crowds, and that the glare of Grandeur daz- 
 zles, but neither warms nor enlivens. Since- 
 rity is an humble flower, which rarely flou- 
 rishes near it, and without that I had learnt 
 to pre'er retirement to all the bustle and 
 pomp of Courts.
 
 32 
 
 To visit the brilliant scenes opening before 
 me in the society of such an exalted, (be- 
 cause benevolent and humane) as well as so 
 grear. a man, as Mr. Fox, adorded, however, a 
 very animating prospect. Hesitation would 
 have been folly; and I hastened, (aftercrossing 
 the channel to Ireland for a short time) to 
 join the beloved inhabitants of St, Anne's Hill, 
 and to offer there my gratitude and duty for 
 this new act of unremitting friendship. At 
 this moment, though all is cheerful and lovely 
 around me, in my native and honoured 
 country, and although I feel no want of what 
 renders life comfortable, to those who can 
 be happy amidst the never-fading delights of 
 nature, and the simple but solid enjoyments 
 which retirement and the country yield, 
 yet 1 recur with pain to those times, 
 when St. Anne's Hill possessed its illustrious 
 master,and the remembrance of them saddens 
 all the charming scenes around me. 
 
 When I arrived at St. Anne's Hill, I found 
 the family nearly ready for the journey. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Fox, Mr. (now Lord) St. John, and 
 myself, formed the travelling party ; and on
 
 33 
 
 ingof the 29th of July, 1802, we set out in 
 a travelling coach for France. 
 
 The delightful country, through which we 
 passed, was in great beauty, and England, 
 which, under its government well adminis- 
 tered, had been truly the bulwark of liberty, 
 and the asylum of the unfortunate, seemed 
 to me never more deserving the appellation of 
 the Garden of the world. We passed through 
 a great part of that most favored portion of 
 it, Kent, and rested one night at Lord Tha- 
 net's. Every thing that politeness and hos- 
 pitality could prepare awaited us at this su- 
 perb mansion. To me, however, there i,s 
 always something triste in the large domains 
 and palaces of great men in the country ; 
 there is a void, a want of happy and inde- 
 pendent human beings, which deprives the 
 most beautiful and sublime scenerv of its 
 charm, and the solitude created, being very 
 different from that where all is free and un- 
 bounded, as on mountains, in glens, or vallies, 
 oronthesea-shore, produces languor,and gives 
 an idea of confinement and inaction, instead of 
 that repose of nature, so grateful to contem- 
 
 r>
 
 34 
 
 plative minds. Passing, on the following 
 morning, the delightful aspect of Kent, so 
 verdant, and adorned with neat and excellent 
 enclosures, with its varying grounds of unri- 
 valled beauty, and its hop plantations, emu- 
 lating the appearance of vineyards, enchanted 
 us all. The view above Hythe struck Mr. 
 Fox particularly, and with great reason, for 
 seldom does one behold a more fascinating 
 picture than it presents. It made so strong 
 an impression on him, that from France he 
 afterwards wrote to a friend following him, 
 to call his attention to the scene, which had 
 so much delighted him. 
 
 On our arrival at Dover, crowds were as- 
 sembled to behold the celebrated person, 
 whose oratory and political exertions had so 
 long and so powerfully been exercised, in fa- 
 vour of a misguided people. They followed 
 him to the shore, and testifieda strong interest 
 respecting him till the moment of his em- 
 barkation. The gale was pleasant and favor- 
 able, and the white cliffs of Dover, and the 
 sandy beach and banks of the coast of France, 
 -were visible at the same time. Mr. Fox
 
 35 
 
 enjoyed the scene much. I had, in- 
 deed, observed from our leaving St. Anne's, 
 a freshness and juvenility in his mind, 
 which had raised him still higher in my 
 opinion. He might have been taken for 
 a person newly entering into the scenes of 
 life, so cheerful, so pleased, and so very much 
 alive to the most minute objects in nature as 
 he was. At times, however, the grandeur 
 and extent of his genius shewed itself. 
 There was perfect dignity, too, in his manner, 
 united to the greatest simplicity. During 
 our whole subsequent tour, he preserved this 
 kind of demeanor and manners — add to 
 which a solicitude that every one with him 
 should be happy, should enjoy, and not lose 
 any thing interesting, beautiful, or curious. 
 
 6 2
 
 (36) 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 A 8 the Packet passed through the glitter- 
 ing waves with a brisk and easy motion, 
 my mind was suspended as it were between 
 various sensations and ideas. We had left 
 the proud coast of Albion to visit the regene- 
 rated kingdom of France. The long enjoy- 
 ed power of the Bourbons had vanished be- 
 fore the irresistible course of events. We 
 were about to exchange our imaginations 
 and opinions for certain ideas ; we were to 
 judge for ourselves ; and, disencumbering our 
 minds of the false impression unavoidably 
 made on those distant from the theatre of a 
 great revolution, we were to be enabled to 
 form a just opinion of effects, and toexamine 
 and analyse causes, in the political or moral 
 sphere of men, or, as I may now express it,
 
 37 
 
 Imperial France. The awful consideration 
 of the torrents of blood which had been 
 shed— the comparison between such horror, 
 and the tranquil calm winch England had 
 enjoyed-— the recollection of Empires over- 
 thrown, and of the immutability of civil and 
 religious rights — the doubt whether the 
 miseries of a revolution were compensated by 
 3 beneficial change in government — the con- 
 fused conjecture what the future peace rela- 
 tions between the two nations would he— 
 and a lively curiosity to behold Paris, the 
 seat of a new government, and the novel 
 order of things, pressed on the imagination, 
 and hurried us in anxious anticipation towards 
 the shore. The character of the warrior and 
 statesman, who had been placed, by the 
 force of his own genius, fortuitous circum- 
 stances, and the wishes of an harassed peo- 
 ple, in the seat of supreme power, was also 
 in itself a strong stimulous to our curiosity, 
 
 There is a natural desire in all men to 
 view a celebrated person whose exploits have 
 crowned him with glory. One wishes to 
 examine the form and countenance, to
 
 38 
 
 hear the voice, and observe the manner of 
 such a man ; and as we eagerly search 
 amongst the remnants of antiquities, for any 
 outline, medal, bust, or any other demonstra- 
 tion of the features or appearance of a great 
 genius, so we have a craving wish to contem- 
 plate a living character standing high in the 
 temple of Fame. It is a just and natural feeling, 
 and is, as it were, a tribute to one of our own 
 species, endowed with eminent and extraor- 
 dinary qualities, that we cannot withhold, 
 unless envy blinds, and malice hardens us. . 
 
 I do not say that such was Mr. Fox's feel- 
 ings respecting Bonaparte : raised himself, as 
 I think, upon a greater eminence, he could not, 
 as I did, look with the same astonishment 
 at the stupendous character of that great 
 man ; but he could not be devoid of a desire, 
 common to us all, of seeing and hearing one 
 of the most eminent persons of the age. He 
 to whom the histories of Greece and Rome 
 were so familiar, looked with a philosophic 
 eye upon his exaltation, and considered it as 
 a natural and unavoidable consequence, of 
 the military cast assumed by the French
 
 39 
 
 nation, and of the preponderance of its 
 armies. I imagine, however, that there must 
 be a certain sort of sympathy between men 
 of unbounded genius, who, though their pur- 
 suits have been different, and their countries 
 at times adverse and hostile, pay to one ano- 
 ther the mutual homage of a kind of compla 
 cent respect and deference. As these various 
 ideas passed through my mind, the vessel 
 glided along, — 
 
 -«/x<Jh h Kty.x 
 
 and, after a passage of about three hours, we 
 entered the harbour of Calais. The quay 
 was crowded with spectators, anxious to see 
 the great" ornament of England, her most 
 powerful orator, and her almost prophetic 
 statesman. We landed amidst the crowd, 
 and passed to the well known Inn at Calais, 
 then extremely well kept by Killiac. I found 
 myself in a new world ; the language, the 
 physiognomy, the manners, all different from 
 those of the country I had left ; and I could 
 not but perceive a superiority in the latter 
 respect to a considerable degree. The muni-
 
 40 
 
 cipal officers of Calais very speedily waited 
 on Mr. Fox, paying him every attention, and 
 expressing a wish to entertain him, which he 
 politely declined, on account of his desire to 
 proceed thefollowing morning, without delay. 
 
 An incident occurred at Calais, which, 
 as it excited much remark, and roused a good 
 deal of censure at the time, I shall advert to 
 more at length than would otherwise be ne- 
 cessary. It happened that Mr. Arthur O'Con- 
 nor had arrived at the inn at which we stop- 
 ped very shortly before. He waited on Mr. 
 Fox, was received by him with that urbanity 
 and openness which distinguished him, and 
 was invited to dinner by him, which invitation 
 he accepted of. I had never seen this gen- 
 tleman before. It is well known that, after 
 a long confinement at Fort George, he, and 
 some other Irish gentlemen, had agreed with 
 the Irish government to expatriate them- 
 selves for life. Mr. O'Connor was now on 
 his way to Paris accordingly ; when chance 
 brought him to Rilliac's Inn, at the same, 
 time with Mr. Fox. His manners were ex- 
 tremely pleasing ; and, without entering into
 
 11 
 
 any discussion of Irish politics, in the un- 
 happy times in Ireland preceding and follow- 
 ing the year IJ9&, I may risk the assertion, 
 that, as an Irish gentleman, and an unfortu- 
 nate exile, ^and all who are compelled to leave 
 theircountry areunfortunate,)he was entitled 
 to politeness, humanity, and even commise- 
 ration. — Perfectly unconnected with govern- 
 ment,and travelling as any other Englishgen- 
 tleman of nohle birth, Mr. Fox found no dif- 
 ficulty in receiving this gentleman, (whom he 
 had known before he was so deeply implicated 
 in Irish politics), with a friendly and conso- 
 ling welcome. Mr. O'Connor dined with us ; 
 and I, for one, was much pleased with his 
 deportment and appearance, though I could 
 not become, in a manner, a convert to his 
 arguments, to prove that his party had not 
 attempted, or desired, to rouse the physical 
 strength of his country to effect a change in 
 Ireland. 
 
 We all went to the theatre in the even- 
 ing, which, if painted and cleaned, would 
 have appeared agreeably enough. We 
 afterwards saw Mr. O'Connor (who re- 
 mained some time at Calais after us), two or
 
 42 
 
 three times at Paris. I should not have 
 dwelt upon this little incident in the com- 
 mencement of the tour, but, as prejudice in 
 some, and malignity in others, magnified it 
 into a most improper communication with a 
 traiterous or rebellious subject, at the time it 
 occurred ; and, as the character of Mr. Fox 
 must always be of consequence to the public, 
 I have judged it incumbent on me to state 
 the facts in all their simplicity and truth, as 
 an antidote to the calumny. 
 
 It would have been quite unsuitable to the 
 grandeur and purity of Mr.Fox's character, to 
 have taken any little precautions for avoid- 
 ing what might give party malice a handle. 
 Certainly, he would not have sought Mr. 
 0'Connor,under those delicate circumstances; 
 but when, in the warmth of the moment, he 
 came to Mr. Fox's apartments, it would have 
 evinced a consciousness of liability to blame, 
 or a timidity of mind, to have shrunk from 
 the visit, or received it with hauteur and 
 coldness. Mr. Fox felt nothing of these 
 weaknesses ; and, in affording the rights of 
 hospitality to an unhappy, Irish gentleman, 
 did, perhaps, on no occasion, more strongly '
 
 43 
 
 demonstrate that real magnanimity which 
 rests on inward rectitude, and despises the 
 clamour of unthinking, ignorant, or inte- 
 rested men. Perhaps it would have been 
 desirable that thecircumstancehad not occur- 
 red ; but it remained alone for Mr. Fox to 
 consult the genuine dignity and benevolence 
 of his character, and to act as he did. 
 
 A recent speech of a celebrated Baronet, 
 has recalled to my mind what we heard 
 either at Calais, or some other French town, 
 relating to Sir Francis Burdett. It was 
 reported to us that Sir Francis, on landing at 
 Calais, had been designated, (with a design 
 to compliment him) as the friend of Charles 
 Fox, and that he had turned round, and 
 instantly corrected the expression by saying, 
 " No," that he was " fawi dn peuple." The 
 baronet in his late speech said, " he was not 
 the friend of Caesar or of Pompey, but the 
 friend of the people." I had the pleasure 
 of meeting Sir Francis at St. Anne's Hill, 
 before he had attained any of his subsequent 
 celebrity. I then thought him pleasing, 
 though tinged with vanity, which, perhaps,
 
 41 
 
 in the society of Mr. Fox, was more peculi- 
 arly conspicuous, because the powerful lustre 
 of his great, yet unassuming character, 
 rendered the tinsel glare of any superficial 
 pretension strikingly obvious. At this period, 
 and I allude to the Middlesex Election, 
 which made so much noise in 1802, Sir 
 Francis was not unwilling to benefit by the 
 great and glorious name of Fox. It was of 
 considerable service to him in his Middlesex 
 Elections ; and I own that when I heard 
 this " disclaimer" at Calais, I was not 
 induced to entertain a more elevated idea of 
 Sir Francis Burdett's character, than I had 
 originally entertained. There was certainly 
 not much judgment ; not a proper feeling 
 of Mr. Fox's estimation on the continent ; 
 and not a due sense of that great man's 
 protection and kindness on public occasions, 
 manifested in this reply of Sir Francis 
 Burdett. Fox, the champion of the rights 
 of bleeding and oppressed America, of 
 suffering Ireland, of the manacKd and dis- 
 pairing slave, — the advocate of religious and 
 civil liberty, — the opposer, for thirty years, 
 of corrupt and arbitrary ministers, — the
 
 45 
 
 statesman whom all foreign courts respected, 
 and foreign nations loved, — was not Fox, 
 an honourable, and dignified friend, to be 
 given to Sir Francis Burdett ? — and did it 
 become him to turn and disclaim the title 
 in order to assume the far less solid glory of 
 " l'ami du peuple ?" I would consider the 
 approbation and friendship of so illustrious 
 a person as Charles James Fox as much more 
 valuable than the evanescent applause of a 
 heated multitude. To be the friend of Fox 
 and of the English people were, besides, 
 not incompatible or inconsistent. They 
 put under my plate at the public dinner at 
 Lisle, a ticket inscribed, "Tami du Lord Fox," 
 which I have ever since retained, as an 
 honourable, and to me ever melancholy me- 
 morial. I should have been sorrv had I even 
 possessed all the fortune, and all th econse- 
 quence of Sir Francis Burdett, to have thrown 
 away my ticket with coldness, or to have re- 
 turned it to the good people of Lisle with the 
 remark, that I required one inscribed "Fame 
 du peuple." The words of Sir Francis, at 
 Calais, may appear to some too trivial to 
 record. I do not think so. I was then of
 
 46 
 
 opinion, and am still, that they strongly 
 marked his character, that a love of popular 
 adm ration pervaded his mind, and blinded 
 his judgment ; and that nothing could more 
 plainly indicate the bias of his mind than 
 the reply at Calais. If I had had doubts of 
 his having made it, his late words would 
 remove them. " It was said in ancient times, 
 that Caesar had a friend, and Pompey had 
 friends, but that the public had no friends ; 
 I shall never be of the party of Caesar, nor of 
 Pompey." 
 
 This denial of party, when he is at the 
 head of a very active one, is another proof 
 of that inordinate love of applause which 
 has carried the respectable and amiable 
 baronet into the impropriety of appearing 
 to disavow a friend, or of putting his own 
 party in the place of the English nation. 
 Excessive flattery is bad for the people 
 themselves; and, whenappliedin this manner 
 by Sir Francis Burdett, is apt to lead them 
 into an arrogant and monstrous estimation 
 of their own value, to the prejudice of many 
 patriotic and noble characters ; who, though
 
 47 
 
 they may be the friends of Caesar or of 
 Pompey, (and how many illustrious and 
 patriotic Romans ranged under the banners 
 of each ?) may not be the enemies of the 
 people ; although they do not, on public 
 occasions, flatter their vanity, and receive, 
 in return, peals and bursts of applause. 
 
 The town of Calais is a considerable one, 
 containing from nine to eleven thousand in- 
 habitants ; it resembles an English town so 
 much that it reminded me of the period 
 when it was annexed to England. The 
 change, however, was very great. Those 
 dismembered parts of this kingdom, once at- 
 tached to England, all re-united, and a great 
 and astonishing accession of territory super- 
 added — no longer that dangerous military ge- 
 nius existing in the English monarchs, which 
 so often led them to successful invasion of 
 their neighbours: their naval glory conducing 
 rather to the acquisition of colonies, than to 
 the subjugation of kingdoms; and their states- 
 men cultivating the interests, and bending to 
 the views of commeice, instead of keeping 
 the English, a martial, lofty, and independent
 
 48 
 
 race of men, as they were in their ancient 
 and better days: these were features of the 
 times very obviously presenting themselves 
 to a young traveller's contemplation, upon 
 his entrance into Calais. The moat and for- 
 tifications, once used against the inhabitants 
 of the country, are become useless ; and, as 
 we passed through the gates, on the morn- 
 ing of the I st of August, the day after we 
 had landed, I felt satisfaction that the inha- 
 bitants of France were relieved from a vex- 
 ation, and those of England from a burthen- 
 some and superfluous expense. 
 
 The country around Calais being destitute 
 of interest and beauty, until we arrive on the 
 borders of Flanders, there was little to call 
 forth observation, at first, upon entering 
 France. To me, however, as every thing 
 was new, even this scene was entertaining — 
 the dress of the peasantry, being of various, 
 and of the finest colours, such as crimson, 
 pink, sky blue, and light green, struck me as 
 adding greatly to picturesque effect ; and I 
 believe the painter's eye would, in every 
 scene of rural beauty, require the warm and
 
 49 
 
 finer colours occasionally to intervene, to 
 make that perfect harmony which delights 
 and satisfies the eye in colouring. 
 
 St. Omer's is a large, and I thought, 
 a melancholy-looking town. There is one 
 very handsome, though injured, church, 
 and several others, as well as convents, 
 or rather ruined buildings, formerly con- 
 vents. It seemed to be thinly peopled, 
 and dull. As this town had often af- 
 forded education to Irish young men, des- 
 tined for that ecclesiastical situation, which 
 had long been, with more than Gothic pro- 
 scription, denounced and persecuted in the 
 native country of these unfortunate men, I 
 suppressed a sigh, as we passed through, at the 
 fate of my countrymen, so well deserving, 
 yet so long debarred, of happiness. I hoped 
 for enlightened times operating in their fa- 
 vour, and 1 breathed the melancholy prayer, 
 that if their misfortunes were to endure yet 
 longer, I might close the last of my days 
 among them ; and, if possible, alleviate their 
 miseries, by giving such counsel and conso- 
 lation as limited powers would allow, and
 
 50 
 
 by participating in. those sorrows, whose 
 cause hao not bren removed. Mr. Fox, the 
 best pillar of the English constitution, m the 
 genuine s-^nse of the word, and the best friend 
 to ireland, whose genius and philanthropy 
 gave grounds for hoping better things, was 
 advancing in years. It was not even proba- 
 ble, then, that he would ever be minister in 
 England. My melancholy foreboding did 
 not anticipate his premature dissolu- 
 tion ; but something told me, that Ireland 
 was to suffer yet as much as she had done in 
 those illiberal days, when her youth were 
 driven to seek that education abroad, which 
 she had formerly herself afforded to foreign- 
 ers ; to the sons of nobles and kings, and to 
 lovers of literature from every clime.
 
 (51 ) 
 
 CiiAFfER IV. 
 
 On entering that part of modern France, 
 so well known by the appellation of the 
 Netherlands, the glorious scene of human 
 prosperity, and of rural happiness and plenty, 
 which opened before our delighted eyes, was 
 a true feast to the mind. Flanders had long 
 enjoyed a liberal portion of rational liberty : 
 its independence, sanctioned and guaranteed 
 by so many imperial sovereigns, had, until 
 the reign of the visionary despot, Joseph II. 
 given it all the just fruits of liberty, peace, 
 abundance, and security. Our way to Cassel 
 lay through a most rich, finely-cultivated, 
 and beautiful tract of land. No longer fields, 
 as in the garden-like country of Eng- 
 land, but plains of golden harvest, stretched 
 around. As we approached St. Omer's, 
 
 2
 
 52 
 
 the difference between two very distinct race 
 of men grew perceptible ; and after passing 
 it, the gradation from French to Flemish was 
 quickly lost in the latter. A larger bodily 
 form, a manifest deficiency in grace, less in- 
 tellect, but more plain sense — the dress ine- 
 legant and cumbrous, marked the Flemings. 
 As yet I had seen but little of the French ; 
 but already their gracefulness, politeness, and 
 the general elegance of their forms, had pre- 
 possessed me in their favour. There was an 
 antique homeliness, however, in the Flem- 
 ings, extremely respectable, and not destitute 
 of interest. The traces of their ancient inde- 
 pendence were legible every where. Their 
 very stature, and the size of their cattle and 
 domestic animals, seemed, under the fostering 
 and protecting hand of liberty, to have am- 
 plified, and nature, no longer stinted, to have 
 pushed to their just dimensions, the forms of 
 rational and animal beings. My heart 
 expanded at the consciousness that some of 
 my fellow- creatures had been, and were yet, 
 comparatively speaking, happy and unmo- 
 lested by the galling hand of arbitrary power. 
 The noble scene of universal plenty and con-
 
 53 
 
 tent, which presented itself, produced a 
 thousand pleasing serrations. I entered in 
 imagination, their dwellings, which, as we 
 passed along, appeared, with very few excep- 
 tions, neat, good, and comfortable. The 
 people looked happy. I could fancy the 
 comfort and pleasure of the domestic circle ; 
 the good wife and affectionate mother, the 
 ornament and blessing of her family, the 
 happy father and husband, and the pleased 
 and well brought up youths, surrounding 
 them. 
 
 I regretted much that we passed so rapidly 
 through this noble country; but Mr. Fox was 
 pressed for time, and without deducting too 
 much for what he had appropriated to give 
 to Paris, we could not delay. The impres- 
 sion made on my mind, however, was very 
 strong; and I imbibed, as 1 passed on, the great 
 practical lesson, that good government, which 
 implies sufficient liberty to man, is best evin- 
 ced by its results; and that a happy, flourish- 
 ing, and independent yeomanry, without the 
 grating extremes of an arrogant, and super- 
 abounding aristocracy, or, of a miserable and
 
 51 
 
 starving peasantry, is the most gratifying 
 sight for a lover of his fellow-creatures, of 
 social order in its true sense, and for a be- 
 liever in that sacred religion, which enjoins 
 mercy, charity, and moderation, a lesson as 
 imperious and requiring to be followed by 
 the government and crowned heads, as by 
 the people, As we passed along, I observed 
 that Mr. Fox had lately made himself master 
 of the theory and practice of Agriculture, 
 more than I had been aware of, and his ob- 
 servations were equally pertinent and strong 
 upon those subjects. His mind was, perhaps, 
 never in greater vigour. He was relieved 
 from the eternal and ineffectual clamour of 
 political warfare : equally at his ease, abroad 
 as at home, and conversant with most foreign 
 modern languages, this great man was now 
 soaring forth on the continent, in the meri- 
 dian of his glory, where his genius, and his 
 public virtues, were well understood and 
 much respected. The small society he car- 
 ried with him sufficed to make him happy, 
 and his happiness was increased, by hav- 
 ing contributed to theirs. We brought in
 
 55 
 
 the coach with us some of Fielding's novels, 
 and 1 was the common reader. 
 
 As we advanced in the Netherlands, smo- 
 king was observed to be more prevalent, and 
 the effect, to me at least, was far more 
 ludicrous than picturesque, to behold boys, of 
 fourteen or fifteen, w< ith cocked hats upon 
 them, sitting under trees smoking. A 
 number of pretty and new country houses, 
 a la mode Avgloise, appeared rising up here 
 and there. Still, until we got nearer Cassel, 
 a good deal of French manner was percep- 
 tible. As it was Sunday we saw great 
 numbers of the people, who appeared to 
 enjoy themselves very much, and divided 
 into small happy parties amidst the hay on 
 the road side, at their doors, or in their 
 gardens. I observed with pleasure, how 
 fond all were of flowers, persons of 
 every age wearing them in their breast, or in 
 their hats or caps. Sunday was not rigor- 
 ously observed, after prayers were over foi 
 the day, as we saw some people working, 
 driving carts, &c. I had observed that the 
 Church at Calais was thinly attended ; but at
 
 56 
 
 a small village on the road side, we saw great 
 numbers of well-dressed people coming out 
 of Church. As Religion had suffered so 
 rude a shock in France, and its dependent 
 territories, I was gratified in finding that, at 
 least amongst the happy and flourishing 
 scenes of Flanders, respect for religious 
 worship had maintained its ground, and that 
 this orderly people had not swerved from 
 one of the first and greatest supports of 
 social order and human happiness. The 
 legislator who rashly attempts to undermine 
 this prop of society, deserves but the name 
 of Innovator: he endeavours to take, from a 
 simple and happy race, that source of conso- 
 lation which he cannot replace, and he la- 
 bours to make them precisely what he 
 would desire to avoid, turbulent, unprin- 
 cipled, and factious : — he throws from his 
 hands one of the surest means of preserving 
 order and regularity, and, having stripped the 
 vessel of her helm, hopes that she will be 
 otherwise guided or governed. 
 
 The Flemings have always been at- 
 tached to the Roman Catholic Religion, 
 their faith bordering on superstition; but if
 
 57 
 
 we may judge by effects, we might pro- 
 nounce, that that Religion has been as fa- 
 vourable, in a moral and religious view, to 
 their happiness and well doing, as their 
 Agriculture and their independence have 
 been to their temporaland worldly prosperity. 
 As we approached Cassel we were much 
 astonished, (and still more when we began 
 the ascent) at the extraordinary and almost 
 boundless extent of view which expanded 
 around us. The situation of Cassel is quite 
 unique. It is seated on a hill, or rather 
 small mountain, commanding one of the 
 finest agricultural countries in the world. 
 Towns, cities, villages, rivers and that vast 
 champui ii ^ titivated land spreading in 
 every direction, surprized and delighted us 
 in no common degree. Mr. Fox was much 
 and highly gratified at this grand panorama of 
 nature, and enjoyed it, as he did every other 
 thing, as much as the youngest of the party. 
 Our way had lain through a rich and admi- 
 rably-cultivated country, abounding with 
 wheat, barley, flax, hemp, peas, &c. &c. 
 
 The elevation of Cassel very happily 
 and peculiarly terminated our first day's
 
 58 
 
 journey. Cassel is an old irregular town, 
 but the commanding view, from every point, 
 well compensates for the fatigue of the as- 
 cent, and the want of beauty in the town. 
 The succeeding morning presented a sight 
 very diverting, as it was that of a fete, or 
 fair. The town was filled with the good 
 Flemings, whose grotesque figures, and 
 cumbrous dress, offered a thousand living 
 pictures worthy of the pencil of Teniers. 
 I was much pleased with them, for it is 
 always more advantageous, and instructive, 
 to study originals than copies. The Church 
 bore some marks of revolutionary fury. It 
 was full of decent people, honest, good citi- 
 zens, and pious Catholics. Their sincerity 
 in devotion was obvious, and highly to be 
 respected. I shall not easily forget the 
 expression of horror in the countenance of 
 a female (I believe of some religious order) 
 when I was observing the marks of shot upon 
 the front of the church. She was meanly 
 dressed, — but of an interesting figure, — she 
 did not speak, but her eyes first raised to hea- 
 ven with a sort of indignant appeal, were then 
 cast on the church., — she then passed on.
 
 59 
 
 This pious female's horror doubtless was well 
 founded. The excesses of a licentious mili- 
 tary are in no case more to be reprobated 
 than in the outraging the house of God, or 
 the mansions of the dead The general who 
 permits it, saps rhe foundation of discipline 
 and government ; and he who encourages it, 
 tends directly to dissolve the bonds of society, 
 as well as affront the laws of God. When 
 I have reflected upon the anguish of this poor 
 religieuse, Ihavc become more and more con- 
 firmed in the idea, that to wound the religi- 
 ous feelings and prejudices of human beings, is 
 one of the worst species of cruelty to our 
 fellow creatures. I would not disturb the 
 simple Indian in his homage to the Deity, or 
 injure the humble temple he raised to his 
 honor, on any consideration. In sacred 
 matters the mind of man spurns at con- 
 tumely, with a degree of bitterness which 
 springs from an inherent sense of his inde- 
 pendence in such things, and a consciousness 
 that no human power can prescribe, still less 
 insult, Religion, her worship, and her laws. 
 
 The Flemings seemed to me always so 
 much in earnest in religion, that I liked them
 
 60 
 
 much. I saw here a Convent entirely dis- 
 mantled, and its garden destroyed: con- 
 vents having been all abolished without ex- 
 ception. How far a modification, instead of 
 the violent, and in most instances cruel plan 
 of total destruction would have been pre- 
 ferable, I shall not discuss. Certainly, a 
 sudden overthrow of ancient establishments 
 occasions, in all cases, much misery, and in 
 religious ones peculiar sorrows. Those who 
 have long lived secluded, feel unwillingness 
 and pain in returning to the bustle of com- 
 mon life : their habits have all formed 
 themselves to a contemplative one ; their 
 avocations are entirely different from those 
 of others ; and their devotion to the service of 
 God, has rendered the common pursuits of the 
 world insipid, if not unpalatable. Females, 
 in such a case, of noble or genteel families, 
 and those of a devout and sublime cast of 
 mind, are peculiar objects of compassion. 
 
 As it was the fair day, we saw, previous 
 to our departure, a great number of people 
 assembled in the market-place. The cattle, 
 particularly the cows, were very fine, and the 
 horses of a great size ; but the pigs were most
 
 61 
 
 miserable in appearance and condition — a 
 fact which very ill agreed with the excellent 
 farming we had witnessed. In the fair, hats, 
 shoes, a great profusion of ready-made 
 clothes, earthen-ware, shawls, muslins, cot- 
 tons, buckles, baskets, coarse linen, and wool- 
 len stockings, were exhibited for sale. The 
 Inn at Cassel afforded every thing very good, 
 though there was not much elegance in the 
 house or furniture. 
 
 The descent, on leaving Cassel, was equally 
 beautiful and extraordinary with the ascent ; 
 and we continued on our way to Lisle, to 
 pass througha finely-cultivated country, whose 
 rich crops of wheat, oats, &c. waved in full 
 luxuriance before us; amongst which I obser- 
 ved one of the poppies, which had a beautiful 
 effect. We this day commenced our readings. 
 I began Joseph Andrews ; the day, however, 
 had become extremely hot, and made this less 
 pleasant than otherwise. Mr. Fox was much 
 amused by our book ; and though we all 
 subsequently agreed as to the vulgarity, a 
 little too prevalent in Fielding's novels, yet 
 his faithful and admirable paintings from 
 human nature afforded us great pleasure.
 
 02 
 
 The introduction of such an author upon our 
 journey, when the monotony of a road, or 
 part of the country, would otherwise have 
 fatigued, was very agreeable. For my part, I 
 enjoyed Mr. Fox's lively remarks on Fielding 
 a great deal ; and, as I never made obsequi- 
 ousness to his opinions a part of my con- 
 duct, I dissented from him occasionally with 
 perfect freedom ; and so happy was his dis- 
 position, so entirely exempt from any kind 
 of impatience, or assumption of superiority, 
 that he relished conversation the more, and 
 seemed better satisfied on finding that 
 independence of opinion in his own small 
 circle, which, in a narrow or larger sphere 
 of life, gives the best zest to society. 
 
 At these times his conversation was play- 
 ful, and natural in a high degree; and, as in 
 all other things, the most minute touch of 
 nature never escaped him. As Mrs. Fox's 
 good-nature never allowed me to have an 
 uneasy moment, and as she disdained to give 
 superfluous trouble, we rattled along in a very 
 pleasant manner, going through Billeul, an 
 ugly town, and some other country towns, 
 and, with the help of Joseph Andrews, found
 
 63 
 
 not a weary moment. In most of these 
 towns I observed the tree of liberty planted 
 and growing. This memorial of the fury of 
 late events recalled many unpleasant ideas. 
 It stood as evidence of the weakness, and of 
 the miseries of man, and shewed that when 
 he aims at theoretic perfection, and legis- 
 lates with the phrenzy of an innovator, 
 his efforts for the melioration of his condi- 
 tion must all be futile. In most places the 
 tree of liberty, though undisturbed, looked 
 sickly ; and as I cast a glance on its fading 
 leaves, I could not but think of the sublime 
 apostrophe made by liberty in her last agonies, 
 by one of the very brightest of France's 
 ornaments, in her revolutionary days, Ma- 
 dame Roland. Yet the excesses into which 
 the French were driven, arc not less entitled to 
 pity than to blame; and I have often thought 
 that those guilty and profligate governments, 
 which have since affected to derive strength 
 from this deplorable manifestation of the peo- 
 ple's rage and extravagance, ought rather 
 to have imbibed a salutary lesson, and have 
 felt that the tremendous castigation which 
 thus falls upon a government, is sooner or 
 later the inevitable result of its own blind
 
 61 
 
 misconduct : but men in power are seldom 
 endowed with feelings liberal eaough to do 
 justice to the middle and lower classes of 
 men, or they are too hypocritical to admit 
 the truth. The exasperation of the multi- 
 tude seldom exceeds the boundaries of law 
 and order, till they feel convinced, that their 
 complaints are unavailing; and the pressure of 
 taxation co-operating, they rush forward, 
 and if they do not justly correct their rulers, 
 they at least afford a warning to posterity, 
 that moderation best secures a government, 
 and that corruption cannot withstand popular 
 despair. Yet the faded tree of liberty filled 
 me with sorrow. I sighed over the 
 inevitable result of the revolution in 
 France, arising from the preponderance of 
 bad men and turbulent factions. The 
 tree is faded, thought I, but the rights of 
 man will endure for ever. Dynasties may 
 be erected, Generals become monarchs, the 
 people be depressed, but liberty is en- 
 throned in the heart of man, is the boon of 
 his Creator, and the cloudless jewel of life. 
 Liberty will revive, and when the despot 
 sleeps beneath his pompous monument, will
 
 65 
 
 bestow on millions precious gifts. As we 
 approached Lisle, I shut Joseph Andrews, 
 and a new scene opened before me.
 
 66 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 # "YN entering Lisle, a difTerence was very 
 manifest between it and the towns and 
 country we had lately passed. Every thing 
 here was French. The people, the dresses, 
 and manners were no longer Flemish. The 
 town is large and handsome, though some- 
 what decayed, and the carved stone fronts of 
 most of the houses in the great square have 
 a very rich effect. It is said to have con- 
 tained before the revolution 76,000 inhabi- 
 tants, now, however, but 53,000. There 
 were 3000 troops in it. I saw about twelve 
 or fifteen exceeding good hackney coaches, 
 but not one gentleman's carriage ; and this is 
 the more remarkable, because there were 
 formerly not less than three hundred of the 
 noblesse in it. This was one of the first 
 striking effects of a revolution, which had 
 cost so much blood. In the year 1802, that 
 revolution having performed the various 
 changes in its eccentric course, approached 
 its term. A new dynasty was then silently
 
 67 
 
 raising its head, and preparing, upon 
 the improved and regenerate state, to erect 
 one of the most imposing political super- 
 structures that has ever appeared. The nobi- 
 lity in Lisle had disappeared, and, doubtless, 
 when that order becomes so ridiculous and 
 numerous as it had become under the latter 
 Bourbons, it calls for reform and change ; 
 but the destruction of the privileged orders 
 requires in time that it be replaced by some 
 others. 
 
 Every possible attention was paid to 
 Mr. Fox at Lisle ; the municipal officers 
 waited upon, and the inhabitants, and offi- 
 cers quartered there, vied with each other 
 in politeness. He was invited on the day 
 succeeding his arrival, to a publick dinner, 
 given by the town, and, I believe, the garrison 
 united, and consequently we remained a day 
 longer than we had intended. On the 
 morning of this day we saw the library and 
 .collection of pictures, neither of which are 
 very remarkable : as also the Central School, 
 at which are taught Drawing, Natural His- 
 tory, Mathematics, Physics, History and Che- 
 
 t U
 
 68 
 
 rnistry These schools, which have national 
 support, 1 understand are not popular, and 
 none but the poorest people send their 
 children to them. In matters of education 
 it is often found, that where the government 
 interferes, the intended object is not attained. 
 The pride and the prejudices of the people 
 act against them ; and unless in the higher 
 departments of education, where the system 
 is good and under the immediate encourage- 
 ment of the head of the government, instruc- 
 tion is deemed rather of an eleemosynary na- 
 ture, and the dispensing it, as well as the ge- 
 neral management, is apt to be converted into 
 a job. 
 
 A pleasant incident occurred on the 
 morning of our second day at Lisle. The 
 waiter threw open the door of our apart- 
 ment, announcing Lieutenant - general 
 OMara. A large and fine figure of a man, in 
 full regimentals, entered, and introduced 
 himself to Mr. Fox. He was an Irishman, or 
 rather of Irish extraction, having been born 
 
 France, and having served in the French 
 armies since his earliest youth. He had natu- 
 
 iy desired to see Mr Fox, and hoped,
 
 6*9 
 
 through his good offices, to be allowed a short 
 time of leave to behold what he considered 
 his native land. Reader, imagine that 
 strength of feeling, that sympathy and 
 yearning for one's country, which this 
 brave officer felt ! ! He spoke a little 
 English, and, what is singular, with an Irish 
 brogue ; and this was a peculiarity which, as 
 I was assured, he showed in common with 
 many other persons of Irish extraction, who 
 had been born in, and had never been out of, 
 France. Mr. Fox, with his usual compla- 
 cency, remarked to the general, that I was 
 his compatriote, when he instantly addressed 
 a few words of the Irish or Celtic language to 
 me. I was sorry I could not reply to him 
 in the same. The general expressed the 
 strongest desire to behold Ireland ; he felt 
 for it, as if all his friends were there, as if he 
 recollected them, and wished to re-visit 
 them. He was agreeable, and had that 
 warmth and openness which distinguish the 
 Irish so much in their manners, and which, 
 accompanied by education, and softened 
 by travelling, make Irish gentlemen in- 
 ferior to nunc others in society. Mr. and
 
 70 
 
 Mrs. Fox were much pleased and entertained 
 by the general's visit ; and I" felt a peculiar 
 sentiment of respect for this brave man, who, 
 bred up in the midst of the most polished 
 nation on the continent, and long used to the 
 bustle of arms, jet remembered with venera- 
 tion and afFec ion the land of his ancestors, 
 the Island whose name and story was still 
 held in res"pect upon the continent of Europe. 
 
 At dinner time we repaired to a handsome 
 building erected for public uses, and I now, 
 for the first time, felt myself in French so- 
 ciety. Every thing was pleasing, and certainly 
 the inhabitants of Lisle appeared to me in a 
 very advantageous point of view in giving 
 this entertainment to Mr. Fox. There was 
 an independent and voluntary air through 
 the whole of it. After some conversation 
 in the apartments below, we ascended to a 
 large room, where a very elegant and plenti- 
 ful dinner was tastefully arranged. I found 
 myself placed beside my worthy com patriate, 
 the general, who did not fail, in plying 
 me with bumpers of various and excellent 
 wines, to prove his kindness, and his claim to 
 the hospitable character of countryman.
 
 71 
 
 After dinner the toasts were given with 
 discharges of cannon, and were all of a con- 
 ciliatory, pacific complexion, " Peace be- 
 tween the two great nations of Europe," was 
 given, and there was evident throughout a 
 wish to compliment the English, and a desire 
 to mark an oblivion of all hostility between 
 the two rival countries. It was a delightful 
 moment ! Every angry passion banished — 
 the miseries the two nations had endured in a 
 long period of vexatious and unnecessary 
 war, were ascribed to ill councils of ministers, 
 and to the heats and fury of the day — a re- 
 conciliation between two great families in 
 society effected — the members of both, anx- 
 ious to embrace and willing to forget — this, 
 crowned by the inhabitants of one of the 
 most celebrated towms on the continent giv- 
 ing a free, public, and affectionate mark of 
 reverence and regard for the great statesman 
 of England, the friend of peace, and advo- 
 cate of the rights of mankind, was a happy 
 and truly delicious hour. Such things sel- 
 dom occur ; but when they do, existence seems 
 to have double value, or rather to them con- 
 fer that happiness intended by the Creator,
 
 72 
 
 and so perversely marred by the schemes of 
 rash and unfeeling politicians. The hilarity 
 evinced by the inhabitants and military on 
 this occasion, was in no degree affected. The 
 relief which peace had brought, seemed to 
 be strongly felt by every one ; and the oppor- 
 tunity afforded by Mr. Fox's presence in that 
 town, was hailed as a gracious and good 
 omen for a long course of enjoyment of all 
 those endearing and mutual good offices, 
 between two great nations, which peace en- 
 sures, and which war had so long impeded. 
 
 In the evening a play was given in com- 
 pliment to their guest, by the company at 
 dinner. The hour of its commencement 
 was the moment of our rising from the din- 
 ner-table. All then was animating. A 
 French gentleman, taking me by the arm, 
 conducted me to the theatre. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Fox were already there. Free admission 
 was given, of course, to all Mr. Fox's friends, 
 and every thing was conducted in the most 
 pleasing manner, and with the most marked 
 and refined attention to their illustrious 
 guest. When we had returned to our hotels 
 
 *
 
 73 
 
 the military band gave a most charming se- 
 renade. 
 
 The night was very fine, the musick very 
 good, and the whole day had been so plea- 
 surable and gratifying, that this additional and 
 elegant compliment formed a conclusion very 
 suitable to it. Mr. Fox received all these 
 marks of deference and politeness, with that 
 simple and unaffected manner usual to him, 
 but by no means with insensibility. An 
 ignorant spectator might have imagined that 
 he was cold in his manner of receiving the 
 flattering attentions of those who admired 
 his character, but this was occasioned by the 
 innate modesty of his nature, as I had more 
 than once an opportunity of observingthat he 
 unwillingly ascribed to himself any of that 
 merit of an extraordinary kind, which drew 
 forth the admiration of others. Thisgreat man 
 had no craving desire for popular applause, no 
 hungering after praise ; and I believe, if he 
 found any thing distressing on public occa- 
 sions, it was the demonstration of appro- 
 bation, which an admiring audience be- 
 stowed upon him. Feeling, however, for
 
 74 
 
 him all those sentiments of gratitude and 
 attachment, which his character and great and 
 amiable qualities inspired, I retired for the 
 night, pleased, and charmed, with the con- 
 duct of the inhabitants of Lisle, and not 
 without some reflections upon the blindness 
 of Englishmen, who too late were beginning 
 to recognise the singular merit of Charles 
 James Fox. 
 
 The next morning we set out on our way 
 to Ghent ; the country was still more superb, 
 >fl may use a French term, than that sur- 
 rounding Cassel. A scene so rich was a con- 
 tinual source of wonder to us : all the land 
 yielding immense crops ; all the people ap- 
 pearing happy ; and now seeming to labour 
 beyond moderation. — The houses all good, 
 comfortable, and well furnished. It was 
 difficult to abstain a moment from looking 
 upon this noble picture of plenty and hap- 
 piness. Joseph Andrews was, however, re- 
 sumed, and as the heat, and dust, became un- 
 pleasant, we occasionally let down the blinds, 
 and our time glided pleasantly on. As we 
 approached Ghent the appearance of the
 
 75 
 
 country improved, and became still more 
 beautiful ; small farms, well enclosed, very 
 pretty country houses, and a good deal of 
 wood in the midst of the golden harvest 
 I have described, rendered the approach to 
 Ghent quite delightful. We entered Ghent. 
 It is a large and magnificent town. The 
 houses are lofty and venerable, as well from 
 the grandeur of their appearance, as from 
 their antiquity. At the Inn where we 
 stopped every thing was in this character. The 
 spirit of departed greatness seemed to stalk 
 through every room ; every thing, too, looked 
 larger than things in modern use. In a par- 
 lour on the ground floor I observed a harp- 
 sichord, of huge size, with large clawed guilt 
 feet and legs — the windows and doors were 
 all of great dimensions, and the scenery was 
 well adapted for that wild, yet captivating 
 species of romance writing which, from Mrs. 
 RadclifFe's pen, produced so much effect. In 
 Ghent, too, Charles the fifth, that extraordi- 
 nary character, uniting so many extremes in 
 itself, was born and often resided. This 
 gave very additional interest to this grand, 
 though desolate town. There is a sort of
 
 76 
 
 picturesque of the mind created, or at least 
 aided by the imagination, which is ama- 
 zingly heightened, and vivified, by the re- 
 membrance of a great departed character ; 
 but if, in addition to the qualities ordinarily 
 exciting admiration, an incident or trait of 
 character, in unison with all the scenery pre- 
 senting itself to the senses, is recollected, and 
 if all the impressions be of the melancholy 
 cast in a peculiar degree, nothing is wanting 
 to make the effect complete. Who does not 
 recollect the last sad scenes of Charles's life? 
 Who can view without commiseration the 
 weakness, and deplorable end of a monarch, 
 whose arms, and negotiations, had pervaded 
 and affected three quarters of the Globe ? 
 His abdication of the throne, however, 
 never inspired me with respect. Disgusted, 
 and satiated with power, Charles resigned 
 what he had ceased to enjoy, and regretted 
 the loss of what he fancied he had despised. 
 He ensured no extension of happiness to his 
 people, but consigned them to his son with 
 indifference for their welfare, and with all 
 the pride of a great proprietor, who, in the 
 transfer he makes of his possessions, feels a
 
 11 
 
 display of his own power and consequence. 
 Still Charles has claims upon our sympathy, 
 — he was unfortunate — his health had be- 
 come wretched — in the society of his son 
 he had no pleasure — his views were thwarted 
 by his brother — and he found himself at 
 length in the decline of life with few or no 
 friends — neglected, unhappy, and alone in a 
 mercenary world. His religion tinctured by 
 the gloomy ideas of a wounded mind, did 
 not afford him the consolation he had fondly 
 expected. His great mistake was in suppos- 
 ing that he could be happy without occupa- 
 tion, or that the calm pursuits of secluded 
 life could be enjoyed by a mind consti- 
 tuted and fashioned like his. 
 
 Had Charles reserved these parts of Flanders 
 and Ghent to himself, and employed his time 
 in the active improvements of agriculture 
 and manufacture, he would have been less 
 miserable ; but, unfortunately, his health, al- 
 ready much broken, was rendered worse bv 
 the moist and changeable climate of these 
 countries. Perhaps, even such occupation 
 would have been insipid to a restless mind,
 
 78 
 
 and in every situation the conclusion of 
 Charles's life would have taught us how vain 
 is the idea that happiness is enjoyed by those 
 who possess supreme power, and all its at- 
 tendant perplexities. The intrusion of these 
 reflections may, perhaps, be more readily par- 
 doned, when it is considered of how diffe- 
 rent a character was the trulv great man 
 with whom I was then travelling. Mr. Fox, 
 of transcendent abilities, and of a far supe- 
 rior tone of mind to Charles the 5th, possess- 
 ed all those qualities which fitted him to en- 
 joy a rural and philosophical life. Filled 
 with no insatiable desire to dictate to others, 
 but well appreciating the emptiness of rank 
 and power, he rested alone, with full satisfac- 
 tion, on the enjoyments of friendship, of lite- 
 rature, and of the country. Thus, what 
 made other great men miserable, made him 
 happy. Retirement was his season of joy. 
 The lovely volume of nature, and its best 
 transcript, true piety, were then his solace, 
 and never-failing sources of delight. 
 Charles, in his monastery, and Fox, at St. 
 Anne's Hill, were contrasts of the most 
 striking nature. The one solitary, gloomy,
 
 79 
 
 and trifling, almost nauseating the existence 
 conferred by his Creator, and chagrined at 
 neglect; which he ought to have expected and 
 despised : the other the most affectionate of 
 men, happy in his domestic circle, even im- 
 proving his great capacity, by converse with 
 every thing of departed genius — anxiousforthe 
 welfare of his country, and of the world — 
 thankful for every blessing of life, contented 
 with a little — delighting in, and truly enjoy- 
 ing rural life — and totally unruffled by the 
 ingratitude or neglect of man, whose opi- 
 nions he disdained to consider worth a mo- 
 ment's thought. In fact, it is retirement 
 which is the test of a truly great mind ; and 
 I may venture to assert, that none can deny 
 that Mr. Fox bore it, and enjoyed it, in a man- 
 ner nothing inferior to the highest characters 
 of antiquity ; and I can certainly testify, that 
 no man could have less impatience for busy 
 life, no man was more entirely or unaffect- 
 edly happy at home. 
 
 The place d'armes in Ghent is handsome : 
 the Cathedral is grand, and ornamented to 
 profusion ; though as its best pictures had 
 been taken away by the French, there was a
 
 80 
 
 great deficiency in some parts of it. The 
 Abbey of St. Peter, a ci-devant church, was 
 converted into a school of painting : we saw 
 many pictures there, but no good ones. We 
 visited at Ghent a very interesting and ex- 
 cellent establishment — the residence of the 
 Beguines. These are religious females, 
 about six hundred in number, who live very 
 happily and repectably, and do every charita- 
 ble office they can in the town. Their resi- 
 dence consists of a sort of square, and in its 
 centre they have a very neat and handsome 
 small church. Each Beguine has two neat 
 apartments, and in general they live sepa- 
 rately. I have seldom seen any thing more 
 pleasing than this select religious establish- 
 ment. The women were drest with great 
 plainness and neatness ; they seemed cheerful, 
 obliging, and respectable to a great degree ; 
 were of the middle class, and in most of 
 their apartments birds, flowers, and works of 
 a tasteful kind were seen. I think that in 
 Protestant countries there is a strong and 
 unjust prejudice against such societies. What 
 bond is so good to regulate, to unite, and to 
 harmonize, as the Christian religion ? and if
 
 individuals choose to live a retired and tran- 
 quil life, suitable to their taste and character, 
 — called for by past misfortunes, or rendered 
 necessary for economical purposes, what 
 unprejudiced person can refuse them respect 
 and esteem ? I was very much gratified at 
 beholding so many amiable and happy 
 females, whose countenances spoke tran- 
 quillity and benevolence, and whose little 
 mansions were the abodes of peace, comfort, 
 and decency. At Ghent the municipal 
 officers waited on Mr. Fox, with every 
 demonstration of respect. 
 
 On his remarking to the Prefect, that 
 the farms near Ghent looked rich and beau- 
 tiful, he observed, that the soil was not 
 naturally good, " tout est fait," said he, " par 
 V Industrie, and la patience de lliomme," for, 
 he added that almost all the soil was literally 
 carried to these farms. This was certainly 
 not only a proof of industry, but also of that 
 great attention to agriculture which has so 
 long, and justly, distinguished Flanders. 
 
 Ghent itself is a grand and affecting
 
 82 
 
 monument of the great prosperity of this 
 once independent, and most respectable 
 people. This ancient capital of the Nether- 
 lands, having lost its manufactures, has fal- 
 len into melancholy decay, but it manifests 
 \yhat a great agricultural country, with a due 
 proportion of internal manufactures, may do 
 independent, or nearly independent, of fo- 
 reign trade. I contemplated this respectable 
 remain of Flemish grandeur with reverence 
 and pity. I reviewed the long line of honest 
 and patriotic characters who had once resided 
 in it, and whose dust now slept within its 
 walls ; men, who from the time of the 
 Romans, under Charlemagne, under the 
 houses of Burgundy and Austria, had main- 
 tained the dignity of man, and his rights, both 
 civil and religious; who had not been ambi- 
 tious of conquest, but, satisfied with liberty, 
 and solid comfort, had promoted the culti- 
 vation of a fertile and noble country, and 
 derived their own wealth and happiness 
 chiefly from that legitimate source of pros- 
 perity; who had lived contented with solid 
 good, and despised external shew, and empty 
 tame; who had yielded just obedience to go- 
 vernment,butresisted,steadilyandcour3geous- 

 
 83 
 
 ly, all innovation and oppression. We paid to 
 the manes of these patriots the sincere and 
 warm homage of a heart attached to liberty , and 
 little inclined to worship thrones, or languish 
 in servile dependence upon ministers ! Ghent, 
 in the year 1802, was reviving in a small 
 degree, and may recover some portion of its 
 former grandeur ; but, as it no longer pos- 
 sesses the constitution, under which it, and 
 the surrounding country, flourished for ages, 
 a full restoration of its prosperity can never 
 be expected, and, perhaps, the great progress 
 of other countries in agriculture and manu- 
 factures would forbid its ever attaining so 
 great opulence in modern times. 
 
 Leaving Ghent on the day after our arrival 
 there, we travelled through a continuation 
 of the same rich and noble country as we 
 had before seen. Every thing was in unison; 
 farms, houses, cattle, harvest, a respectable 
 and well-clad race of people, and no miser- 
 able mansion, no wretched family to distress 
 the feelings, or shock the eye ! 
 
 We found this davvery hot; and as we were 
 
 r 9
 
 81 
 
 obliged to draw the blinds, Joseph Andrews 
 was resumed, and, in the course of our day's 
 journey, finished. Towards evening we came 
 in view of Antwerp. Entering a flat and 
 uninteresting country, we now bid fare- 
 wel to that glorious scene which had so 
 much, and so long enchanted ; where agri- 
 culture had showered down all her gifts, 
 seconded by nature, and the long-enjoyed 
 independence of the country. We had passed 
 through the finest part of Flanders, in the 
 time of harvest, and had, of course, seen it 
 to the greatest advantage. The luxuriance 
 and abundance were astonishing ; immense 
 fields of wheat, barley, and oats ; tracts of 
 potatoes, flax, hemp, beans, peas, and cole- 
 seed : some hops, fine clover, buck wheat, 
 and madder, formed the principal crops, all 
 good, and perfectly clean. In some parts 
 good hedges, and a good deal of timber, were 
 to be observed. Above all, and it cannot be 
 loo much dwelt upon, when it is considered 
 of what it was the result, a numerous and 
 happy population ! And all this fine country 
 acquired by France ; this vast acquisition of 
 strength to her Empire, conferred on hereby 
 the blunders, and the blind fury of the allied 
 powers. No consequence of the fatal sys-
 
 85 
 
 tern of threatening the very existence of 
 France, as a Nation, among many lamentable 
 ones, has been more injurious than that of 
 the annexation of the Netherlands to that 
 power. The fertility of the soil, and excel- 
 lence of its agriculture; the value of an 
 orderly domestic people as good subjects ; 
 the convenience of its situation, as well as 
 the diminution of power, in the state which 
 had so long governed it, all contributed to 
 make this acquisition the most desirable to 
 France, and far preferable to distant conquests 
 of treble the territory. The secretary of the 
 Portuguese minister informed us, too, that 
 the country along the Rhine about Coblentz 
 was nothing inferior, in riches, population, 
 and agriculture, to that which we had seen. 
 
 It is not very surprizing that France, thus 
 early strengthened and enriched, made so 
 formidable a figure against the allies ; subse- 
 quently, too, she fought upon their territories, 
 thus growing richer and more warlike in 
 every battle, whilst they carried on war at 
 an immense expense, without any definable or 
 tangible object. Since we left Cassel, we 
 found the weather extremely hot ; but as it 
 was very advantageous for the harvest of the
 
 86 
 
 good and industrious Flemings, we did not 
 repine : in general the climate resembles that 
 of England. 
 
 The evening fell fast, and night approached 
 as we arrived on the banks of the Scheld, 
 opposite Antwerp. The moon had risen, 
 and as the river is nearly a mile broad here, 
 the town formed a fine appearance on 
 the opposite shore. Our passage was very 
 pleasing. The lofty buildings and spires of 
 Antwerp seemed to rise from the waters. 
 The waters trembled as they lightly swelled 
 beneath the placid moon. I got to the head 
 of the boat, and gave myself up to a crowd 
 of thoughts. The great city we were ap- 
 proaching had undergone the several vicis- 
 situdes of fortune, and, depending totally 
 upon external commerce, had sunk under its 
 loss. I shall see another great town, 
 thought I ! another memorial of the fallacy 
 of human grandeur ! I shall see the remains 
 of human industry and power ! The boat 
 stole across the river, and at nine o'clock we 
 landed. The gates were shut, and we found 
 a slight difficulty in getting admittance,
 
 87 
 
 which was soon obviated. The next morn- 
 ing, much as I had admired the respectable 
 and grand appearance of Ghent, I was filled 
 with astonishment at the superb streets and 
 houses, which offered themselves to my eyes; 
 both were in just proportion to each other — 
 the streets wide and very long, and the 
 houses having, in the best parts of the town, 
 the air of palaces. The folding doors and 
 large windows, the lofty and antique air of 
 these mansions, and the regularity of this 
 great and once most populous city, were 
 very imposing to English eyes*. 
 
 Antwerp was, however, as well as 
 Ghent, a striking exhibition of fallen gran- 
 deur. The streets were silent, and grass 
 grew in many parts ; the busy stir of man 
 was wanting to animate this immense col- 
 lection of buildings : no roll of carriages 
 manifested the opulence and luxury of the 
 inhabitants, the sound of the human voice 
 was little heard, and those animals attendant 
 on man wer^ not seen. The women, wear- 
 ing long pieces of black stuff thrown round 
 their shoulders as a scarf, made a singular 
 appearance, and Mr. Fox noticed it to me as
 
 88 
 
 such, and intimated that it had always been 
 the dress: it has a disagreeable effect ; but the 
 custom has its origin, doubtless, from a long 
 period back. As the Scheld, however, was 
 just opened, there were some symptoms of 
 reviving commerce, and Antwerp has, most 
 probably, ere now, assumed a lively appear- 
 ance ; although it will require a long time to 
 restore the population, and give energy to 
 the whole mass of this deserted but mag r 
 nificent city. The municipal officers 
 waited on Mr. Fox, and we passed the day 
 very agreeably in seeing every thing deserving 
 of attention at Antwerp, but these are too 
 well known to require full enumeration. 
 The Cathedral is very fine. We saw three 
 good collections of pictures, and the acade- 
 my of paintings. The French carried away 
 Reuben's best pictures from hence, but two 
 very fine ones have been returned. We did not 
 see the citadel, which we understood was in a 
 goodstate. The ideaofbuildingshipsand restor- 
 ing the French marine, at Antwerp, though 
 in its infancy when we -rested there, 
 was, however,, strong apd prevalent.
 
 89 
 
 If my readers can pardon the introduction 
 pf trifles, and my classical ones imagine 
 the delight I felt at reading passages of the 
 JEi}eid of Virgil with Mr. Fox, they will 
 excuse my mention of another little course 
 of reading on this short tour, on account 
 of the valued name of him, unhappily for 
 the world, no more. I had begun the ^Eneid 
 at St. Anne's Hill previous to our setting 
 out, and had advanced a good way in it 
 before we set off. I continued my reading 
 as opportunity allowed, and Mr. Fox ji^ver 
 received greater pleasure than when I ven- 
 tured to point out passages which pleased 
 me. Of Virgil's JEnc'id he was a true admirer; 
 and the tincture of melancholy which he 
 thought ran through his w r ork, was by no 
 means displeasing to him. At Antwerp we 
 finished the 8th book of the^Eneid. Of all 
 jthe passages relating to Evander and his son, 
 Mr. Fox was very fond. The affectionate 
 appeal to Heaven of the anxious father we 
 read together with mutual interest. 
 
 At vos, 6 superi et divum tu maxime rector 
 Jupiter, Arcadii quaeso niiserescite regis, 
 Et patrias audite preces : si numina vestra
 
 90 
 
 • lncolumem Pallanta mihi, si fata reservant, 
 Si visurus eum vivo, et venturus in unum ; 
 Vitam oro : patiar quemvis durarelaborem. 
 Sin aliquem infandum casum, fortuna, minaris ; 
 Nunc 6, nunc lice&t, crudelem abrumpere vitam. 
 Dum curse ambiguae, dum spes incerta futuri, 
 Dum te, care puer, mea sera et sola voluptas, 
 Complexu teneo : gravior ne nuntius aures 
 Vdlneret." 
 
 This passage, and the fine ending of the 
 8th book, charmed some of our moments 
 at Antwerp ; where, as we staid an entire 
 day, and it was extremely hot, I got through 
 the 9th book of the JEnzid also, having the 
 same kind and enlightened commentator to 
 refer to. The inimitable episodes of Nisus 
 andEuryalus gave us great and renewed plea- 
 sure. The melancholy lamentation of the 
 mother of Euryalus, I have before me, 
 marked as it was read at Antwerp. 
 
 " Hunc ego te, Euryale, aspicio ? tune ilia senectee 
 Sera meae requiespotuistilinquere solam, 
 Grudelis ? nee te, sub tanta pericula missum, 
 Affari extrcmum miserae data copia matri ? 
 Heu, terra ignota canibus data prseda Latinis 
 Alitibusque jaces ! nee te tua funera mater 
 Produxi pressive oculos, aut vulnera lavi, 
 Veste tegens ; tibi quam noctes festina diesque 
 Urgebam, et tela curas solabar aniles,
 
 91 
 
 Quo sequar ? aut quai nunc artus avulsaque membra 
 Et funus lacerum tellus habet ? hoc mihi de te, 
 Xates refer ? hoc sum terraque marique secuta ? 
 Figite me, si qua est pietas : in me omnia tela 
 Conjicite, 6 Rutuli ! me primam absumite ferro. 
 Aut tu, magne pater div&m, miserere, tuoque 
 Invisum hoc detrude caput sub Tartara telo : 
 Quando alitor nequeo crudelem abrumpere vitam." 
 
 The tenderness of Mr. Fox's heart mani- 
 fested itself by his always dwelling, in poetry, 
 with peculiar pleasure upon domestic and 
 affecting traits of character, when happily 
 pourtrayed by the author. The choice I had 
 made of the ^Eneid proved most gratifying 
 to myself, and was agreeable to Mr. Fox. 
 Perhaps, when the malevolent and ignorant 
 supposed this great man preparing to pay his 
 court to the first Consul of France, he was 
 then with genuine feeling; examining some 
 beauty in the iEneid, and adding to its lustre 
 by his own remarks. One cannot forget such 
 things, where such a man was an actor. 
 Antwerp remains impressed on my memory ; 
 but it is Antwerp with Mr. Fox in it, dilating 
 with warmth upon the amiable and engaging 
 character of Evander, enjoying Virgil with 
 all the warmth of a young ingenuous mind,
 
 92 
 
 and not disdaining to listen to the opinions, 
 and to enter indulgently into the feelings of 
 one, every way his inferior, and far removed 
 in regard both to age and rank. 
 
 My readers will, in the concluding pages 
 of this work, observe, that this classical 
 taste and fondness for the tender parts of 
 the ^Bneid, endured to the closing moments 
 of Mr. Fox's life. In all this kind of devotion 
 to poetry, in him, there was not a glimpse 
 of vanity perceptible, although his memory 
 and discrimination had made him master of 
 all the best of the ancient and modern 
 poets, so as to be superior to most men in 
 conversing upon, and examining their merits; 
 yet he would sometimes appear to be 
 instructed, and listen with satisfaction to 
 remarks of little value ! The subject he 
 liked at all times, and if it were not treated 
 with much ability or knowledge, still he 
 respected the wish in another to understand, 
 and discover the beauties of those charming 
 poets, whose works afford so rich a source of 
 amusement and improvement to mankind. 
 Where there was but a latent gem of taste.
 
 93 
 
 Mr. Fox loved to encourage and to foster it, 
 by example and approbation, into growth 
 and expansion. The heart-rending tale of 
 Nisus and Euryalus, obliterated, in no dis- 
 agreeable manner, the reflections I had been 
 making upon the past and present state of 
 Antwerp. In pointing out to Mr. Fox the 
 abandonment of the mother of Euryalus to 
 despair, I was quite gratified to find that 
 he admired the passage as I did ; and I was 
 not at all ashamed of the tears which fell for 
 the fate of Euryalus, and my forgetfulness 
 of the great and pompous city in the middle 
 of which I then was. 
 
 — 
 
 I could not, however, bid adieu to Ant- 
 werp, without regretting that this beautiful 
 city had so long suffered from the policy of 
 commercial greediness. If I may be allowed 
 to designate Ghent as the inland capital, 
 and Antwerp as the maritime one of the old 
 Netherlands, one can never testify sufficient 
 admiration at these stupendous erections of 
 a respectable and independent people, or 
 sufficient regret at their degradation and 
 decay: neither possess, now, much more than 
 u quarter of their ancient population; and, as
 
 94 
 
 independent cities, they are never destined 
 to rise again. Such are the vicissitudes of 
 states, and small ones more especially are 
 liable to great and improbable changes. 
 
 As we descended the stair-case of our lofty, 
 and princely inn, I closed the JEne'id, and 
 we proceeded on our journey towards Hoi- . 
 land. We now travelled through a flat and 
 disagreeable country : the golden plains of 
 Austrian Flanders no longer waved before us ; 
 and as we advanced, the way became less and 
 less pleasing. Every thing was now quickly 
 growing Dutch ; the dress of the people, 
 the dull flatness of the countrv, announced 
 a great change. It was curious, neverthe- 
 less, to hear, as we did, from our postilions, 
 that we were still, though a considerable 
 way beyond Antwerp, in the territory of 
 France ! 
 
 This enormous extension of territory 
 could not fail to surprize, because, how- d 
 ever well things are understood upon paper, 
 if we are inclined to diminish an evil, or to 
 deny its existence, we delude our minds into 
 an oblivion of circumstances and facts, and 
 often proceed, by new errors, to wipe away
 
 95 
 
 the stinging remembrance of former ones. 
 But France stretching beyond Antwerp — 
 the independence of Holland become a vain 
 and illusory idea, — such melancholy know- 
 ledge forced upon one with ocular demon- 
 stration — was proof, presented to English 
 eyes, of the extent and existence of an 
 evil, now irreparable, and which no ministe- 
 rial declamation can paliate or cure. Mr. 
 Fox himself could not refrain from a smile, 
 and his look was not a little expressive, when, 
 beyond Antwerp, we were told it was still 
 France. However he might regret the vast 
 increase of French territory, his conscience 
 was, at least, free from all weight : he had, 
 in no manner, been accessary in goading on 
 France to madness, and in inflaming her with 
 the retaliating spirit of conquest. His simple 
 and early, though much -condemned proposal 
 of acknowledging the French republic, if 
 acceded to, in the British Parliament, would 
 most probably have prevented not only the 
 annexation of Belgium to Fiance, but secured 
 the integrity and independence of Holland, 
 and had saved other states, \\ hich have since 
 fallen, and confined France to her ancient
 
 96 
 
 boundaries, instead of her becoming a great 
 military empire, consolidating itself every year 
 of war, and still threatening Europe, whether 
 that war continues, or peace intervenes. 
 
 Mr. Fox would have allowed that political 
 effervescence, which agitated France, time 
 to evaporate, and paying due respect to the 
 feelings of a great nation, would wisely have 
 abstained from exasperating them, at the 
 critical moment of its regeneration. 
 
 We entered Dutch Brabant on leaving 
 the French territory. The roads became 
 heavy and sandy, and the country quite unin- 
 teresting. We now had recourse to Tom 
 Jones, and I read a great deal of that excel- 
 lent work aloud on our way to Breda. Mr. 
 Fox enjoyed it very much. Few works, 
 indeed, have more original merit; and 
 although there may be coarseness and indeli- 
 cacy in some parts, which Fielding's cast of 
 o-enius is rather too much inclined to, yet his 
 faithful painting from nature always gives 
 new and increasing pleasure. Certainly, we 
 were much indebted to him during our fa- 
 tiguing journey, through the sands on the
 
 97 
 
 way to Breda, where, at night, we were 
 extremely glad to arrive, as the day's journey 
 had been less agreeable by much than any 
 since we had left Calais. We rested at a 
 remarkably comfortable and good inn, where 
 a neat supper, and some well-made 
 pancakes refreshed our happy little party. 
 Breda is a handsome town : the gardens, at- 
 tached to a chateau of the Prince of Orange, 
 are pretty ; the ramparts and fortifications 
 are in perfect repair. The church is large 
 and plain, but contains a fine monument of 
 Count Engelbert, by Michael Angelo. The 
 Count is represented as having died of a con- 
 sumption, and that fatal disorder is admi- 
 rably, and but too faithfully, delineated by 
 a great master's hand. It is a chef 'd'oeuvre 
 in its way, but as such a work could only 
 excite anguish and pain in the breasts of 
 relatives, and horror in ordinary spectators, 
 I cannot applaud the idea, although this 
 direful spectacle extorted from me much 
 admiration for its execution. The church 
 itself looked cold and cheerless, and had nei- 
 ther pictures nor ornaments of any kind. 
 This of itself denoted a different religion 
 
 H
 
 98 
 
 from that of the Flemings. The Calvinist 
 being the prevailing one in Holland, we were 
 here first apprized of the variation at Breda, 
 from the Roman Catholic worship of the 
 Flemings. Without pronouncing upon the 
 long-contested points between the ancient 
 Catholic, and the modern or reformed reli- 
 gion, I cannot help expressing the idea 
 that ornament, and the fine productions of 
 the pencil, have a pleasing and natural effect 
 in places of worship, where human beings 
 adore their Creator. It is a tribute of re- 
 spect and affection to the Deity, raises 
 the mind, and frequently recalls it to sacred 
 things. The church at Breda was large, but 
 looked so naked and melancholy, that I was 
 glad when we left it ; especially as the noble 
 Michael Angelo's sculpture imparted ideas 
 of the most dismal nature. 
 
 Breda is remarkable as the residence of 
 the English exiled monarch Charles II. I 
 viewed it with no respect on that account. 
 Charles is one of the instances of men whom 
 adversity mav render cunning, but not mode- 
 rate and good. He avoided the harsh extremes 
 of his father, and the foolish bigotry of
 
 99 
 
 his brother, but his principles were worse 
 than those of either. His agreeable, 
 and it has been said, captivating, manners, 
 rendered him a more dangerous enemy 
 to the rights of the people. The amiable 
 and accomplished gentleman was thought 
 incapable of deep designs, and his love of 
 pleasure led him to be imagined the gay 
 friend of cheerfulness and conviviality in so- 
 ciety, and averse to cruelty and severity. 
 His reign was, however, more dangerous to 
 Liberty, as well as to Morals, than that of any 
 other since the Constitution had assumed 
 shape and consistency. He attacked both by 
 sap, and the mine, and had he lived twenty 
 years longer, the English nation would have 
 found it difficult to elude his arts, and pre- 
 serve their long-disputed liberties. The 
 deserted gardens of the Prince of Orange 
 (ci-devant Stadtholder) gave me another 
 lesson on the fallacy and unsteadiness of 
 human grandeur. The Stadtholder, in residing 
 in England, had abandoned his high station, 
 which a truly great man would have pre- 
 served, or fallen, gloriously resisting the in- 
 cursion of the French. Leaving Breda, we 
 
 it 2
 
 100 
 
 soon entered Holland, having crossed some 
 small rivers, and the Maese, a fine and 
 broad one. Gorchum is a pretty little Dutch 
 town, and from thence to Vienne there was 
 much cultivation of hemp. Having passed 
 the Lech, a beautiful river, we began to ap- 
 proach Utrecht. 
 
 The appearance of Holland, that creation 
 of liberty, industry, and commerce, though a 
 flat country, and quite destitute of the pic- 
 turesque, is, however, most pleasing to any 
 person of reflection and benevolence. Des- 
 titute of almost every natural advantage, 
 the art and courage of man have nearly obvi- 
 ated every difficulty, and supplied every 
 want. An humble and contented air was 
 spread through the cottages and farms ; neat- 
 ness and comfort reigned in them ; tranquil- 
 lity is the characteristic of a Dutchman's 
 residence, and his enjoyment, if not great, 
 is unalloyed. 
 
 I cannot quite accede to the poet's descrip- 
 tion of Holland.
 
 101 
 
 f< Industrious habits in each bosom reign,- 
 And Industry begets a love of gain ; 
 Hence all the good from opulence that springs, 
 With all those ills superfluous treasure brings, 
 Are here displayed. Their much-loved wealth 
 
 imparts 
 Convenience, plenty, elegance, and arts ; 
 But view them closer, craft and fraud appear, 
 E'en liberty itself is barter'd here !" 
 
 Commerce, when carried to excess, like 
 most other pursuits of man, becomes per- 
 nicious, and productive of ill consequences ; 
 particular instances, too, of avaricious and 
 unfeeling characters engaged in it, may lead 
 to an unfavourable opinion of commerce it- 
 self; but if any one were disposed to deny 
 its amazingly beneficial effects, he has but to 
 look at Holland to be convinced that he is 
 wrong. Without it, the Dutch could not 
 have achieved or maintained their indepen- 
 dence : they did not possess fertile land, si- 
 milar to their neighbours, nor was their popu- 
 lation great. Industry and naval pre-eminence 
 were the only pillars upon which they could 
 rest securely, and commerce supplied them. 
 
 As we began to approach the city of
 
 102 
 
 Utrecht by a noble canal, a new scene began 
 to present itself. On every side, country- 
 houses, gardens, and pleasure-grounds, not 
 inferior to those delightful ones which for so 
 many miles ornament the banks of the 
 Thames, adorned this canal. I was pleasingly 
 surprized to behold so much rural elegance 
 in these Dutch villas. Very pretty summer- 
 houses, belonging to each, were placed on 
 the edge of the canal ; and these were the 
 favorite places for the families to enjoy them- 
 selves in their sedate way. Smoking, cards, 
 and a moderate share of refreshment 
 and drink, gave them all they seemed to 
 desire. We heard no music. The clear and 
 almost unruffled water of the canal seemed 
 fearful to disturb the general calm. Beau- 
 tiful and lofty trees ornamented many places, 
 yet few birds were heard or seen. It almost 
 appeared a tranquillity bordering upon stag- 
 nation ; and yet it was a rich and very charm- 
 ing scene. I would willingly have consi- 
 dered these retreats as the rewards of long 
 and patient industry, the prize of toil for 
 independence, or the asylum of naval heroes 
 enjoying repose after a life of warfare and
 
 10 
 
 -> 
 
 peril ; but the changed condition of Holland 
 unpleasingly obtruded itself upon my mind ; 
 and imagination, yielding to reality, was 
 forced to view these noble villas, as the ha- 
 bitations of a subjugated race of men — 
 rich, perhaps, but no longer free — indepen- 
 dant as merchants, but as citizens, slaves ! 
 
 Utrecht is a very handsome, large town, 
 and the entrance by the canal very noble. 
 We found it extremely hot in the boat, 
 which is the only objection to this easy and 
 agreeable mode of travelling at this time of 
 year. Tom Jones was not forgotten ; and, 
 indeed, a book is peculiarly requisite in such 
 a voyage, and in such scenery : there is so 
 much monotony in both, that in a warm 
 day, the drowsy God would assert his rights 
 in a very irresistible manner, w 7 ere it not for 
 a lively and entertaining work. To Tom 
 Jones we were accordingly very grateful ; 
 and I w r as quite willing to have the bloody 
 noses, and vulgar broils introduced, as a re- 
 lief to the surrounding torpor. The heat 
 became so great, however, that we were very 
 glad to arrive at the inn m Utrecht. The
 
 104 
 
 approach to this town is very noble ; the 
 surrounding villas, the great beauty of the 
 canal, whose waters are as clear as the pu- 
 rest river, and the air of riches and popula- 
 tion, make it worthy of every praise. I recol- 
 lect at Utrecht that, as Mr. Fox was not quite 
 satisfied about the direction of one of the 
 principal streets, he and I examined the way, 
 although it was late, and he was oppressed by 
 the heat of the weather, and, after much 
 fatigue in walking, we ascertained the 
 termination of the street which had started 
 the doubt. 
 
 What is trivial would in most cases bebetter 
 omitted ; but at that time I was struck with 
 the desire evinced by Mr. Fox, on that occa- 
 sion, of acquiring accurate knowledge, 
 strongly proved at the expence of a long 
 walk, and in weather which was incon- 
 veniently oppressive. At all times I 
 observed in him the same anxiety to 
 ascertain, and, though in general his obser- 
 vations and knowledge made him much at 
 his ease upon all subjects, yet if he doubted, 
 he never relaxed in his enquiries, till he had
 
 105 
 
 satisfied himself. He manifested more plea- 
 sure in our journey through the Netherlands 
 than in Holland. In the former the agri- 
 culture, the country, and the people, pleased 
 him highly : in the latter, his curiosity was 
 more gratified than his taste. 
 
 We left Utrecht next morning, after 
 seeing some superb gardens ornamented with 
 a profusion of grottos, busts, statues, and 
 shell work, and pursued our way by water 
 to Amsterdam. As we went by water, 
 and the day was extremely hot, we found 
 much inconvenience from the weather. 
 Our book was resumed, and the natural de- 
 scriptions of Fielding again enlivened our 
 moments. But the whole way from Utrecht 
 to Amsterdam, country houses, and garden^, 
 displayed their beauties on each side. The 
 neighbourhood of a great capital was ma- 
 nifested by the number of villas becoming 
 greater, and by an air of animation and bustle 
 appearing every where. The canal, too, be- 
 gan to widen very much : different small 
 canals poured in on every side ; the water 
 grew quite alive with boats, and the spires,
 
 108 
 
 and lofty buildings of Amsterdam, termi- 
 nating the view along the canal, formed 
 a grand appearance. I never beheld a 
 more pleasing scene : every boat was man- 
 naged with dexterity ; the various produce 
 of the farm was on its way to market ; many 
 females were in the boats, giving that charm 
 to the scene, which always heightens, and 
 without which every landscape is dull. 
 
 Every symptom appeared of a great and in- 
 dustrious population ; and from what we saw 
 as we approached this great hive of human 
 industry, we were prepared to expect an 
 extraordinary spectacle upon our arrival : 
 nor were we disappointed. Amsterdam 
 is a noble and populous city, and pre- 
 eminent, I believe, above all others, for 
 the general diffusion of employment, and the 
 total absence of misery or want. Here is the 
 triumph of man, I could scarcelyavoid exclaim- 
 ing ! — and of independent man ! — Of men 
 once styled, by a proud and unfeeling court, 
 beggars ! Liberty, pursued to these marshes* 
 raised her standard amidst the waiters, and, 
 defying the tyrant who threatened from the
 
 10/ 
 
 shores of Spain, gave safety to a wretched 
 people, and the noble city of Amsterdam for 
 their capital. *. 
 
 I could not have imagined a more perfect 
 scene of human occupation and com- 
 fort; the equality of station, and the 
 competency enjoyed by all, afforded that true 
 idea of social perfection which theorists have 
 written and talked so much of ; but which 
 few countries have realized in modern times. 
 Thedistinctionsofan aristocratic noblesse, and 
 a miserable populace, did not offend the eye. 
 The youth who studies, and the man who 
 thinks, possess defective notions regarding 
 states, and forms of government, until they 
 travel. The republics of Greece and Rome 
 are well known in history, but their glories 
 and their defects are no more to be discerned 
 by the eye of the vigilant observer. The ruins 
 of architecture speak their past magnificence, 
 and books tell us of their excellencies ; but the 
 living volume is no longer open to our per- 
 rusal ! Their grandeur is ihe dream of past 
 days, and liberty has fled from those her once- 
 favourite haunts. Holland still exhibits the
 
 108 
 
 features, and happy effects, of rational repub- 
 licanism. It will take a long time to oblite- 
 rate them. The form and movement imparted 
 to society, so congenial to the dispositions 
 of the inhabitants, will long endure. A wise 
 government, which does not shock their pre- 
 judices, or change their habits and municipal 
 regulations, may extract from them essential 
 services. 
 
 When we visited Holland, in 1802, French 
 dominion was very visible, owing to the in- 
 troduction of a French military force every 
 where ; but though the Dutch grumbled and 
 repined, their industry was not impeded, 
 and no partial encouragement, or depression 
 of sex or classes, created any of that most in- 
 tolerable of servitudes, the submission of a 
 large portion of society to a few who admi- 
 nistered foreign power to their own coun- 
 trymen ! It would be quite superfluous in 
 me to mention the magnificent pile of the 
 Stadt-house, and several fine collections of pic- 
 tures which we saw at Amsterdam. The 
 Bank is well known, as having long enjoyed 
 the most unbounded and well- merited con-
 
 109 
 
 fidence. Where the treasures once deposi- 
 ted there have fled, is not exactly to be as- 
 certained ; but, like those of other Banks, I 
 believe they no longer exist. For a long 
 time that admirable institution increased the 
 powers of the Dutch Republic, and added to 
 the respect paid to it by other nations. Other 
 times, and other modes of finance and govern- 
 ment, have succeeded ; but the good old times 
 of confidence, founded upon the accumulation 
 of solid treasures, and a frugal and cautious 
 expenditure of public money, have departed 
 from this commercial republic. 
 
 As the heat was excessive, and the number 
 of Canals in Amsterdam are disagreeable in the 
 middle of summer, we stopt but one night 
 in that city. Its population is estimated 
 at 250,000. A pleasant drive along the road 
 to Haarlem, was very acceptable after the heat 
 we had endured. We had intended passing 
 into North Holland, where we were inform- 
 ed the primitive dress and manners of the 
 old inhabitants were still preserved ; but as 
 Mr. Fox desired to reach Paris without more 
 delay, we did not make the excursion.
 
 110 
 
 I had now travelled through the Netherlands 
 to Amsterdam, with Mr. Fox, and, during the 
 whole period, had never perceived a shadow 
 of irritation or gloom upon his temper. Our 
 journey had been every way delightful. The 
 variety of scenery, through which we had 
 passed, the mixture of reading and conver- 
 sation, and the gratification of travelling with 
 such a character as Mr. Fox, produced a state 
 of mind not easily conceivable in a young man 
 who, for the first time, had been abroad. Best 
 and most benevolent of men ! — do I trace 
 these pages, and do thy cold remains sleep in 
 the dust ? — 1 mav travel, but never can the 
 charm of thy conversation, the playfulncfs 
 and originality of thy remarks, thy happy 
 temper and benign disposition, make me 
 orget objects around, for the most fasci- 
 nating purposes of contemplating the various 
 excellencies of such a character as thine ! 
 The world, however gay, fresh novelties, 
 however striking, could never please as they 
 once did ! Where could I find thy friendly 
 remarks, where that tender and noble heart, 
 which made every step agreeable, and almost 
 compelled me to forget the grand elevation
 
 Ill 
 
 of thy character ; the great inferiority of my 
 own ? 
 
 The Netherlandspresentall the glories of agri- 
 culture to the pleased traveller, if hebe a man of 
 sensibility, the most gratifyingof all prospects, 
 — an industrious, agricultural, and content- 
 ed people, all enjoying comfort and peacefully 
 following their labours. — Holland will offer to 
 the astonished eye an industrious and immense 
 population, animating a flat and productive 
 country, and, by their w T onderful industry and 
 perseverance, conquering the land from (he 
 all powerful sea, preserving their acquisition, 
 and, in spite of ambitious neighbours and 
 oppressive taxation, still undestroyed, — and, 
 though loaded and depressed, still respectable, 
 populous, and active. 
 
 But those eyes which, when I travelled 
 through these countries, were opened with 
 such vivid pleasure to contemplate human 
 prosperity and happiness, no longer beam 
 with life ! — These countries can never delight 
 me as they once did. Were I to journey 
 through them again, friendship would assert
 
 112 
 
 all its rights ; I should seek every where for 
 him I had lost — I should call upon his name 
 — and carrying with me a mournful and 
 wounded spirit, I should find no consolation 
 in the grandeur of cities — no relief from the 
 beauties of nature, or the wonderful works 
 of industrious man ! 
 
 Our journey to Haarlem was extremely 
 pleasant along a road which ran by the 
 banks of the canal. Dutch travelling is very 
 agreeable for summer, and the horses went 
 at a good pace. Midway, between Amster- 
 dam and Haarlem ; we passed a very narrow 
 neck of land, having the Haarlem Meer on 
 the left, and the Z'yow on the right, and 
 drove along the banks of another canal, till 
 we arrived at Haarlem. This is a large and 
 handsome town, and, as all the Dutch towns 
 are, is neat, comfortable, well built, and well 
 paved. They are all clean, and there is 
 nothing of an unpleasant nature in any to be 
 seen. The Church is very large, and the 
 famous organ is worthy of every traveller's 
 attention. The number of stops is great, 
 and their power, diversity, and tone, quite 
 astonishing.
 
 113 
 
 At Haarlem Was born and lived Laurentius 
 Costar, the supposed inventer of printing. 
 We were informed that specimens of his 
 interesting and noble discovery, were pre- 
 served in the town-house; but upon enquiry 
 we found that the person in whose charge 
 they Were was absent. Mr. Fox manifested 
 very great anxiety to see these specimens 
 of an infant art, which had conferred such 
 signal benefit on mankind ! We waited a 
 considerable time, walked about, sent repeat- 
 edly, and were as often disappointed. Mr. 
 Fox very unwillingly (and I had not seen 
 him more interested upon the whole journey) 
 stepped into the boat, which waited to con- 
 vey us to Leyden. I went myself with 
 reluctance. I conceived that homage was due 
 from us to this divine invention, and that 
 the subjects of a free constitution were 
 required, above all others, to reverence and 
 respect those elementary materials of the 
 great art, the parent of liberty in modern 
 times, and difFuser of all those works of 
 genius and amusement, which civilize society, 
 and add so much to domestic pleasures. I 
 regretted, as the boat moved on, that we had 
 
 I 

 
 1M 
 
 not remained longer, I now regret it more, 
 as 1 shall never look upon these precious relics 
 in the presence of him whose manly efforts, 
 in favour of liberty, were seconded and 
 diffused so powerfully by that art in its per- 
 fection, which Costar had either invented, 
 or had in its infancy improved and advanced ! 
 
 Having set out thus disappointed, we glided 
 on, through a flat and poor-looking country, 
 on our way to Leyden. I perceived, as we 
 passed on, that the cows were all black, or 
 black and white, in Holland, without excep- 
 tion ; the horses good and handsome ; but. 
 the pigs of a most miserable appearance. Of 
 sheep we saw few, and those we did were 
 indifferent. The use of w T oo,den shoes. lis. 
 very prevalent. There is certainly nothing; 
 of elegance in the general appearance cf the 
 Dutch ; but among the women there is much, 
 neatness. The young girls are very fair, 
 and of a very engaging appearance : they 
 are even handsome when quite young, but. 
 soon lose the light and charming air of youth, 
 and their beauty degenerates into insipid 
 fairness. Nevertheless, in a moral and phy-
 
 ■115 
 
 sical view, there is an air of tranquillity and 
 complacency, through the whole landscape, 
 of a very pleasing nature. The great family 
 of the Nation, appears united and affection- 
 ate. Parents are kind and gentle to their 
 children,- and no where did I observe severity 
 used to them. The men or boys nurse the 
 children, too, almost as much as the women. 
 The excesses of passion, the loud broil, 
 or the horrors of intoxication, do not dis- 
 grace the picture. The Dutch family quietly 
 enjoy that regular and calm happiness; which 
 their ancestors have bequeathed to them. 
 Order, that first blessing of society, reigns 
 throughout. • If they do not possess all the 
 more elegant or exquisite pleasures of refined 
 life, they have none of its pains or anguish. 
 Holland is not the country for a poet, or for 
 a person fond of sublime or picturesque sce- 
 nery : a mind of sensibility would here lan- 
 guish for want of excitement, and for objects 
 of admiration; but rational, moderate-minded 
 rrieh;'may pass a very easy and satisfac- 
 tory life. The duration of ease and exemption 
 from any thing unpleasant, would, perhaps, 
 corriperisate fdr the absence of greater joys. 
 
 i 2
 
 116 
 
 At all events, Holland is a happy asylum for 
 age. It suits that period of life in an eminent 
 degree ; and did the climate favour its feeble- 
 ness or ailments, equally as its placid man- 
 ners, and limited pursuits, Holland would 
 be a most desirable spot in which to rock " the 
 cradle of declining age." 
 
 In another point of view, it is a highly 
 instructive scene — a lesson for Nations who 
 are oppressed, and a guide to statesmen. It 
 demonstrates, that the people, not the soil, 
 constitute the wealth of Nations. It has 
 been proved in Holland, and the evidence is 
 yet before us, that a number of brave men, 
 determined to be free, can create a country 
 for themselves. The sweets of independence 
 impart vigour to the mind. Home, unmo- 
 lested by tyrants, was a spot which, even in the 
 marshes of Holland, became endeared to its 
 possessor. Freemen daily improved it — fenced, 
 cultivated, and adorned it, until this little 
 paradise bloomed on their labours, and gave 
 them pleasure and happiness, as it before had 
 yielded them safety. A colony of men, of 
 vigorous and independent minds, can, there-
 
 117 
 
 fore, at any time, and in any place, constitute 
 a free and happy state ; if they be unani- 
 mously determined to obtain independence, 
 or to die. The Belgians colonized the marshes 
 of Holland ; they fought with invincible 
 courage ; and they laboured with equal 
 industry. A haughty court could not justly 
 calculate to what degree such men could 
 carry resistance. It estimated them as common 
 men, without grand and sublime incentives, 
 and it w^as baffled and deceived. The vicinity 
 of powerful neighbours, the disadvantages 
 of nature, and the smallness of their numbers, 
 did not daunt them. What stronger example 
 can be afforded of the truth of the position 
 just laid down ? and who is there that would 
 not prefer dying in the marshes of such a 
 country, rather than languish under despot- 
 ism, and feebly prolong the existence of a 
 slave ? 
 
 The country approaching to Leyden, is 
 flat and poor-looking land : as we advanced, 
 nothing interesting appeared, and Tom Jones 
 became again our source of amusement. 
 The animation of this capital work never
 
 118 
 
 flags: we were always more and more 
 amused by it. Every one had read it before, 
 bat every one enjoyed it, more than formerly. 
 I do not know but the reading such a Work, 
 in the midst of sedateness and still life, gave 
 it a greater zest. We closed it reluctantly 
 on entering Ley den. This is a large and 
 handsome town, though apparently decaying : 
 it. is intersected with canals, and the Rhine 
 runs through it. The front of the Town- 
 house is of a noble appearance. The 
 library is large and good, and contains, among 
 others, a good portrait of Erasmus. 
 
 As we turned our steps towards the Hague, 
 our tour throuoh Holland drew towards a 
 termination. The approach to that justly- 
 celebrated town is distinguished by nume- 
 rous and handsome villas, ornamenting the 
 banks of the canal. As we entered the 
 Hague, the moon lighted us on our way, and 
 the ouiet waters of the canal murmured as 
 we glided gently along. We had now ar- 
 rived at the once celebrated seat of govern- 
 ment in Holland. Often had it been the 
 focus of negotiations, where the greatest cha-
 
 119 
 
 racters had been assembled, and the voice 
 of the United States then ranked with that 
 of kingdoms and empires. The illustrious 
 house of Orange, (illustrious as long as they 
 felt and fought for their country like patriots 
 and brave men) long had held here its rited 
 pre-eminence. 
 
 The Hague was also rendered interesting 
 by the long residence of Sir William Temple. 
 That able statesman has, perhaps, been 
 exceeded by few in the walks of public 
 or private life. Unable to stem the tide 
 of baseness in the profligate reign of 
 Charles the II. he retired very early from 
 public life, carrying with him the esteem of 
 a sovereign, who venerated the man whose 
 councils he had no! virtue enough to follow, 
 the approbation of the English nation, the re- 
 spect of foreign nations, and the regard of the 
 Hollanders. Early withdrawing from public 
 life, he devoted his time to literature, his 
 gardens, and his family ; and left behind him 
 an example for statesmen, rarely followed, 
 but ever to be admired. The morning sue- 
 ceeding our arrival at the Hague gave us
 
 120 
 
 an agreeable surprize. That village, as it ii 
 called, but much rather that beautiful town, 
 strikes the traveller's eye, in Holland, in a 
 most agreeable manner. It is elegant and 
 airy, although in a flat country ; the trees, 
 the houses, and canals, have all a light effect, 
 and one sees evident marks of this place ha\> 
 ing been the residence of people of rank, 
 taste, and elegance. A noble wood, of fine 
 beech and oak trees, skirts the town, It is 
 here of peculiar beauty, nature being little 
 controlled, or moulded in any part of it, 
 and the trees being of good size, very much 
 heightens and enhances its beauties. Wood 
 is the only tiling in Holland which interposes 
 itself to relieve the universal monotony of level 
 ground, canals, and towns. The drive through 
 it to the Maisun de Bois is very charming. 
 That palace, which belonged to the House of 
 Orange, is not remarkable for beauty or situ- 
 ation It was in very good order, and con-: 
 tained some good pictures. The plainness 
 and moderation, of this palace, formerly in- 
 habited bv the head of the government, 
 suited the character of the nation. The
 
 121 
 
 brother of the French Emperor had not then 
 possessed it. It was silent and dull. We 
 left it to drive through the wood, which, with 
 its natural charms, repaid us for the ennui 
 of traversing through empty state apartments. 
 
 Mr. Fox was very much pleased with the 
 Hague, and with this wood, which received 
 admiration from us all. We looked at Mon* 
 sieur Fagel's place, near it, which is pretty, 
 though a little out of order, and we drove to 
 Scheveling, on the sea shore, Great num- 
 bers of large boats were arriving, and the 
 picture was a lively and original one. The 
 Dutch seamen, with their huge boots, seemed 
 formed to live in, as well as upon, the Sea; and 
 when they got into the water, to get out their 
 fish, and pull in their boats, they appeared in 
 their proper element. It is a long, sandy 
 beach, at Scheveling. Here the Stadtliolder 
 embarked, when he tied. I believe Holland 
 suffered nothing from his abdication ; but 
 when I stood on the shore, I could not re- 
 frain from despising the man who flies when 
 his cou nrry is in danger, unless it be that he 
 has governed it ill, and fears the just resent-
 
 122 
 
 merit of his countrymen ; in which case I 
 should have been glad to have assisted him 
 into his boat. I have no compassion for 
 suffering royalty, where its own crimes and 
 misdemeanors bring exile or flight upon its 
 head. Least of all should I have it for the 
 person who governed the Dutch ill : a peo- 
 ple so orderly, so moral, and regular ; whose 
 domestic life is an example for government, 
 and, if followed, must ensure success, very 
 little deserved to be mal- treated by any sort 
 of mal-administration, whether touching 
 affairs at home or abroad. I cannot conceive 
 that a good man could have occasion to fly 
 from such a nation ; if a bad one felt that it 
 Was expedient and necessary to depart, there 
 seemed an acquittance between both parties, 
 and the head of government, to obtain a 
 reasonable measure of lenity. We saw one 
 picture, however, at the Hague, which, as it 
 must fill any person with horror who views it, 
 must derogate a good deal from my praises 
 of Dutch moderation and calmness— I allude 
 to the massacre of the De Witts. 
 
 The death of these excellent men, and
 
 123 
 
 true patriots, is but too faithfully depicted 
 in a small picture at the Maison de Bois. 
 It excited great disgust in Mr Fox, am* • nh 
 great reason ; nor can I now allow nv self to 
 particularize a subject which yet gives me 
 pain. Without justifying the mistaken fury 
 of the populace on this melancholy occasion, 
 one can only say, that if such tremendous 
 excess can be at all paliafed, it is where a 
 brave and free people have reason to appre- 
 hend an insidious attack upon their liberties. 
 Amongst a thousand instances, this is »>ne 
 which deserves notice, of Mr. Fox's admi- 
 rable force of mind, equally reprobating the 
 direful rage of the populace, as the vindica- 
 tive cruelty of a tyrant. It was q. it dis- 
 tressing to him to speak upon the catas- 
 trophe of the De Witts. His cbuntenau, e 
 was full of horror at sight of the memora'b e 
 picture, and the soul of the sorrowing pa- 
 triot spoke melancholy things/in his coun- 
 tenance, at the moment. There wa-:, in 
 truth, nothing more remarkable in this great 
 man, than an extreme tenderness of nature, 
 which powerfully 'impelled him to abhor, 
 and to avoid, everything cruel andsuii^ui-
 
 124: 
 
 nary ; whilst there was also a decision and 
 grandeur of mind in him, prompting the 
 boldest resolves, and most instantaneous 
 modes of action. Mr. Fox's disposition 
 taught him to govern at home with paren- 
 tal mildness, and always to conciliate and 
 encourage, rather than terrify ; his genius 
 led him to chuse the grandest measures, in 
 foreign politics, and to make war short, by 
 making it, decided. How can one forbear 
 adverting to the senseless clamour, and ma- 
 lignant calumnies, which for a long time, at 
 aome, depicted such a character as an incen- 
 diary, and lover of tumult and insurrection ? 
 How active was thesvstem, earlv established 
 in this reign, to represent Mr. Fox as a needy 
 revolutionist, who would smile at the over- 
 throw of the throne, and look with indif- 
 ference upon torrents of blood. Hovr 
 lamentable that the upholders of that 
 system achieved their purpose, and accom- 
 plished their mercenary end at the expense 
 of a great and deluded nation ! How 
 much more likely that they w^ould have 
 equalled the fury of the Hollanders against 
 the De Witts, if their spoils had been inva-
 
 125 
 
 ded, than that the mild spirit of Fox would 
 have sanctioned insubordination, or looked 
 with unconcern upon blood and massacre. 
 We spent a most happy day at the Hague. 
 The weather was fine, and not too hot ; the 
 wood was quite captivating to us, and the 
 drive to Schcveling, between rows of fine 
 trees, very agreeable. Certainly, there was 
 nothing lively at the Hague ; and, as the 
 seat of government, it was changed : indeed 
 all was devoid of interest in that point ; and 
 I apprehend future travellers must, as I did, 
 recur to history, and appeal to their own ima- 
 ginations, when passing through Holland 
 hereafter, to give it interest to their minds ; 
 for it appears to have sunk under a domina- 
 tion too powerful, and too contiguous, to 
 escape from. The want of political objects, 
 I was able to very agreeably supply, by con- 
 tinuing my reading of the ./Eneid. In this 
 Mr. Fox joined with undiminished pleasure, 
 and here we read the 10th book : he marked, 
 and repeated with much feeling, more than 
 once, the passage, 
 
 ft 
 
 Pallas, Evander in ipsi* 
 
 Omnia sunt oculis," &c. &c.
 
 126 
 
 I rather think that the characters of Evan- 
 der and Bailas were his favourite ones, 
 (ah hough !• must include that of Dido.) 
 Whoever reads with attention the 8th book 
 of the ^Eneid, 1 mean > the attention of a 
 man of feeling, not the Cold examination of 
 a poring scholar, will allow that his par- 
 tiality was very justly bestowed. Nothing 
 can be more happily conceived, or more 
 beautifully described, than the entrance of 
 iEneas into the Tyber. The simplicity and 
 dignity of Evander's character, with greafc 
 reason, attracted Mr. Fox's attention ; hifc 
 manner of reply, 
 
 " Turn sic pauca refert : Ut te, fortisslme Yeucrum, 
 Accipio adgnoscoque libens !" &c. &C. 
 
 iim, 
 
 I 
 
 .■ - •» 
 
 His hospitality so generous and easy,- hk 
 peculiar frankness and exemption from all 
 disguise, naturally pleased him. 
 
 There is nothing more elegant than the 
 complimentary invitation of Evander to 
 iEneas, where he alludes to Hercules ; no- 
 thing more worthy a great mind.
 
 127 
 
 ' ( Aude, hospes, contemnere opes : et te q.uoque (lignum 
 Finge deo, rebusque veni non asper.egenis." 
 
 The description of Evander arising in the 
 morning is beautiful ; and throughout, his 
 exalted and unaffected character is the same 
 — how natural the description, 
 
 " Evandrum ex liumili tecto lux suscitat alma, 
 Et matutini volucrum sub culmina cantus. 
 Consurgit senior," &c. &c. 
 
 But it is as a father that he is above all 
 things admirable ; after informing iEneas of 
 the Allies he may obtain, his continuation, 
 
 . . • • . ■ - . 
 
 " Hunc tibi prasterea spes ct solatia nostri 
 Pallanta adjungam, sub te tolerare ma^jstro 
 Militiam et grave Martis opus, tua cernere facta 
 Adsuescat, primis ette miretur ab annis," 
 
 is so full of the father, and the old warrior, 
 that nothing can be better: his parting pray- 
 er I have quoted ; and his heart must be 
 formed of iron materials, who does not 
 imagine to himself the old man carried 
 fainting into his mansion, destined never 
 more to behold this beloved and onlv son — 
 who does not give a sigh for the sufferings of 
 this venerable man.
 
 128 
 
 Pallas himself is very interesting. In the 
 10th book, Virgil, with on£ of those small, 
 but fine touches of nature, represents him 
 close to JEneas, on board ship. 
 
 " Hie magnus sedet /Eneas, secumque volutat 
 Eventus belli varios ; Pallasque sinistro 
 Affixus lateri jam quaerit sidera, opacae 
 Noctis iter; jam quaepassus terraque marique." 
 
 His shame and anger, when his Arca- 
 dians retreat, and his burning valour, place 
 him in a very natural and engaging point of 
 view. 
 
 " Quo iugitis, Soeii ? per vos et fortia facta, 
 Per duels Evandri nomen, devictaque bella, 
 Spiemque meam, patriae quae nunc subitaemula laudi 
 Fidite ne pedibus, ferro rumpenda per hostes 
 Est via, qua globus ille virum densissimus uiget." 
 
 The lamentation of the Arcadians bearing 
 Pallas on a shield, is melancholy to an extra- 
 ordinary degree. 
 
 " O dolor, atque deeus magnum rediture parenti ! 
 Hfec te prima dies be!U> dedit, hrec eadem aufert ; ' 
 Cum tamen ingentes Rutulorum linquis acervos." 
 
 It is then that the poet bursts forth in 
 the passage Mr, Fox so much admired,
 
 « 
 
 129 
 
 -Pallas, Evander, in ipsis, 
 
 Omnia sunt oculis : mensae, quas advena primas 
 Tune adiit, dextiaeque datae." 
 
 Nor, I believe, is there any more happy 
 instances than this of the exercise of the 
 divine art, which, presenting us with a suc- 
 cession of living pictures, suddenly recals 
 the past, and raises up before us the images 
 we have almost forgotten, with more than 
 pristine freshness. All the hospitality, the 
 candour, and the affection of Evander, are 
 brought forward — his plighted faith, his 
 unbounded confidence in iEneas — and then 
 Pallas lifeless — his only comfort in age. 
 
 Were there no other, this passage might, 
 will immortalize Virgil as a poet of genuine 
 feeling and taste. 
 
 The conclusion of the 10th book, the 
 death of Lausus, and the resistance and fall of 
 Mezentius, Mr. Fox did not fail very much 
 to admire. If I may venture to express any 
 very decided opinion, I incline to think that 
 the concluding part of the 10th book, is 
 nothing inferior to any part of the ^Eneid. 
 The Author has introduced, without the 
 
 K
 
 130 
 
 least repetition, the characters of another 
 father, and another son, after the death of 
 Pallas ; the last hope of Evander. The battle 
 episode of Mezentius and Lausus, is of the 
 highest interest. I do not know if a modern 
 poet of much celebrity studied the part of 
 Mezentius at the river, but I think it incom- 
 parably superior to the modern hero's descrip- 
 tion. I cannot deny myself the satisfaction 
 of transcribing it; and if I appear tedious or 
 impertinent, let it be recollected with whom 
 I read it ; and let me be forgiven this humble 
 and grateful remembrance of happy hours 
 no more, and this little tribute, not to the 
 Statesman but to the scholar and poet. 
 
 " Interea genitor Tyberini ad fluminis undam 
 Vulnero siccabat lymphis, eorpusque levabat 
 Arboris adclinis trunco. Procul aerea ramis 
 Dependet galea, et prato gravia arm a quiescunt. 
 Stant leeti circum juvenes : ipse aeger, anhelan* 
 Colla fpyetj fusus propexam in pectore barbam : - 
 Multa super Lauso rogitat, multumque remittit, 
 Qui revocent, mustiquee ferant mandata parentis. 
 At lausum socii exanimem super arma ferebant 
 Flentes, ingentem, atque ingenti vulnere victim. 
 Adgnovit longe gemitum prte>;iga mali mens. 
 Canitiem multo deformat pulvere, et ambas 
 Ad caelum tendit palmas, et corpore inhseret."
 
 131 
 
 In making the death of a tyrant so very un- 
 happy, Virgil has shewn himself an enemy to 
 oppression, and worthy the name of Roman. 
 His regret for injuring his son, heightens his 
 consciousness of having deserved the hatred 
 of his subjects. 
 
 " Idem ego, Hate, tuilra maculavi crimine nomen, 
 Pulsus ob invidiam solio sceptrisque paternis. 
 [Jehureram patriae pcenas, odiisque meorum : 
 Gmnis per mortes animam sontem ipse dedissem." 
 
 Afraid, too, of wanting burial, he asks it 
 from his conqueror. 
 
 " Corpus luimo patiare tegi : scio acerba meorum 
 Circumstare odia : hunc, (oro) defcade furorem." 
 
 How deplorable this end ; and yet how 
 justly merited. — The stories of Evander and 
 Pallas, of Mezentius and Lausus, are almost 
 equally affecting at their termination, though 
 different in their nature. Mr. Fox remarked 
 to me on our journey through Flanders, 
 that there was a tincture of melancholy 
 in the mind of Virgil, which shews itself in 
 all his works. We prepared to leave the 
 Hague with reluctance. It had pleased us 
 all. I never remember Mr. Fox more happy, 
 
 k 2
 
 132 
 
 more serene, that at the Hague. Whether 
 the beauty of the place, association of ideas, 
 the pleasantness of the weather, or the ad- 
 dition of Virgil, contributed most, it is hard 
 to say, but each contributed ; and this great 
 man did not feel among the least of his 
 gratifications, that we were all happy and 
 entertained also. We set out for Delft by 
 the canal. The same country, and the same 
 objects, as Holland in general presents, were 
 again before us. Delft, a good and large 
 town, intervened, ^nd we continued our way. 
 The 11th book of the /Eneid beguiled the 
 time, till, entering Rotterdam, we were struck 
 with admiration at its beauty. This is the 
 handsomest town, perhaps, in Holland: it is 
 intersected by grand and long canals : large 
 ships and stately trees are dispersed in every 
 part, and Rotterdam looks quite the capital 
 of wealthy and select merchants. There is 
 not the universal occupation of Amsterdam, 
 its great population, or extent ; but there is 
 enough of business to animate, and there is 
 an air of commercial grandeur every where. 
 The statue of Erasmus, that great scholar 
 and good man, in bronze, is very good. The
 
 133 
 
 Bombkis, a quay extending above half a mile 
 along the Maese, adorned by noble houses, 
 and fine trees, however, is the grand orna- 
 ment of Rotterdam. On our entrance, we saw 
 Admiral Story's house on one of the quays : 
 the boatman spoke of him with marked repro- 
 bation, but said De Winter " was a brave 
 man and good patriot." 
 
 As we crossed the Maese, the view of 
 Rotterdam, its shipping, trees, &c. gradually 
 became more beautiful. It was a fine termi- 
 nation of our short and rapid tour through 
 Holland ; and, entering Brabant, we reached 
 Bergen-op-Zoom in the evening. Bergen- 
 op-Zoom is well known as one of strongest 
 fortified places in Europe. I walked early in 
 the morning upon the ramparts, from whence 
 the view is very extensive. It stretches far 
 around, and I took my last farewel of 
 Holland from thence. The lines of for- 
 tification, scarps and counterscarps, bastions, 
 and half- moons, of Bergen-op-Zoom, afford- 
 ed a barren pleasure, compared to the con- 
 templation of such a country. I consider- 
 <d it with respect. It is the work of their
 
 134 
 
 hands ; they sought security and peace, 
 and they obtained them. A long and tran- 
 quil period has repaid all their toils. 
 
 Towns have grown up. Their land has 
 been made to produce. Commerce has en- 
 riched them. They have been a long time 
 happy, and yet enjoy much of the fruits of 
 the labours of their ancestors. Here is 
 a work in which vast expense, time, and la- 
 bour, has been expended ; if it no longer can 
 contribute to guard an industrious and vir- 
 tuous people, how dull and unmeaning an 
 object it is. 
 
 Holland must long continue a striking mo- 
 nument of the patience and fortitude of man. 
 Military works are at best but of a partial 
 and temporary nature. Citadels and for- 
 tresses moulder, are destroyed, or become 
 useless. 
 
 Laws, customs, and manners, endure for 
 ages, when once established, and dcty 
 the hand of power. Religion, sanctions 
 ait, and binds the work. These alone are
 
 135 
 
 lasting works. These have modelled Holland, 
 and may one day lead her once more to assert 
 her independence, and again to stand as a 
 Nation. 
 
 Leaving Bergen-op-Zoom, we reached 
 Antwerp on our return, and rested one night 
 there. Our tour to Holland was now finished, 
 and we had surveyed two neighbouring, yet 
 very distinct countries, Flanders and Holland. 
 The people of each having one common 
 origin, had become, through circumstances 
 and situation, very different. The Dutch, 
 having imbibed the doctrines of the new or 
 reformed religion, inclined, as those profes- 
 sing such change usually did, to a new form 
 of government. They established a repub- 
 lic in their marshes, and disclaimed all 
 allegiance to the superior state. Commerce 
 was necessary for them ; their situation 
 compelled them to it, and their interest drew 
 them to addict themselves to it. They grew 
 wealthy as well as independent, and their 
 character became selfish and surly. Com- 
 mercial pride is, perhaps, the most odious and 
 tyrannical of any other. Commercial avidity
 
 136 
 
 becomes so blinded, tbat it endangers a state 
 in whicb it unhappily gains too great pre- 
 ponderance. Holland acquired too mucb 
 wealth, and from that moment lost its 
 strength. Abase devotion to gain, stifles every 
 germ of bravery, genius, and independence, 
 
 The young are corrupted by it before 
 they can reason ; and every succeeding ge- 
 neration grows more degenerate. Hence, 
 the people are bartered to the government 
 for advantageous jobs and contracts, the 
 government grows extravagant and exhausts 
 the wealth of the nation which it gets hold 
 of, in vain and presumptuous plans, and 
 forms expensive and dangerous connections, 
 solid wealth disappears, and commerce itself, 
 having by its excess ruined the state, lan- 
 guishes, and falls into distress. It is remark- 
 able that the people of Flanders followed 
 a very different course in every thing, and 
 favoured in a high and eminent degree by 
 the soil, applied themselves to agriculture, 
 as the staple business, and grand occupa- 
 tion of their lives.
 
 337 
 
 All the habits of agriculture are so much 
 better than those of commerce, that the 
 nation solely, or principally, addicted to it, 
 will be more solidly prosperous and happy 
 than any other. Agriculture does not en- 
 courage the spirit of dominion common to 
 rich commercial states ; and is, consequent!}', 
 less involved in war and expense than they 
 are. Agriculture, too, promotes and che- 
 rishes a sense of independence in the members 
 of an agricultural nation. The farmer who 
 has moderate wants, and sees constantly 
 around him his little territory, and a number 
 of contented and happy beings, does not feci 
 disposed to truckle to others, or give up his 
 liberty for the gratifications of pride, vanity, 
 and selfishness. In religion, a people having 
 agricultural, rather than commercial habits 
 of life, are more stedfast, and less prone to 
 change : they are used to that of their fore- 
 fathers, respect it, and attend to its worship, 
 as a necessary part of rural happiness, as 
 well as devotion to the Deity. Flanders 
 certainly proves, that a long and undisturbed 
 duration of internal comfort and rational 
 independence, is better secured by the 
 people who make agricultural pursu
 
 138 
 
 their great object, than by any other. In 
 defence, too, of their country, such a peo- 
 ple are sure to be courageous and firm ; 
 and if they have not the same spirit of 
 enterprize which a commercial one has, 
 they compensate for it by more estimable 
 qualities. 
 
 I heard, on our return through Antwerp, 
 that the commander there wished to employ 
 the old burgomasters in municipal offices, 
 but they would not accept such places : so 
 that the love of independence still survived 
 the glory and grandeur of the city. This 
 was a faint, but not uninteresting, trace of 
 what Belgium once was, and deserving of 
 respect, when we consider that the whole 
 country was occupied by the French. 
 
 We now pursued our way, taking the 
 road to Brussels, through Malines. The 
 latter is a large old town ; and here a great 
 number of ecclesiastics were seen, more 
 than I had perceived by far since our arrival 
 on the Continent.
 
 139 
 
 I will close my remarks on Flanders in 
 general, by stating that the churches were 
 every where numerously attended ; that the 
 people, though not pleased with the French 
 government, were not strongly averse to it, 
 and rather looked upon its rule as innovation 
 than oppression. It was not that they prefer- 
 red the Austrian, but, rather, that they were 
 put out of their way, and habits of thinking, 
 by it. As we stopped at some little village, I 
 sat down upon a bench beside an old fanner, 
 and asked him, how he liked Bounaparte. 
 His answer was, ** il ricsi pas noble" and a 
 look of some dissatisfaction. In short, if 
 France respects the privileges and prejudices 
 of the Flemings, and does not load them 
 with excessive taxation, she may long hold 
 them under her dominion, and derive vast 
 strength from their support. Holland, too, 
 though likely to sutler more from the 
 cramping of her commerce in war, may 
 preserve much of her independence, though 
 her merchants may clamour loudly, and 
 represent her as ruined. 
 
 On leaving Mechlin, or Malifles, our way
 
 140 
 
 led through a rich and beautiful country ; 
 and when we approached Brussels, every 
 thing appeared rich and magnificent. A 
 great part of our journey was made along a 
 canal, having good trees and fine chateaus on 
 each side. 
 
 Brussels had been the seat of the Austrian 
 government. There had Austrian pride, and 
 vice-regal grandeur, long resided. The 
 worthy Flemings had borne the " inso- 
 lence of office," and had long endured the 
 haughtiness of this government, — satisfied 
 with solid independence and an undisturbed 
 life. The recollection of Alva could not be 
 grateful, but that was a passing horror 
 which had not entailed future and distant 
 miseries, but had rather served the people's 
 cause by its enormity and savageness ; in- 
 citing resistance, justifying it, and weak- 
 ening the name and authority of the crown 
 from its ill-judged violence. Dalton, too, 
 was not to be forgotten ; but he, also, the un- 
 feeling instrument of a peevish despot, had 
 not long enjoyed power, and his cruelty had 
 alienated the Flemings without depressing 
 or degrading them.
 
 141 
 
 The pompous parade of German state* 
 liness had vanished from Brussels ; but were 
 we to find it, therefore, a desert ? I hoped 
 not ; we found nothing melancholy ; on 
 the contrary, Brussels looked gay and plea- 
 sant. It is situated on the side of a hill, 
 and the upper part, or tow T n, is remarkably 
 handsome : we had seen nothing having so 
 elegant an air. The place and the park, are 
 remarkably superb and noble ; the view 
 from the ramparts overlooks a very fine 
 countrv. The hotel at Brussels was airy, and 
 fitted up in a beautiful manner: as it was a 
 day of fete and rejoicing, the people were 
 dressed, and the streets full of gaiety. And 
 for what was the fete ; and for what this 
 rejoicing ? says my reader. It was to sig- 
 nalize the event of Buonaparte's having been 
 declared consul for life : we now began 
 to think of France. 
 
 Here I closed the ^Eneid, finishing the 
 12th book after our arrival in Brussels. I 
 cannot bid it farewel, without dwelling 
 with a fond (I trust, pardonable,) and hn- 
 gering recollection upon its perusal : these 
 were moments, hallowed bv friend-
 
 142 
 
 ship, and blest by the blendid effusions of 
 genius. I could converse upon the merits 
 of the Trojan hero, and have my doubts 
 satisfied, or my remarks sanctioned by one 
 of the first scholars of his country. I might 
 venture to risk my thoughts. Mr. Fox was 
 so great a lover of poetry, that even the 
 discussions I started pleased him. My indig- 
 nation against ^Eneas for his desertion of 
 Dido, and the coldness of his conduct on that 
 and other occasions, diverted him. He did 
 not, by any means, defend, in these respects, 
 Virgil's hero, but he so pointed out the beau- 
 ties of the author, and with so much justice 
 and liberality, allowed him his full merit, 
 even compared with Homer, that I felt 
 unbounded gratification in our readings. On 
 looking again into the JEneld, I am nothing 
 surprised at his admiration of the parts rela- 
 ting to Evandcr. I think, too, that JEneas 
 is made, by Virgil, to rise much superior 
 to Achilles, in that respect, where they may 
 be both compared — their grief and revenge 
 for the loss of a slain friend. iEneas recol- 
 lects the hospitality, the generous friendship 
 of the Arcadian king,
 
 a 
 
 Oculis,' 
 
 113 
 
 Pailas, Evander, omnia in ipsis, 
 
 and is distracted at the death of his son ; 
 his fancy knows no bounds ; he spares no 
 person, and seems to think he can never 
 sufficiently retaliate upon the enemy. The 
 old king is ever before his eyes ; he is mad- 
 dened at the idea of his kind behaviour 
 meeting such a requital ; he sees him weep- 
 ing, mournful, and alone. Achilles, as de- 
 picted by Homer, has a good deal of selfish 
 character ; the death of Patroclus was a 
 sensible loss to himself, which, as a friend, 
 we do not wonder that he heavily laments ; 
 but, compared to the feeling which iEneas 
 almost sinks under, I think that of Achilles 
 appears boyish, and headstrong rage — the 
 desire to revenge his own wrongs, and to 
 punish, in a barbarous manner, the author 
 of them. On the contrary, it is Evander 
 which fills the mind of ^Kneas ; it is the 
 loss of his ally and friend, he grieves for ; 
 he upbraids himself for having occasioned 
 it: when he sees the pale countenance of 
 Pallas,
 
 141 
 
 " Non haec Evandro de te promissa parenti 
 
 Discedens dederam : cum me conplexus euntern 
 
 Mitteret in magnum imperium, metuensque; moneret 
 
 Acris esse viros, cum dura proelia gente. 
 
 Et nunc, ille quidcm spe multvun captus inani 
 
 Fors et vota facit, cumulatque altaria donis : 
 
 Nos juvenem exanimum, et nil jam caelestibus ullis 
 
 Debentem, vano maesti comitamur honore. 
 
 Infelix, nati funus erudele videbis. 
 
 Hi nostri reditus, exspectatique triumphi: 
 
 Haec mea magna fides/' &c. 
 
 Achilles says to Thetis, 
 
 ttjtTfoxXcH; tov eyu tte^i •na.nuv rtov tmoup&iy 
 \a*v f/x») xe(pxXvi tov a,7ru>\strx'" 
 
 In his reply he does not allude to the 
 parents of Patrocius ; saying, merely, 
 
 e jj.iv j/.u.f'.a. T'/)Xo9/ vctf^fic, 
 
 E^lT." 
 
 Which is the usual and constant reflection 
 among the ancients on the death of a friend, 
 and countryman. I must allow that the 
 grief manifested by Achilles on hearing of 
 the death of Patrocius, was of the deepest
 
 145 
 
 or rather most violent kind. Homer that 
 sublime and incomparable representer of 
 Nature, on that occasion, certainly gives a 
 most exquisite and strong picture of grief. 
 
 " ' rov 1? a.yt.'jc, i'<pi\r, EmAuiJ /£ p.£^«»»* 
 
 ~Kivxro % ay. yiefocXrts ya.p\iv i'vTy/vv ir^Q&Wffcv 
 Nty.Txgiu) &=. yyvun [AiXxit' x{/.fpt*xn -nppv 
 AtToc oev v.ourjcn y.iyx$ u.zyx'huri TavvSst? 
 Kara yiAvicrt ^r %tew xop.ig» wryyn amO/m." 
 
 r 
 
 Yet it falls short of the effect produced 
 upon y£neas, which is so dignified, as well 
 as pathetic: a thousand grateful and affec- 
 tionate ideas spring into his mind. — He liies 
 to succour his friends, but feels more for 
 the misery of Evander, than for the success 
 of the day. 
 
 How beautiful, too, is all the passage de- 
 cribing the setting out of the corpse of 
 Pallas ; and how affecting the grief of Eneas 
 on that occasion : when Pallas is raised upon 
 the bier, how svveetlv described. 
 
 " Jiic juvencm agrestl sublimem stiamine ponunt : 
 
 Qualem virgineo demessum pullice florem 
 Seu molis violee, s«u languentis hyacinth! : 
 
 L
 
 146 
 
 Cui necque fulgor adhuc, nee dum sua forma recessit: 
 Non jam mater alit tellus, viresque ministrat." 
 
 Eneas brings out every thing to mark 
 respect and gratitude to the deceased hero, 
 and his father ; and the poet adds : 
 
 " Postquam omnis longe eomitum processerat ordo ; 
 Substitit zEneas, gemituque haec addidit alto : 
 Nos alias hinc ad lacrimas eadem horrida belli 
 Fata voeant : — salve aeternum mihi, maxume Palla ; 
 /Etevnumque vale : nee plura effatus ad altos 
 Teudebat muros, grest>umque in castra ferebat." 
 
 There is more dignity in the grief of 
 iEneas throughout, than in that of Achilles ; 
 at the same time we must allow for the 
 difference of the characters, and of the 
 circumstances attending. 
 
 I observe in the book I have before me, 
 the part marked where Evander meets the 
 dead body of his son. We finished the 11th 
 book at the Hague, and, on recurring to the 
 iEneid, I feel fresh reason for admiring Mr. 
 Fox's partiality for every passage relating 
 to the Arcadian King. No mind of sen-
 
 147 
 
 sibility can fail of sympathizing with Evan- 
 der, on this last melancholy occasion. 
 When the mournful sounds of the Trojan 
 and Arcadian attendants reached his ears, 
 Evander cannot be restrained. 
 
 " At non Evandrum potis est vis ulla tenere : 
 Sed venit in medios : fe retro Pallanta reposto 
 Procubuit super, atquehaeretlacrymansque gemensque, 
 Et via vix tandem voci laxa ta dolore est." 
 
 The following lamentation of Evander 
 is very particularly marked : the last words, 
 I think, yet reverberate in my ears. 
 
 " Non haec 6, Palla, dederas promissa parenti, 
 Cautius ut saevo velles te credere Marti. 
 Haud iguarus eram, quantum nova gloria in armis, 
 Et prsedulee deeus primo certamine posset. 
 Primitive juvcnis miserae, bellique propinqui 
 Dura rudimcnta, et nulli exaudita deorum 
 Vota precesque meae! tuque, 6 sanctissima conjunx 
 Felix morte tua, neque in hunc servata dolorem ! 
 Contra ego vivendo vici mea fata, superstes 
 Restarem ut genitor. Troum socia arma sccutum 
 Obruerent Rutuli telis : animam ipse dcdissem, 
 Atque haec pompa domum me, non Pallanta, referret. 
 Nee vos arguerim Teucri, nee foedera, nee, quas 
 Junximus hospitio dextras : sors ista senectae 
 Debita erat nostrae." 
 
 L 2
 
 148 
 
 And the concluding line and a half is also 
 marked as the " so?^s ista," 
 
 t( 
 
 Non vitae gaudia qusero, 
 
 Nee fas : sed nato manis perferre sub imos." 
 
 Were I to indulge in superstitious feelings, 
 I might conjecture that these melancholy 
 passages pleased Mr. Fox more peculiarly 
 from a presentiment that his own decease 
 was not far distant : but I should not feel 
 authorised to advance this supposition, for 
 he never was more serene and cheerful. I 
 do not know, however, but that I might 
 state, that there was a tincture of melancholy 
 on his, as in Virgil's mind, at least of great 
 tenderness, which made him dwell on such 
 passages as I have quoted, with equal feel- 
 ing, and a sort of refined delight. I was 
 accustomed, when I read the ^Eneid on this 
 tour, to communicate my ideas to him as I 
 proceeded ; and he always joined, with the 
 liveliest interest, in re-considering and re- 
 marking upon the thousand beauties of the 
 charming author whom we studied, in this 
 cursory, but very pleasing manner. I have
 
 149 
 
 no hesitation in saying, that Mr. Fox re* 
 ceived more pleasure from this kind of 
 friendly examination of an author he loved 
 so much, than he would have done from all 
 the homage crowds of flatterers and admirers 
 could pay, or from the dazzling attentions 
 of royalty, or from the splendour and fasci- 
 nation of a brilliant levee. His own virtues 
 were so eminently domestic, that all those 
 sources of rational pleasure, which the poet 
 opens to us, were prized by him far above 
 those common and vulgar delights which 
 splendid rank or power, or mere wealth, 
 bestow. Often had I marked this disposi- 
 tion at St. Anne's Hill ; and now, when 
 every thing flattering and agreeable opened 
 its view, when he was about to mix amongst 
 the first and most exalted characters of 
 Europe ; drawn to Paris by curiosity, busi- 
 ness, or pleasure, when he expected to meet 
 the first warrior, and, undoubtedly, the most 
 extraordinary man of the age ; I saw him 
 calmly, and, indeed, with unfeigned satis- 
 facton, devoting part of his time to Virgil, 
 enlightening me by his remarks, and, in his 
 admiration of the Roman poet, forgetting
 
 150 
 
 politics, the continent we travelled on, and 
 all the warfare and ambition of man. His 
 mind soared so highly above selfish ideas, 
 that, whilst others, through vanity, or 
 through mercenary motives, anxiously, and 
 with pitiable avidity, looked for changes of 
 ministry, and all the sweets of pomp and 
 place, this excellent man enjoyed Virgil with 
 all the warmth of glowing youth ; and, truly 
 rich in the possession of a mind, whose inter- 
 nal resources were inexhaustible and indepen- 
 dent, he smiled upon the cares of crowned 
 heads, and the toils of their ministers and 
 courtiers. 
 
 At Brussels, having finished the .ZEneid, 
 our readings in Latin ceased, and we now 
 began to perceive our approximation to the 
 capital. Mr. Fox had letters from his friends, 
 urging him to hasten his journey; and having 
 completed his Flemish and Dutch tour, had 
 nothing farther to detain him. As no man 
 felt the calls of friendship more strongly, 
 he became himself desirous of proceeding 
 without delay. Attached warmly to his 
 family, he had also another inducement,—
 
 151 
 
 Lord Holland and his family were at Paris, 
 and were anxiously looking for him, as he 
 lived with his nephew as a brother and 
 friend, and the disparity of years was lost in 
 mutual affection. 
 
 Lord Holland, without that grandeur of 
 character which distinguished his uncle — 
 without that bold and enthusiastic devotion 
 to liberty and her sacred rights, which in- 
 spird him — without that disdain of the tram- 
 mels of political party, which made Mr. Fox 
 always independent, though sometimes con- 
 ceding — was still highly worthy of his ex- 
 alted relative's warmest affection and esteem. 
 His candour, mildness, and liberality, every 
 where insured him friends ; and as his tone 
 of mind in many respects resembled his 
 uncle's, there existed the utmost cordiality, 
 and the sincerest friendship between them. 
 
 Added to these inducements, there were 
 others. The establishment of Buonaparte in 
 the Consulship for life, was disclosing a new 
 state of things. The constitution changing
 
 152 
 
 from a republic to that of a government for 
 life in one person, caused every one to think 
 that before long, men would revert back, if 
 not to the ancient, at least to something re- 
 sembling the ancient monarchy. Of course we 
 were desirous of beholding this commence- 
 ment of the new government, and without 
 making any decision whether the people 
 were right in bestowing, orBuonaparte in ac- 
 cepting, supreme power for life, we wished 
 very much to be witnesses of a novel state 
 of things, novel in a country, too, where 
 
 every thing had been so for the last ten 
 years. 
 
 I much wished myself to get to Paris, not 
 from any inordinate wish to see the cele- 
 brated person whose name and exploits had 
 filled Europe so long a time, (for had I felt 
 such a wish, it would have been diminished 
 a good deal by his assumption of permanent 
 power) but from natural anxiety to view 
 that city, the scene of so many revolutionary 
 horrors — the established arbitress of taste 
 and elegance — and the depository of all that 
 was exquisite and valuable of antiquity, and
 
 153 
 
 modern productions of art. Mrs. Fox, also, 
 very naturally began to feel warmly desirous 
 of getting to this centre of every thing inte- 
 resting and elegant ; and as Mr. Fox studied 
 the gratification of all her wishes, every 
 thing concurred to make the remainder of 
 our journey rapid. 
 
 We did not omit, however, seeing every 
 thing at Brussels. U Ecole central, (in the 
 old palace) is upon a very grand scale : there 
 is attached to it a botanical garden — a col- 
 lection of paintings — a school for drawing 
 and for mathematics — for experimental phy- 
 sics, chemistry, &c. &c. — Here we also saw 
 near two hundred very tine orange-trees; they 
 had belonged to the Austrian government, 
 to Archdukes, or Archduchesses, never 
 more destined to command at Brussels. 
 There were, as we heard, many houses in 
 and about Brussels to let. Living is very 
 reasonable here, not more than the quarter 
 of what it is in England. I can suppose no 
 situation more desirable for a person of mo- 
 derate fortune : the upper part of the town 
 is remarkably handsome and airy : the houses
 
 l r >4 
 
 round the part which stands high, have a 
 delightful appearance and charming prospect, 
 as the country all around is rich and beau- 
 tiful, well enclosed, and much dressed and 
 ornamented with trees, having a forest on 
 one side. The church had, under the revolu- 
 tionary mania, suffered some strange dedica- 
 tion, according to the prevailing mode of re- 
 nouncing revelation, and flying from every 
 rational and established mode of faith. I saw 
 the inscription, but do not exactly recollect 
 it. The church was, at this time, about to 
 be restored to its ancient ministers, and its 
 venerable worship, and the inscription was, 
 doubtless, soon effaced. The theatre we 
 found large, but dirty, and the actors not 
 very good. The most pleasing sight, how- 
 ever, was the Alice verte, illuminated. This is 
 a very fine avenue, a mile, I think, long, 
 with double rows of trees on each side. It 
 was beautifully lighted up, and filled with a 
 great number of people, chiefly Flemings. 
 Their strange, grotesque, and clumsy appear- 
 ance, was very diverting. They walked about 
 as if willing to exhibit their uncooth forms to 
 curious spectators ; and enjoyed, in a consi-
 
 155 
 
 siderable degree, their promenade. A strong 
 military guard paraded up and down, which 
 to me added nothing to the agrdment of the 
 evening : as, however, it was very fine, the 
 company numerous and orderly, and the 
 whole quite a new and really grand sight, 
 our little party enjoyed it much. 
 
 The good Flemings would doubtless have 
 liked it better, had it not been to celebrate a 
 new order of things ; but as they had little to 
 regret under the Austrian domination of latter 
 years, they did not feel much pain on this fes- 
 tive occasion ; although the order that those 
 neglecting to illuminate in town, should be 
 delivered to the municipal officers, could not 
 have impressed them with a very complacent 
 opinion of the new government. The 
 duties laid on here and at Antwerp were 
 said to be equally high. 
 
 Here we heard of Monsieur Chauvclin, 
 who was said to live a retired private life in 
 Burgundy. The remembrance of this gen- 
 tleman in 1802, brought with it many im- 
 portant considerations. Had Lord Gren-
 
 J 56 
 
 vilie possessed the conciliating manners and 
 enlarged views of Mr. Fox ; had the minis- 
 ter for foreign affairs in England, or the 
 then Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was 
 minister for all affairs, been capable of 
 rationally weighing the events of futurity 
 with intuitive judgment, and of viewing, 
 with the benignant eye of a true statesman, 
 the effervescence and agitations of a long 
 oppressed nation ; nay, had the ministers 
 of the day, in 1793, possessed the hearts of 
 Englishmen of the old school, they would 
 have venerated the struggle for liberty, 
 made by a sister nation, which had been 
 long ridiculed and despised for its subser- 
 vience to a grand monarque, and they would 
 respectfully have said, every nation is free 
 to choose her own government, our's has 
 asserted this right at all times when neces- 
 sary. Let the French nation decide for 
 itself. You, M. Chauvelin, accredited as 
 the minister of France, shall be acknowledged 
 as the representative of a great nation ; if 
 she be free, we respect her more and more ; 
 but upon her internal commotions, or her 
 form of government, monarchical or re-
 
 157 
 
 publican, we say not a word. Had such been 
 lord Granville' s language, on the momen- 
 tous day when he ignominiously dismissed 
 M. Chauvelin, what seas of blood would 
 have been spared to France and all Europe. 
 
 Monsieur Chauvelin, in his retirement, has 
 nothing to reproach himself with; can Lord 
 Granville, at Dropmore, calmly reconsider past 
 occurrences between him and that gentle- 
 man, and not feel anguish and remorse at 
 rashness, whereby the relations between 
 England and France were rudely snapped 
 asunder, and a long, almost interminable, 
 contest has been entailed upon the two 
 nations. I do not recollect Mr. Fox saying a 
 word about M. Chauvelin while at Brussels. 
 1 could not but think of past events, when 
 I heard his name there, in 1802 ; — and now, 
 in 1811, I think a great deal more upon a 
 sober, and if I may call it, an historical 
 view, of M. Chauvelin' s affair. 
 
 At Brussels lived the ex-director Barras. 
 As this person had acted so conspicuous a 
 part in the republic, I should have been glad
 
 158 
 
 to have seen him ; but as our time was short, 
 and all our thoughts now turned to Paris, 
 we had no opportunity of meeting him. 
 To him Buonaparte owed his introduction, 
 and elevation in the republic : through him 
 he obtained his command in Italv, which co- 
 vered him with so much glory ; and at that 
 critical moment, when the fate of the di- 
 rectory was in suspense, the abdication of 
 Barras, and his testimony in favour of ge- 
 neral Buonaparte, greatly conduced to assist 
 his views. Mr. Fox, however, manifested 
 no wish to see this ex-director. 
 
 Staying one day at Brussels, we dined in 
 the country, at the house of Mr. Walkyis, a 
 merchant of high respectability, — his house 
 commanding one of the finest views I ever 
 beheld. A most amiable and hospitable 
 family, and an elegant entertainment, await- 
 ed us here. It seemed to me a revival of 
 those days, when Flanders was independent, 
 and the ally of English monarchs. When 
 Edward the 1st was the guest and friend of 
 her citizens, and gratefully acknowledged 
 the efficacy of their assistance. There was 
 an air of liberality and freedom in the society,
 
 159 
 
 as this charming mansion of Mr. AValkyis, 
 extremely respectable, and the opulence and 
 taste, every where prevalent, was not less 
 striking. Mr. and Mrs. Fox enjoyed the 
 day much, and we left the house in the even- 
 ing, with great regret. No person could 
 maintain the dignified character of a weal- 
 thy and enlightened merchant better than 
 Mr. Walkyis. His fortune had suffered 
 something in the Flemish disturbances, but 
 this had nothing altered the hospitality of 
 his nature, or the ease of his manners. The 
 loss he bore as a philosopher, and his remain- 
 ing fortune he enjoyed, and continued to 
 enjoy, in a manner worthy of praise. Mr. 
 Fox was here, and I believe somewhat on 
 this latter account, peculiarly attentive and 
 affable : his manner seemed to say, if 
 you have been deprived of some of your 
 wealth, do not imagine that your friends 
 will respect you less. Indeed, this great 
 man, who in general might be deemed simple 
 and retiring in his manner in society, until 
 drawn forth, omitted no occasion, when 
 the feelings of others were concerned, 
 and when they might be deemed particularly
 
 160 
 
 susceptible of coldness or neglect, of coming 
 forward, in a marked manner, to evince re- 
 spect to, and to cheer, by a sort of irresistible 
 kindness of demeanour and conversation, 
 those whom he thought at all depressed, or 
 in any way affected by misfortune. 
 
 We left Brussels on the 17th of August, 
 and found the day extremely hot : we recur- 
 red again to Tom Jones, and forgot the little 
 inconveniences of the journey. We were 
 now drawing to the end of our tour, and 
 had been much indebted to the genius of 
 Fielding for amusement and instruction. 
 We had accompanied Tom Jones through 
 the stages of his vouth and manhood, where, 
 if exceptionable parts w T ere to be found, 
 w T e had also found much to approve and ad- 
 mire. The hero, though faulty, was not 
 hardened ; and if necessity drove him to 
 some meannesses, he felt his debasement, and 
 despised his own conduct ! Such a charac- 
 ter, though not precisely to be held up for 
 imitation, is, however, more instructive than 
 the heroes of romance, the faultless or too 
 exalted knight, who does not seem of our
 
 161 
 
 species ; as Tom Jones is also with all his 
 indiscretions on his head, far preferable to 
 those much more dangerous personages in 
 modern novels, whose voluptuous authors 
 seem to conceive, that libertine immorality, 
 clothed in eloquent language, are sure to gain 
 approbation and support. 
 
 Mr. Fox was fond of novels, but not of 
 any of this latter class. Their verbiage, and 
 want of fidelity to nature, were sure to dis- 
 gust him. I have read to him, at times, a 
 great many, but none of this description. 
 In the Arabian Nights Entertainments he 
 delighted much, (and who would not ?) 
 for there was to be found a faithful and ini- 
 mitable picture of Oriental manners and cus- 
 toms, as well as much ingenuity, fancy, and 
 knowledge of human nature; but in the 
 pages of sensuality, expanding itself in various 
 shapes in the modern novel, he found no 
 pleasure ; and the irreligious passages gave 
 him still less, as no man treated the sacred 
 subject of religion with greater respect and 
 forbearance than he did. "We were now 
 journeying, with Tom Jones as our compa- 
 
 M
 
 162 
 
 nion, through a fertile country, and dined at 
 Mons, a large old town, containing nothing 
 interesting. 
 
 In this day's journey we passed the cele- 
 brated field of Gemappe. The ground is 
 mostly flat, excepting a small sloping hill, 
 extending a considerable way. It was here 
 Dumouriez's glory reached its acme: here 
 was decided the fate of the Netherlands, and 
 it may be said, the fate of France and of Eu- 
 rope. General Dumouriez shewed extraor- 
 dinary spirit and activity on this celebrated 
 field, having thrown off, as was said to us, 
 both his coat and waistcoat, and fought in 
 that manner in the battle. At that period 
 France was stuggling amidst great difficulties. 
 The battle of Gemappe gave her a noble 
 country, and raised her military reputation 
 so high, that, as the spirits of the nation be- 
 came elevated, the course of the coalesced 
 powers grew doubtful ; from thence, there 
 was abundant proof, in the extraordinary 
 energy displayed by the French army, and 
 their commander, on this occasion, that the 
 attempt to control the internal regulation of
 
 163 
 
 France was likely to recoil upon the diffe- 
 rent crowned heads embarking in it. Gene- 
 ral Dumouriez, unfortunately for himself, 
 did not continue in this career of glory ; 
 he, too, like the ministers and statesmen of 
 the day, miscalculated upon the state of 
 things in France, and imagined that a govern- 
 ment which had totally forfeited the confi- 
 dence of the people, could be restored to 
 strength and life. 
 
 Royalty had lost its former attractions ; 
 and, unless Louis XVI. had left a son of un- 
 common promise, as to talent and disposi- 
 tion, capable of reuniting in himself the 
 hopes of the nation, and exempt from the 
 influence of a mother who had courted the 
 hatred and contempt of the people, there 
 was little probability of its restoration in 
 the line of the Bourbons. The slender 
 hopes of the young prince, were rendered 
 smaller by General Dumouricz's subsequent 
 defection, and by the equivocal conduct 
 pursued by the allied powers. 
 
 We passed through a fine country, the 
 
 m ' 7 
 
 ..
 
 164 
 
 whole of the day's journey, and arrived in 
 the evening at Valenciennes, an old-fashioned 
 and dull-looking town. As this place had 
 surrendered to the Duke of York, it was 
 another memorandum of the errors of the 
 allies; it was taken possession of in the 
 name of the emperor of Germany, and thus 
 that very disposition for conquest imputed 
 to the French, was manifested by the allies. 
 I perceive very little disposition in Mr. Fox, 
 to be interested in the military events attend- 
 ing the revolution : whether his disposition 
 was averse to those deeds of blood, digni- 
 fied in history by a false and mischievous 
 glare of thoughtless applause, or that (as 
 I incline to imagine) he mourned secretly 
 over all those calamities which he had ineffec- 
 tually raised his voice to prevent, he said 
 little on such points. The agriculture of 
 the country, passages of Tom Jones, natu- 
 ral history, the poets, and all those pleasant 
 little occurrences which diversify the scene,, 
 and entertain ihose who travel with a desire 
 to be pleased, as well as informed, occu- 
 pied him. We were now shortly to enter 
 into the splendour and bustle of Paris.
 
 165 
 
 It was with some regret I felt this, though 
 certainly one must be very insensible, when 
 nearly touching the goal, not to feel an al- 
 most breathless expectation at the thougnt 
 of seeing so celebrated a city. My regret 
 arose from considering that that complete 
 and perfect enjoyment of the society of 
 Mr. Fox, which made c-ar tour so happy, 
 was about to end. Sincere friendship has 
 little need of the amusement of the world, 
 to make the hours pass swiftly ; it rests sa- 
 tisfied with the enjoyments jt can always 
 supply, and is ever jealous of those crowds 
 which interrupt, but cannot add to its sa- 
 tisfaction. In the latter part of our little 
 tour, I had experienced rhis truth most pow- 
 erfully. Mr. Fox had throughout appeared 
 so happy, and cheerful, that our small 
 society wanted nothing of the charm of a 
 new and brilliant eourt, to increase its 
 felicity. It was with this mixed sensation 
 that 1 now saw our distance from Paris 
 hourly diminish. 
 
 We stopped for some time at Cam bray. 
 It is a respectable town. The inn we
 
 166 
 
 drove to had been a convent. The church 
 was converted into a barn, and though full 
 of the produce of harvest, and of farm- 
 ing utensils, the organ remained still in its 
 place at the upper end. This was another 
 melancholy testimony of the violence of 
 the times, when religion suffers outrage, 
 from the direful ascendancy of the illiterate 
 mob. The celebrated manufactory of cam- 
 bric still holds its ground here, though that 
 also had suffered. It was now reviving, and 
 we saw some specimens of astonishing beau- 
 ty and fineness. Who could pass through 
 Cambray, without recollecting Fenelon, 
 that enchanting author and excellent man ? 
 How grateful the remembrance of him, the 
 benefactor of his country, and friend of 
 man ! How pleasing after contemplating 
 the vestiges of revolutionary rage, and 
 the traces of desperate innovators, who 
 sought not the happiness of their fellow 
 subjects, so much as their own aggrandize- 
 mf nt, and revenge against those upper 
 classes, whose faults were to be ascribed to 
 their education, to a bad government, to the 
 frailty of weak man ; not to any studied
 
 167 
 
 plan of tyranny, or depressing their infe- 
 riors. 
 
 * 
 
 We observed a considerable cultivation 
 of poppies through French Flanders, which 
 have a charming effect when in bloom, as 
 we saw them. On our approach to Valen- 
 ciennes, the country visibly became inferior 
 to that called the Netherlands : the agricul- 
 ture was not so good, and the houses were 
 very indifferent compared to those of the 
 Flemings. We entered old France at Per- 
 sonne. As in Flanders the traces of ancient 
 freedom, and of republican prosperity, had 
 plainly declared the excellency of the con- 
 stitution enjoyed for ages by the people, 
 so in France there was an obvious contrast, 
 and the withering hand of despotism had 
 marked it in another manner. The rule 
 of the Bourbons, for so many centuries, 
 had cramped the powers of the French, and 
 evidently enfeebled the character of the 
 nation. These monarch S no longer possessing 
 the noble character of King Henry the fourth, 
 his valour and generosity had degenerated
 
 168 
 
 into royal voluptuaries, and, trusting the 
 administration of affairs to their courtiers, 
 and mistresses, had disgraced the govern- 
 ment of the nation, at the head of which 
 they were placed. In a country so ruled, 
 one could not wonder at seeing houses and 
 agriculture inferior to those of Flanders. 
 
 The last davs of our journev proved ex- 
 tremely hot. After leaving Valenciennes 
 we returned to Tom Jones. I recollect a 
 circumstance which affected me a good deal 
 in reading this work : it was the description 
 of a great commoner, at the end of one of 
 the chapters. It seemed to paint the cha- 
 racter of Mr. Fox with so much truth and 
 animation, paying a tribute to his benevo- 
 lence, than which nothing was ever better 
 deserved, that I could not proceed for some 
 moments. Why do tears sometimes in- 
 trude when the most grateful sensations, 
 and none but pleasing affections of the mind, 
 are touched? I do not know ; unless it be 
 that the warmth of gratitude may enervate 
 the mind at certain moments ; and that, when
 
 169 
 
 it cannot repay obligations by actions, it 
 speaks its sense of them through tears. 
 Mr. Fox said nothing. He was peculiarly 
 unwilling to ascribe any thing of a flattering 
 nature to himself, and was, generally, rather 
 embarrassed by any thing of that kind. How 
 very unlike the generality of celebrated men, 
 who but too often require applause and 
 flattery to feed their vanity. 
 
 On our last day's journey, and some hours 
 before we entered Paris, we finished Tom 
 Jones. This book had been our pleasant 
 companion, and we now took leave of it 
 with regret. I was not then aware, alas! 
 that I had closed its pages for ever — that I 
 should never again travel and read the 
 works of this excellent English author, in 
 the society of Mr. Fox ! I have never since 
 looked at the book, but it will be a memorial 
 to me of moments I can never hope to find 
 equalled: they are gone; and he who lis- 
 tened with such complacency and cheerful- 
 ness, shall not hear the voice of his friends, 
 and those dearest to him, again. But the 
 remembrance of this little tour am never die
 
 170 
 
 with those who travelled with him ! Caa 
 they forget his constant urbanity, t-1 e plea- 
 santness of his manners, and his easy partici- 
 pation, in all the gaieties of our journey ? 
 Always serene, always happy in himself, he 
 never incommoded or troubicu any one, and 
 those he had chosen as his companions, he 
 never failed to treat and acknowledge as 
 his equals. 
 
 I must not, however, omit to mention ano- 
 ther book I read a little on the road and at 
 Brussels. J allude to the Orlando Furioso of 
 Ariosta. Of this work Mr. Fox was exces- 
 sively fond ; and as I agreed with him in 
 this partiality, the reading some stanzas, and 
 conversing on the beauties of this delightful 
 poet, was another source of gratification 
 not to be passed by, in giving a sketch of 
 our short tour. Mr. Fox held Ariosta very 
 high, thinking him equal, in some respects, 
 to Virgil, and even his greatest of favorites, 
 Homer. The fertility of his fancy, and the 
 sublime and tender passages of his noble 
 poem, delighted him much : doubtless, the 
 charming language in which it is written,
 
 171 
 
 and of which he was, with much reason, 
 very fond, conduce to make the Orlando 
 Furioso of Ariosta one of the most capti- 
 vating of poems ; for as Greek may be 
 deemed among the ancients the finest and 
 most poetical of their languages, so the Ita- 
 lian, among moderns*, is beyond all competi- 
 tion, that which is best adapted to poetry 
 and the stage. 
 
 I now regret that I did not take the Iliad 
 or Odvssy with me. These works Mr. Fox 
 preferred to all others of the ancient classics ; 
 and, was a choice to have been made, would 
 have yielded all to have preserved them. 
 His letters show his strong admiration of 
 Homer ; and my readers will perceive in 
 them, that he estimated Euripides very 
 highly, and perhaps preferred him to all dra- 
 matic writers ; yet Homer was the great poet, 
 with him, who included every beauty, and 
 had the fewest defects in his work, of any 
 ancient or modern genius. 
 
 Had another tour taken place — had Mr. 
 Fox been spared health and life — had the
 
 172 
 
 calm of St. Anne's Hill not been exchanged 
 for public business and nightly debates at the 
 House of Commons, these divine works 
 might have been read in happier and still 
 more auspicious hours. 
 
 Mr. Fox anxiously desired to see Constan- 
 tinople, and, I am persuaded, would have 
 gone there, if peace and leisure had allowed 
 bim. He spoke not ambiguously upon the 
 subject, and when he said a little, it was 
 tantamount to a great deal from others ; at 
 least, there was a manner when he was quite 
 earnest, and anxious, that was most intelli- 
 gible, and was sure never to be belied, how- 
 ever distant the period of accomplishing it 
 might be. To have visited Constantinople 
 with Mr. Fox ; to have stood on the Ionian 
 shore, where Homer composed his noble 
 verses, and to have investigated that country 
 from whence that armament issued, whose 
 exploits he so admirably sung, would have 
 been a rare and enviable enjoyment ; — those 
 favourite volumes in which we read the 
 venerated author are lying before me. I 
 am carried in my fancy through the noble
 
 173 
 
 work, and can almost suppose myself sailing 
 through the Hellespont, looking out for 
 ruins, and listening for the sound of some 
 melancholy lyre, breathing its lament, and 
 accompanying the verses of Homer : it was 
 too great presumption to have hoped this, 
 but it is natural to reject it. Mr. Fox's 
 observation on the Iliad, made on the spot, 
 and those scenes where the principal actors 
 are represented as having struggled and 
 fought so long, would have been interest- 
 ing to every scholar, and every person of 
 feeling. What lover of Homer would not 
 delight to have accompanied him, even in 
 idea, to these classic spots, consecrated by 
 genius, and immortalized by time and gene- 
 ral consent. A cold critic's eye might detect 
 mistakes, and annihilate the fond imagina- 
 tion of walking on the ground, rendered 
 precious and venerable by Homer; but a 
 reasonable presumption would have sufficed, 
 I am sure, had this favourite plan of Mr. 
 Fox taken place, to have satisfied him as to 
 the ocenery, and shores once animated by 
 the contest of Grecians and Trojans. Achil- 
 les mourning over his lyre, on the lonelv
 
 w 
 
 shore ; Hector, a breathless corpse, dragged 
 round Troy ; the aged Friam begging for his 
 son's remains ; the clangor of arms ; the 
 vile but sublime machinery of heathen 
 deities; the innumerable touches from nature; 
 the very colouring of the sea ; the noise 
 of its waves ; all the similies of the divine 
 poet would revive, and, warmed by imagi- 
 nation's glowing power, have been felt as if 
 time had retroceded, Troy's towers stood 
 trembling before us, and all modern systems 
 and histories been blotted away, there can 
 be no doubt that the scene of action which 
 a poet celebrates, and has drawn his images 
 and descriptions, as much as possible, from, 
 and which is connected with history, must 
 be the proper spot for the perusal of his 
 poem. It was a characteristic of Mr. Fox, 
 that to all the acumen and knowledge of the 
 scholar and critic, he united the sensibility 
 and fire of the poet ; his remarks; therefore, 
 drawn forth on the theatre of Grecian and 
 •Trojan valour, would have had no common 
 interest. 
 
 If I may be permitted to suggest an idea
 
 175 
 
 quite my own. but,Ithink, corroborated by the 
 tenor of this great man's character, I should 
 be inclined to suggest that his intention of 
 going to Constantinople, was a strong symp- 
 tom of having neither expectation nor desire 
 of becoming minister. His indifTerence in 
 regard to power, was so unfeigned and so 
 great, that, I am persuaded, he looked for- 
 ward with more hope and more pleasure to 
 this future tour, than to any elevation which 
 his country could bestow. 
 
 The tour to Constantinople would not 
 have been like the short trip through Flanders 
 and Holland ; a year or two would have 
 been required. Constantinople, Ionia, Greece, 
 and the Grecian Isles, perhaps Egypt, would 
 have required a good deal of time ; and he 
 who had so well profited by the historian's 
 pages, would have found abundant oppor- 
 tunity for examination and reflection in these 
 countries. Had he travelled thus a few years, 
 the unanimous voice of these islands would 
 have called for him, and the misguided, but 
 well-meaning people of England, would 
 have recognised that with the energies pro-
 
 176 
 
 duced by a radical reform, and with the 
 abilities of Mr. Fox to wield them, they 
 might defy every enemy, and that, thus, the 
 monarch would be secured, and the people 
 relieved. The inscrutable ways of Heaven 
 denied this course of events; Constantinople 
 was not visited ; I lean over the Iliad and 
 Odyssy in silence ; I turn the leaves with 
 
 i 
 
 affectionate and mournful veneration ; I look 
 at them with a wandering eye ; their ho- 
 nored possessor no more his seen.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A S this sketch of our short tour to Paris 
 draws to a conclusion, I shall introduce 
 some remarks, which I hope will not be 
 deemed unapt or ill-placed. 
 
 On this tour Mr. Fox appeared to me in 
 quite a new light ; maintaining all the dig- 
 nity of his character, he was easy, affable, 
 and cheerful ; the little obstacles, disappoint- 
 ments, or unpleasantnesses, of the way never 
 ruffled him ; he paid all the bills in the dif- 
 ferent coins and reckoning of the different 
 countries, with astonishing facility ; never 
 occasioned any delay on the road ; and, con- 
 sulting the comfort and convenience of Mrs. 
 Fox in every thing, seemed willing to enjoy 
 every thing as we travelled, and to desire no 
 attendance or attention himself. 
 
 N
 
 J 78 
 
 Agriculture occupied a great deal of his 
 observation ; and the interest he took in it 
 was strong, and founded on his own prac- 
 tical knowledge. Nothing I admired more 
 in his character, at this time, than his entire 
 abandonment to the scenes and objects 
 around him. There was nothing of the 
 mere Englishman to be perceived ; the man 
 of science and fashion, an observer of nature, 
 pleased with every thing, a bigot to no 
 country, or prejudices, but an enlightened 
 gentleman, and the friend to his fellow crea- 
 ture, whether French, Dutch, or Flemish, 
 without cavilling at their manners, customs, 
 government, or religion. - 
 
 On the whole journey a reprimand, or in- 
 temperate w r ord, did not escape him ; and 
 though, from the extreme heat, and his be- 
 ing rather corpulent, he suffered inconve- 
 nience often, yet he never evinced the least 
 peevishness or impatience. I observed him, 
 both as to his own little party, and the 
 people on the road, to be, in all things, 
 eminently forbearing, and saw that he ev< n 
 put the best construction on things, and was
 
 179 
 
 the first to extenuate or find an apology for 
 deficiencies in others. 
 
 On the score of religion, I perceived that 
 he did not merely ioleratc, for that word 
 ill applied to bis disposition on sacred mat- 
 ters, but was truly benignant ; he conceived 
 that all human beings enjoyed the exercise 
 of religious worship, and the self-possession 
 of religious opinions, as a matter of right, 
 not to be controlled by their fellow men : 
 that inoffensive and good citizens did not 
 require the permission of others, for 
 this mental enjoyment, and that all were 
 entitled to honour the Deity, in a decent 
 and pious manner, without reflection 
 or reproach. There never escaped from his 
 lips one disrespectful word regarding religion; 
 never one doubtful smile was seen in his 
 countenance in a place of worship, or the 
 slightest derogation from a solemn and 
 respectful regard for all around him. 
 He was well aware how much nations, 
 families, and individuals, dislike interference 
 in the secret and conscientious worship of 
 the mind, when it communicates with God, 
 or communes with itself upon sacred sub- 
 
 n2
 
 180 
 
 jects : in fact, as a statesman he was too wise, 
 as a christian too charitable and sincere, as a 
 man too good and benevolent to wish to 
 meddle with religion, and become a spiritual 
 despot dictating, when every man who has 
 the pride and feelings of man, desires to be 
 left free. Had we travelled through the 
 Netherlands, pre-disposed to depreciate and 
 condemn every thing Catholic, how much 
 would our enjoyment have been diminished ? 
 The golden harvest would have waved less 
 luxuriantly, the people have been despised, 
 and their excellent husbandry and domestic 
 virtues been undervalued. — Had we again 
 disliked Presbyteriatiism, much of Holland 
 would have lost its charm, animated as it is 
 by commerce, and yet breathing the air, and 
 having the port of a republic ? Religious 
 antipathy is the most withering sentiment 
 which corrodes the mind, more bitter than 
 envy — more deep than hatred, and more 
 permanent than revenge — it distorts history 
 — perverts facts — and can be fully gratified 
 only by extermination. Through the fertile 
 and happy countries where we passed, I saw 
 much to 43>"ght and to instruct — saw their
 
 181 
 
 agriculture flourishing — theirhouses comfort- 
 able, and their people possessing much of 
 the solid enjoyments of life. I asked no one 
 was he a Catholic, or a Presbyterian, or a 
 Lutheran; — if every one was hospitable and 
 friendly, it would have been base to pry into 
 the interior of his mind, and require the cre- 
 dentials of faith to qualify him for civil so- 
 ciety. 
 
 Mr. Fox's love of paintings was another 
 disposition much conducive to his enjoyment 
 in travelling : in this there was nothing of 
 false taste : nature, not the favourite master, 
 being ever his guide, and the object of his 
 admiration. He relished much, also, the pic- 
 turesque and domestic scenes of real life, 
 was pleased with whatever had effect and 
 merit, and gave to every thing its peculiar 
 claim to it. Nothing is more valuable to the 
 traveller, than his love of pictures, be they 
 animated originals, or their faithful represen- 
 tations. With such a fund of enjoyment in 
 his breast, a man is constantly enjoying, as 
 he passes along ; and if he has none of the 
 anti-social prejudices alluded to above, he at
 
 182 
 
 no time possesses more real happiness than 
 in thus observing, and thus, in a thousand 
 ways, enriching his mind. 
 
 Mr. Fox, besides, was entertained with all 
 the species of minor comedy, which is so 
 constantly exhibiting in common life : he 
 was often amused, when others got angry ; 
 and he extracted entertainment from what 
 would much have incommoded gravity and 
 pride, or disturbed the temper of ordinary 
 travellers. 
 
 I have adverted to his knowledge of Bo- 
 tany and Agriculture, which also were 
 sources of great pleasure to him upon this 
 journey. There is no species of information 
 more useful to carry abroad than this ; I 
 should incline to thinkit almost indispensable; 
 for the various productions of nature, their 
 cultivation and uses, presentso much amuse- 
 ment to the traveller, and are so interesting 
 to him who is conversant in them, that a 
 great part of the benefit is lost to him who 
 goes abroad quite insensible to, and ignorant 
 of, the practical good of Agriculture. It is
 
 183 
 
 a science which interests all in society, — it 
 is a subject of the utmost importance to the 
 great landholder, to the man of moderate 
 fortune, to the farmer, and to the cottager, 
 and I may add to the man of feeling. 
 
 I observed, however, in this tour, that 
 military affairs, fortifications, sieges, fields 
 of battle, scenes of slaughter, &c. did not 
 at all interest Mr. Fox : if I had said, that 
 the latter disgusted him, I should not be 
 wrong. His mind turned to every object 
 connected with arts and sciences, but he 
 did not dwell with any satisfaction, upon 
 the bloody effects of human ambition and 
 discord. 
 
 With the qualities and dispositions I have 
 described, it would be superfluous to say, 
 that Mr. Fox's reflections and observations, 
 on this little journey, given to the public in a 
 perfect state, and written at length, would 
 have been invaluable: he wrote a short 
 journal of dates and distances, which is 
 not deemed complete or interesting enough 
 to submit to the public eye, having no
 
 184 
 
 intention beyond a little book of memoran* 
 dum for his own private recurrence. 
 
 As our last day's journey was wearing 
 away, I could not avoid meditating on the 
 history of the last ten years. Recollecting 
 that we had now left the conquests of 
 France, more incorporated, and identified 
 with herself, I could not but reflect on her 
 career, and how short her stride, from anar- 
 chy to permanent government, the form of a 
 mighty empire. In 1796 Buonapartehad com- 
 menced his Italian campaigns, and in 1800, 
 he had attained supreme power. We were 
 shortly to see this celebrated, and now ele- 
 vated character, and the government and 
 forms, rising from a new order of things. 
 It was not, however, without painful ima- 
 ginations, that one approached the city of 
 Paris. The recollection of the multitude 
 of lives immolated upon the shrine of san- 
 guinary ambition, was almost appalling. The 
 best and most enlightened patriots swept 
 off in one common ruin, — their remains un- 
 honoured, and their families living in ob- 
 scurity, indigence, and misery. It was a,
 
 185 
 
 sickening, yet unavoidable reflection. And 
 is this city, I meditated, — is this city to be 
 stamped with infamy, and marked with blood 
 for ever ? Are the massacres, and religions 
 wars of old times, too, to rise up, and add 
 to these frightful thoughts? the cold-blooded 
 tyranny of Louis the 11th — the dreadful era 
 of Charles the 9th — his perfidious mother — ■ 
 and of Henry the 3d. — the ambitious ge- 
 nius keeping alive the flame of discord. — the 
 despotism of Richelieu, the profligate Regent-— 
 Louis the 15th enervating their minds, and 
 ruining their government — the Carlovingian 
 and Capetian races now extinct- — the last of 
 the reigning Caputs mouldering in some dis- 
 regarded spot, the victim of the crimes of 
 his ancestors, and to the presumption of a 
 blind confederacy, who encouraged and 
 prompted his want of good faith, and could 
 not support him in the hands of an enraged 
 
 people, — and Buonaparte, the first 
 
 consul of France, was not to be forgotten 
 at the moment of entering Paris. Re- 
 specting that great man, I felt a thousand 
 mixed sensations, — attached to liberty, and 
 execrating those who trample it down, I was
 
 186 
 
 tempted to pronounce him its greatest 
 enemy, to almost abjure the idea of seeing 
 him, and in fancied vindication of the 
 republic of France's wrongs, to consign him 
 to contempt and indifference. But where 
 am I wandering ? If Buonaparte be an 
 usurper, it is France which must pronounce 
 him such, — it is France which must punish, — 
 it is France which must dethrone. A stranger 
 travels to improve his mind, converse with 
 men of genius, and to view what is curious 
 and interesting. He is not to kindle his 
 anger against governments, or to allow him- 
 self the liberty of insulting, or lowering the 
 heads of nations. By these meditations, I 
 calmed the wrath of that zeal which was 
 blinding me ; and, remembering the descrip- 
 tion of the wise Ulysses, 
 
 I considered that knowledge was the great 
 object, and that: passion interfering must be 
 very adverse to a clear view of things. My 
 reader may easily anticipate the remark, that 
 any companion of Mr. Fox would, if not
 
 187 
 
 incorrigibly stupid, imbibe such a mode 
 of thinking respecting foreign powers 
 and their rulers. Never did this illustrious 
 man appear more truly dignified than in 
 speaking on such subjects ; his memory, run- 
 ning over history with ease and felicity, 
 furnished him with ample demonstration, 
 that civil wars end usually in the domination 
 of a successful general, and he thought it 
 idle to lament over this inevitable effect. 
 
 I recollect in a conversation with him, 
 comparing Buonaparte to Augustus, on his 
 attainment of power, — "Surely not so cruel!" 
 was his remark in reply. At the time it 
 seemed to me a just parallel, but it does not 
 now. I agree with Mr. Fox now, that there 
 is not the cruelty ; and, disdaining the cry 
 raised to inflame the vulgar mind, do not at 
 all think it necessary to exclaim against vices 
 we have no proof of, or cruelties very dif- 
 ficult to be ascertained, if practised at all. 
 
 But as Paris appeared in view, all my reflec- 
 tions gave way to pleasurable ideas. I re- 
 joiced that the streets were no longer deluged
 
 18S 
 
 with blood, and that this ingenious and ele- 
 gant people reposed under a permanent 
 government; and the amazing scene of 
 splendour and novelty which I was touching, 
 gave me an indescribable anxiety to be per- 
 mitted to view its wonders. Although I had 
 paid due homage to the solid glories of 
 Flanders, and was of opinion with the ex* 
 cellent author of many invaluable works 
 upon agriculture, " that in estimating hu- 
 man happiness, it is not a bad rule to sup- 
 pose that where there is most show and 
 splendour there is least enjoyment;" yet I 
 was very sensible to the advantages of a 
 temporary elevation, such as mine, in society, 
 which gave me an opportunity, with the 
 countenance, and under the protection 
 of England's most valued character upon the 
 continent, of beholding every thing inte- 
 resting in Paris. 
 
 Our books were now laid aside. The 
 busy town was before us. Entering one of 
 the Fauxbourgs, we passed through the 
 triumphal arch erected, I think, for Louis 
 the 14th, and shortly found ourselves at the
 
 189 
 
 Hotel de Richelieu, which had been engaged 
 for Mr. Fox. It was a striking fact, at our 
 first opening our eyes in Paris, to find our- 
 selves in the hotel of the ci-devant Marechat 
 Due de Richelieu, one of the first and 
 oldest peers of France, under the old 
 regime. The apartments were superb, the 
 garden very pretty,- and an air of gran- 
 deur reigned through the whole. This 
 was now a common hotel. Such was 
 one prominent effect of a revolution, hurling 
 the nobility and higher orders from affluence, 
 and a most disproportionate height above the 
 people, down to want and degradation. 1 be- 
 lieve no change I had seen on the continent 
 had struck me so much. I felt doubtful where 
 I was. The furniture was superb, the rich silk 
 hangings were elegantly disposed, the mir- 
 rors were noble, and the toute ensemble 
 quite worthy of its former noble owners. 
 I expected to meet a marechal of France of 
 the old time, at every turn, and almost doubt- 
 ed whether taking a turn in the garden was 
 not too great a liberty. The shade of de- 
 parted greatness seemed every where. There 
 was much of the mournful in this, and of a
 
 190 
 
 very peculiar kind ;— death, melancholy as it 
 is, is not half so much so as that dreary void, 
 occasioned by absence and calamity ! One 
 searches every where for something wanting, 
 and which might be restored — one perceives 
 traces of former happiness rudely inter- 
 rupted — one asks, where is the owner of 
 these deserted walls; and shall he not return ? 
 
 Two or three of Mr. Fox's friends came 
 to him on the evening of his arrival : and in 
 seeing this great man happy, and amongst his 
 dear English friends and companions, the 
 mournful impressions I had received, upon 
 entering the hotel de Richelieu, wore away. 
 I grew reconciled to the mansion of the an- 
 cient noble. New and pleasant thoughts, 
 created by the visitors to Mr. Fox, began to 
 arise. I forgot the Marechal Due de Riche- 
 lieu — the French revolution — its calamities 
 and consequences ! Amidst all the ease of 
 polished society, the independence of the 
 Englishmen was perceptible on all sides — 
 much was said of the amusements, and of 
 the wonders of Paris, very little of the great 
 man. There is a noble air of liberty amongst 
 the nobility and higher classes of English-
 
 191 
 
 men, which, added to their other accomplish- 
 ments, make them appear the most respect- 
 able of their class in Europe. I was not 
 sorry to see, and to admire this in Paris ; nor 
 was I less pleased to observe Mr. Fox's old 
 and constant friends around him. So little 
 was this truly great man solicitous about the 
 movements of courts, or the attentions they 
 bestow, that 1 am satisfied he did not bestow 
 one thought, this happy evening, upon that 
 of St. Cloud. He was very cheerful, and well 
 pleased at having ended his journey — re- 
 joiced that Mrs. Fox was quite well, notwith- 
 standing great inconvenience from heat — and 
 animated by the novel scene, and variety of 
 objects, crowding upon his attention. 
 
 The delightful climate of Paris added to 
 the charm. We supped in the garden of the 
 hotel. Towards the end of August no mois- 
 ture, no wind incommoded us : all was serene 
 and mild — nothing could be more delicious — 
 the fatigues of the journey were past — and 
 we turned to a new scene, with health un- 
 hurt, and spirits increased. Between eleven 
 and twelve, retiring to rest, we rested calmlv,
 
 192 
 
 having now completed a little tour, which, 
 if exceeded in variety, extent, and duration, 
 by others, was as rational and pleasing, and 
 comprized within it as much of social enjoy- 
 ment, and of useful observation, as any ever 
 undertaken. 

 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 'l^HE various points of attraction in Paris 
 irresistibly drew the mind in different di- 
 rections. The new government, just rendered 
 permanent and hereditary in Buonaparte, was 
 presenting itself to the public eye. Under it, 
 the stern republican and angry royalist were 
 ranging themselves, unable to struggle against 
 an order of things, emerging from that 
 chaos of conflicting interests, which until 
 now had agitated the interior of France. 
 
 The imposing character of Buonaparte, a 
 warrior and a statesman of no common note, 
 had acquired an ascendancy which he was 
 admirably qualified to maintain. " You en- 
 deavoured," said he to Monsieur La Fayette, 
 on his thanking him for his liberation from 
 the dungeons of Germany, " to establish the 
 solecism of a monarch at the head of a re- 
 public." A thing he conceived illusive and 
 vain ; yet lie was now himself making the 
 
 o
 
 194 
 
 practical experiment of a military president 
 at the helm for life, with a nation organ- 
 ized for military as much as civil purposes. 
 
 I soon heard it whispered that the Con- 
 sulship for life was but a preliminary step 
 to the assumption of higher dignity, and that 
 the title of Emperor of the Gauls was that 
 to which the first consul aspired. It was not 
 then credited, but no one could say it was 
 improbable or impossible. All this at first 
 seemed to me an outrage upon liberty, but 
 reflection came again to the aid of my judg- 
 ment, and required a fair investigation of 
 the state of France, before decision. If fluc- 
 tuation of councils be most dangerous at all 
 times, it is more peculiarly so in a new state, 
 unqualified by Roman simplicity, and gran- 
 deur of character, to produce successive great 
 men, with the same purity of motives and 
 vigour of conduct. A directory of five or 
 three, changed by rotation and election, was 
 not only an unwise, but an unsafe form of 
 executive government, and a permanency for 
 life, in someone person, was required. 
 
 There is no doubt but that at this time
 
 195 
 
 the fixing of" the consulship for life, had a 
 good effect upon the continent, and added 
 much to the respect and dignity of France, 
 in foreign courts. Peace contributed to 
 make the event more striking. The Euro- 
 pean powers, fatigued with their fruitless 
 coalitions against France, and discovering 
 that their warfare had but invigorated and 
 aggrandized her, had laid down the sword. 
 The ambassadors from all nations crowded 
 to Paris to pay their congratulations to the 
 first consul, on his accession to permanent 
 and supreme power. After an unparalleled 
 struggle of more than ten years, France 
 could not but see with exultation, grounded 
 on a sense of self- preservation, and of vast 
 and glorious conquests combined, her capital 
 thus crowded, and her safety and her pre-emi- 
 nence so triumphantly achieved ! It was pri- 
 vately stated, that when Buonaparte returned 
 from Egypt, and that the change of govern- 
 ment was in agitation, he, Moreau, and 
 Joubert, had been thought of as fit heads for 
 the republic ; that the latter had been nomi- 
 nated by the party who conceived that a mili- 
 tary character was requisite at the head of the 
 nation, and that after he lost his life in battle, 
 
 o2
 
 190 
 
 Moreau and Buonaparte were those 
 to whom the armies alone, subsequently, 
 looked up, but the former was induced, 
 by the latter's persuasions, to yield his pre- 
 tensions to him. Withoutvouching for this, 
 I cannot assent to the opinion that Buona- 
 parte could have had any competitor of a 
 formidable nature, either upon being chosen 
 first consul, or upon his attaining the consul- 
 ship for life. 
 
 Moreau was the onlv rival he had, but 
 he was too indolent, and too unfit to be the 
 head of a party to give him much trouble. 
 Moreau, however, even at this brilliant 
 moment for Buonaparte, enjoyed a high 
 reputation with the army and nation, and I 
 am quite satisfied, afterwards lost all his 
 reputation and weight by mismanagement 
 and imbecility, very inconsistent with his 
 former character. Sufficient, however, may be 
 deduced from these opinions, having existed 
 in France, if the facts are disputable, to shew 
 that it was the general sense of the French, 
 that one person as the head of the executive 
 was wanted, and whether Joubert, Moreau, 
 «ar Buonaparte, had been selected, that a
 
 197 
 
 change was in contemplation as necessary 
 and indispensable ; the consulship for life 
 was but a modification of the measure, and 
 Buonaparte in procuring it, seemed not much 
 to shock the feelings of the people, nor did 
 he violate any constitution, as there was 
 none of permanence to be assailed by him. 
 
 The approaching levee at the Thuilleries, 
 which was held every month, as it was the 
 first after this remarkable Era, which pro- 
 mised to be a memorable one for France, 
 we accordingly understood would be most 
 splendid and numerous. Already we per- 
 ceived the English were treated with marked 
 civility and kindness, and the great rival 
 nation, England, was considered as the equal 
 of France, (and all others as inferiors) 
 in glory and political importance. 
 
 The appearance of Paris w r as to me pleas- 
 ing, though the narrowness of the streets, 
 and the want of foot-ways on each side, 
 were unpleasant symptoms of a former dis- 
 regard to the health and comfort of the 
 people. As yet no liveries upon servants, 
 or arms upon carriages were seen ; a rcpub-
 
 198 
 
 lican and respectable plainness met the eye , 
 the contrast of glaring opulence, and decent 
 mediocrity, was not manifest, and this agree* 
 able effect of the revolution remained, whilst 
 rei tuning good sense had also corrected that 
 frightful extreme of slovenliness, and neg- 
 lec of dress, which a republican mania had 
 consecrated, as a test of principle, and a 
 mark of patriotism ! 
 
 The new embroidered dress of the muni- 
 cipal officers, caught my eye in the streets ; 
 I found myself in Paris, the seat of so many 
 Bourbons, once almost adored, now blotted 
 from the calendar of Sovereigns, and a new 
 throne quietly erecting at the Thuilleries ; 
 a new dynasty, securely placing its feet upon 
 the steps, and the recently-appointed officers 
 of government, performing their functions. 
 One could not but feel it a very novel mo- 
 ment in the metropolis of a great nation ; 
 the whole state machinery was opening to 
 the view ; every wheel was beginning to 
 move ; the first impulse -was given, and the 
 organized mass, obeying the master hand, 
 received motion gradually, and imparted it 
 through the whole French territory. This
 
 199 
 
 operation in society, was not the less curious, 
 because it was taking place without noise 
 or agitation. The wearied nation tacitly 
 approved ; peace was facilitating the work, 
 and the fortunate director who presided, 
 seemed necessitated to raise himself, to pre- 
 serve, unhurt, the stupendous fabric upon 
 which hung the happiness and security of 
 millions. Such were my thoughts, — I felt 
 almost giddy at the view ; the destiny of 
 forty millions was arranging before my eyes ; 
 it was quite impossible for a number of Eng- 
 lishmen to meet, and to forbear saying, how 
 astonishing ; — what a business has been 
 accomplished by William Pitt ; — what a 
 friend has he been to the fortunes of Buo- 
 naparte. 
 
 Another striking result, also, of the coa- 
 lition war awaited us in Paris. Here all was 
 gold and silver. In London, a few guineas 
 were with great difficulty procured from a 
 banker, as a matter of favour ; in Paris, the 
 banker gave you your choice, silver or 
 gold, and both were plentiful ; England hav-
 
 200 
 
 ing nothing but paper, and France nothing 
 but gold and silver ; a fact which spoke very 
 intelligible language. How much should I 
 have rejoiced that Mr. Pitt, accompanied 
 by some vociferating members of parliament, 
 or interested merchants, had been led to a 
 Parisian banker's desk, and interrogated 
 upon this difference. 
 
 The phenomenon of abundance of gold 
 and silver in France, and of nothing to be 
 seen but paper in England, gave a short and 
 pithy demonstration, how much the con- 
 dition of the first had improved ; how much 
 the latter had deteriorated in the course 
 of the coalition war. The English minis- 
 ter's declarations proved, as well as those 
 of the Bank, to be promises which were 
 never to be paid. This plain proof addressed 
 to the senses, was of mighty value, after a 
 contest, wherein right and wrong, practica- 
 ble and impossible, true and false, had been 
 so much confounded, that men began to 
 .oirust their own understandings. 
 
 The stranger's first visit is probably to
 
 201 
 
 his banker, and his next is to the theatre. 
 As Mr. Fox found himself happily re-united 
 to Lord Holland and his family, after a con- 
 siderable separation, we dined with them, 
 and in the evening went to the theatre 
 Francois. Upon entering a French theatre 
 for the first time, an Englishman iinds a 
 good deal to reconcile himself to. The want 
 of powerful light throughout the house, in- 
 tended to give greater effect to the stage, 
 offends his taste at first, but he will end in 
 approving, if he be not determined to prefer 
 all the customs of England. The darkness 
 of the house, where the audience sit, gives 
 greater effect to the brilliancy of the stage. 
 Whoever has viewed with rapture the lofty 
 sides of a distant glen, illuminated by an 
 evening sun, whilst the country and the 
 nearer parts were in shade, may conceive 
 how much more effective and agreeable to 
 nature's best appearance, this manner of 
 lighting the French stage is, than that of 
 throwing a noon-day glare over every object, 
 and dest roving all contrast as well as shade. 
 
 It is at a Parisian theatre that the character 
 of the people is truly displayed. The most
 
 202 
 
 profound attention, the liveliest sensibility, 
 the enthusiastic encouragement, afforded to 
 the favourite or promising actors or actress- 
 ses,— ^-the instant reprobation and punishment 
 of noise or tumult — tears flowing profusely 
 and unchecked, from male and female spec- 
 tators, at every pathetic and affecting pas- 
 sage of the piece, if tragic ; with unrestrained 
 cheerfulness, if comic : — and a just and ho- 
 nourable sympathy with every noble and 
 grand sentiment,— proved to, me that this 
 people deserved the character they have so 
 long established on the continent for taste 
 and elegance. 
 
 The piece we saw was Jndromaque, in 
 which Mademoiselle Duschenois, as Her- 
 mione, obtained and deserved great applause. 
 The French declamation is at first rather 
 painful to an English ear, and I think a less- 
 measured style, and studied tone, would 
 much improve it. The unpleasantness wore 
 quickly off, however, and I venture to pro- 
 nounce that the passion, gesture, and tones, 
 the gracefulness and sublime energy, which 
 distinguish the French stage, are unrivalled. 
 The shortness of the intervals between the
 
 203 
 
 acts are peculiarly favourable to preserving 
 the interests ef the play. The actors seem to 
 be hurried on by the torrent of their feelings ; 
 there is no looking at the audience, and stu- 
 dying to catch their applause; but the action 
 is maintained with such animation, that one 
 may forget their situation, and conceive our- 
 selves overhearing the dialogue, and witnesses 
 pf actual events in human life, 
 
 Mr. Fox enjoyed the French theatre very 
 much ; and as Racine was his favourite dra- 
 matic author, we went very shortly again to 
 see " Phcdra' performed at the same theatre. 
 My readers, who know the Greek original, 
 from whence Racine has taken his play, are 
 acquainted with the interesting character of 
 Phcdra in Euripides. They may imagine that 
 I could not go in such company, and to such 
 a performance, without a lively and anxious 
 solicitude. I had, along with Mr. Fox, much 
 admired the Phcdra of Euripides — there is 
 something so touching in her despair, and 
 the passion of love is so powerfully pour- 
 tray ed by the author, that 1 had long viewed 
 it as a master-piece. On tins occasion, too, 
 I prepared myself, by reading Phcdra previ-
 
 201 
 
 ously aloud to Mrs. Fox, who wished to hear 
 me read it :o her ; which precaution, to those 
 who may hereafter visit Paris, I recommend 
 very strongly : if the ear is not very familiar 
 with the language and declamation, some 
 of the beauties may be lost, and the interest 
 of the play be somewhat weakened. 
 
 As I considered that I should see a classic 
 performance of Phedra, and that the French 
 actors were assimilated to those of Greece, 
 in passion and energy, my expectation was 
 much raised, and I prepared myself with all 
 my enthusiasm for the Greek stage, for a 
 lively exhibition of its beauties. Mr. Fox 
 was a good deal amused, and not displeased 
 at this enthusiasm. On this occasion, he was 
 very soon recognized by the audience in the 
 Pit : every eye was fixed on him, and 
 every tongue resounded Fox ! Fox! — The 
 whole audience stood up, and the applause 
 was universal. He, alone, to whom all this 
 admiration was paid, was embarrassed. His 
 friends w r ere gratified by the honour bestowed 
 on this great man, by a foreign, and till lately 
 hostile people. It was that reward which 
 crowned heads cannot purchase — respect and
 
 205 
 
 gratitude from his fellow men, for his exer- 
 tions in favour of humanity, and an honour- 
 able peace. So unwilling vvas Mr. Fox to 
 receive the applause as personal, that he could 
 not be prevailed upon to stand forward ; nor 
 when his name, repeatedly pronounced, left 
 no doubt of the matter, could he bring him- 
 self to make any obedience or gesture of 
 thanks. No man had ever less vanity, or ra- 
 ther was so totally devoid of it as Mr. Fox, 
 and, perhaps, through the genuine modesty 
 of his nature, he seemed deficient, on this 
 occasion, in respect to the audience. 
 
 As the play proceeded, Phedra, the unfor- 
 tunate and interesting Phedra, seized upon 
 our attention. Mademoiselle Duschenois was 
 in some parts very happy, and her dress was 
 antique and correct. When she became over 
 whelmed with languor, sickness, and love ; 
 when she says, 
 
 " Otcz ces vains ornemens," 
 
 her tone of despair and abandonment was 
 inimitable; as also when raising her eyes with 
 fixed melancholy, she exclaims, 
 
 " So\cn\ jc te vois pour la dcrniere fois."
 
 206 
 
 Her scene with her nurse, when she struggles 
 to conceal, yet wishes to tell, the name of him 
 she in silence adored, — the burst of 
 
 " C'est toi, qui l'a nominee/ 
 
 was most naturally uttered. 
 
 The Phedra of Racine was a character 
 much admired by Mr. Fox ; he conceived it 
 an improvement, in many respects, upon that 
 of Euripides, and we returned home, much 
 gratified by this representation of it. The 
 acting w T as very good, and it will be long ere 
 memory yields up the varied impressions of 
 that night. 
 
 We saw the first consul in his box for the 
 first time : the light was thrown from the 
 stage upon his face, so as to give an unfavor- 
 able and ghastly effect. I could not judge 
 well of his countenance. He was received 
 with some applause, but much inferior to 
 that bestowed on Mr. Fox.
 
 ( 207 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TVTO one could be in Paris, and not feel a 
 powerful desire to view those produc- 
 tions of art and genius, the accumulated 
 fruits of successful war. Shortly after our 
 arrival, therefore, we hastened to the mu- 
 seum of pictures in the Louvre. Mr. Fox 
 smiled as he entered, and seemed plainly 
 to say, here are the fruits of conquest ! 
 What an elevation has been given to France ! 
 
 It was, in truth, stupendous ; and most 
 wonderful to behold the immense gallery of 
 the Louvre covered with the choicest paint- 
 ings of Italy, Germany, Flanders, and Hol- 
 land. It is quite impossible to convey an 
 idea of this magnificent sight. All nations
 
 208 
 
 have at times availed themselves of the 
 opportunities afforded by conquest, to carry 
 off rich spoils, and adorn their triumphs, 
 their temples, and their metropolis wjth 
 them. The French, in this case, did hut 
 follow their example ; and it was, undoubt- 
 edly, a stroke of good policy, to make Paris so 
 rich in this respect, that opulent strangers 
 might be attracted from all countries in 
 times of peace. This stupendous collection 
 of paintings, as well as of statues and busts, 
 was thrown open to the public gratis : many 
 of the meanest inhabitants of Paris, decently 
 clad, were seen walking about, and enjoying 
 this wonderful display of art. Sentinels, placed 
 at the doors, admitted everv bodv, and with 
 that politeness, common to the French sol- 
 diery, and so very desirable at places of pub- 
 lic exhibition, directed to the proper entrance 
 all who applied for admittance. This libe- 
 rality, worthy of a national exhibition, was a 
 pleasing prelude to the magnificent sight, 
 which instantly presented itself. The arrange- 
 ment of the whole was formed with the 
 greatest care, and no picture has been allowed 
 to be placed in this col section, but such as
 
 209 
 
 had been approved of by a select com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Mr. Fox manifested inexpressible pleasure 
 on entering : here his fine taste, and perfect 
 knowledge of paintings, had an ample 
 field ; and he frequently afterwards repaired 
 to the museum, at the Louvre, with increas- 
 ing delight. In fact, the gallery was so 
 long that, at first, the spectator was dazzled 
 and overcome, and incapable of rightly 
 enjoying the glorious view of such a 
 multitude of the noblest productions in the 
 world : it required time, and repeated visits, 
 to possess oneself by degrees of all the 
 innumerable excellencies of this wonderful 
 collection. I am sure that a six months* 
 residence in Paris would not have been 
 more than sufficient for this purpose. 
 The statues, which were excellently arranged 
 in apartments below, were, if possible, more 
 interesting than the pictures. There we 
 saw the productions of Greece and Rome ; 
 the Belvidere Apollo breathing fire, and 
 with a super-human air, starting forward, 
 and filling the mind with sacred awe ! the 
 
 p
 
 210 
 
 struggling Laocoon, agonized by paternal 
 sorrow, and corporeal pain ! Demosthenes, 
 Menander, Socrates ; these, and many others, 
 formed a still more interesting, though not 
 so astonishing, an exhibition as that 
 above : both are greatly calculated to improve 
 and refine the public taste : the frequent 
 viewing of them must sensibly operate 
 even upon the most uniformed minds. 
 Artists were permitted to study and copy, 
 and every facility was afforded them in their 
 pursuits. Paris at this time had drawn to it 
 many of England's eminent painters and 
 amateurs. They, of course, were often 
 found at the Louvre, and the conversations 
 and remarks in such a scene were instructive 
 and pleasing. 
 
 I have heard Mr. Fox, in company with 
 Mr. West, and the lamented Mr. Opie, at dif- 
 ferent times, maintain animated discussions 
 on the merits of the various painters of the 
 Italian and Flemish schools. He was quite 
 master of these subjects, an J was much 
 pleased with such discussions. On these 
 occasions, he displayed great vivacity and
 
 21 i 
 
 judgment ; and it was quite an agreeable, as 
 well as novel thing, to hear the profound 
 statesman and politician unbend himself 
 with men of genius : professed painters 
 examine every shade of error, every degree 
 of excellency, and, with all the poet's feel- 
 ing, and the painter's judgment, decide upon 
 them. This may be thought, however, the 
 less surprizing, if the strong connection 
 between the arts of poetry and painting be 
 taken into the question. 
 
 Mr. Fox's passionate love of the poets 
 has already been noticed. He who has the 
 soul of a poet, must feel strongly, and 
 discriminate well, in regard to painting. I 
 shall mention a few of the pictures most 
 liked and studied by him. 
 
 St. Roch in Prison. 
 
 Virgin and Child Asleep. 
 
 Colouring and Design. 
 
 Saints protectors of Boulogne. 
 
 Paris and Hebe. 
 
 Massacre, of the Innocents. 
 
 Head of Christ. — Guido. 
 
 p 2
 
 212 
 
 Martyrdom of St. Peter. — Titian. 
 
 St. Jerome. 
 
 St. Agnes. — Domcnichino. 
 
 Holy Family. — Corregio. 
 
 Transfiguration. — Raphael. 
 
 Descent from the Cross. 
 
 Crucifixion. — Rubens. 
 
 Le Defaite de Porus. — Le Brim. 
 
 Attending the Sick. — Gerard Dow. 
 
 St. Petronille. 
 
 Circumcision. — Guerckino. 
 
 Of the pictures which Mr. Fox most ad- 
 mired, hisgreatest favourite was the St. Jerome 
 of Domenichino: nothing, indeed, can be 
 more excellent. The old man, worn out and 
 exhausted, is communicating for the last 
 time, perhaps * his devotion is so pure and 
 fervent, that, though his emaciated form 
 seems scarce capable of retaining the fleeting 
 breath of the venerable saint, yet this sacred 
 religious rite reanimates him ; the trembling 
 hand which is extended to receive the sacra- 
 ment ; the reviving look ; the adoration and 
 hope in the countenance ; the effort to raise 
 himself up, and the serene air of conso-
 
 213 
 
 lation, which appears to have soothed every 
 pang, and converted pain and sickness into 
 placid joy, have the most happy effect pos- 
 sible. Often has Mr. Fox stood admiring 
 this noble production ; — often and often has 
 he returned to view it, and again was I 
 myself induced to consider how much, and 
 in every way, had this great man been mis- 
 represented. He who had been held forth 
 as devoid of principle, a revolutionist, and 
 contemner of civil and religious establish- 
 ments, was here, unaffectedly, bestowing 
 his warmest admiration upon the affecting 
 representation of the celebration of the 
 most sacred of Christian rites. I myself 
 felt some surprize, though without reason, 
 unless that the impressions made upon the 
 public in England to Mr. Fox's disadvantage, 
 had imperceptibly taken possession of my 
 mind, and that I had, unawares to myself, con- 
 ceived that he was but very slightly tinctured 
 with religious feeling. With the St. Jerome 
 of Domenichino, Mr. Fox was never wea- 
 ried ; it was the object in the museum 
 which most fixed him; and, as I have beheld 
 him frequently indifferent and unmoved,
 
 214 
 
 amidst the splendour and flattery of a court, 
 and of crowds of persons of rank, before 
 this admirable picture, I ever saw him filled 
 with unfeigned rapture. It may be well 
 imagined, that it was not the inimitable fide- 
 lity and exquisite representation of nature 
 in the emaciated saint, so much as the ex- 
 pression and tone of the picture, which 
 arrested the attention of such a mind as 
 Mr. Fox's. With Mrs. Fox and myself he 
 has often stood pointing out the beauties, 
 and dwelling on the divine effect of the piece : 
 his wish extended no farther than to com- 
 municate his sentiments, and awaken the 
 observation of his domestic circle respect- 
 ing the value of this interesting chef d'eeuvre 
 of art* and awful delineation of a dying 
 christian father of the primitive church. 
 His powerful and unclouded intellect dwelt 
 upon it with secret gratification, and, in 
 contemplating it, all thought of politics, of 
 the ambition of kings, and elevation of 
 generals, was totally lost. 
 
 Nothing could be more genuine, too, 
 than his admiration of paintings ; it was
 
 215 
 
 not the over-acted rapture of the connoisseur 
 panting for reputation, but the warm and 
 natural homage to genius and nature, which 
 he paid to Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Guido, 
 or Domenichino, as well as to Homer, Virgil, 
 or Ariosto. 
 
 Two days after our arrival in Paris, we 
 went to see the Palace of Versailles. This 
 stupendous edifice stands a grand and indeed 
 an awful monument of the ostentation of a 
 haughty dynasty, secure of a long undis- 
 turbed sway for ages to come, "VVe did not 
 go into the palace, as it was stripped of its 
 furniture, and this cumbrous pile seemed 
 little to suit Mr. Fox's taste. A great pro- 
 fusion of orange trees were still in fine 
 preservation in the gardens. The water- 
 works were out of order; there was ^ 
 dreary silence around, and nothing interest- 
 ing in the scene. The pride of despotism had 
 erected a mansion for its display of pomp : 
 a galled and oppressed people had paid, with 
 the fruit of their labour, for its erection : here 
 theirhaughty and unfeeling Kings rioted, and 
 forgetting the miseries of their subjects, added
 
 216 
 
 to them by their selfish extravagance, and 
 bestowed on profligate courtiers what would 
 have made merit happy, and caused genius 
 to expand and bloom ! There was nothing 
 to regret. The vacuum, which had taken 
 place of royal revelry, and crowds of cour- 
 tiers, was dull, but not distressing to the feel- 
 ings. I did not wonder that Mr. Fox 
 viewed the scene with indifference, and I 
 felt no disappointment at our leaving it 
 without exploring the empty apartments of 
 the Palace. 
 
 We went afterwards to the Petit Trianon, 
 formerly a favourite residence, as a little 
 country retreat of the unfortunate Queen 
 of Louis the 16th. It was now a tavern. 
 The gilding and ornaments still decorated 
 many of the rooms ; and the gardens, which 
 were very pretty, and formed after the 
 English manner, exhibited many vestiges of 
 rural taste and elegance. Here the lovely 
 and unfortunate Maria Antoinette had often 
 dressed as a shepherdess, enjoyed, along with 
 a private circle, in rural habits, and exchanged 
 the fatigues of royalty for innocent and
 
 217 
 
 humble amusements. Mr. and Mrs. Fox 
 were much pleased with these gardens. 
 There was great simplicity in them, and 
 the interest excited by them was different 
 indeed from the sensation at Versailles. 
 The ruined cottage and grass-grown walk, 
 where the Queen had once passed her hap- 
 piest hours, were mournful records of this 
 charming and unfortunate woman's melan- 
 choly fall. 
 
 A large party dined at the Petit Trianon 
 this day, and walked through the gardens 
 previous to dinner. General Fitzpatrick, the 
 early and constant friend of Mr. Fox, in whom 
 elegance and acumen of taste, polished 
 and dignified manners, and unaffected good- 
 ness, were united : whose mind embraced 
 the range of poetry and criticism, and whose 
 attachment to liberty and Fox were rational,, 
 steady, and unchanged was one of the com- 
 pany. Lord Robert Spencer, another 
 valuable and cherished friend of Mr. Fox, 
 possessing the genuine dignity of the noble- 
 man ; accurate in judgment, plain in manners, 
 friendly in his deportment ; saying at times
 
 218 
 
 but little, but always speaking with discri- 
 mination and good sense ; benignant and 
 unassuming, be left to others the glare of 
 words, and rested tranquilly upon his sin- 
 cerity, and intrinsic value for that estima- 
 tion he merited. Lord Holland, whose pre- 
 sence, was always pleasing and grateful to 
 Mr. Fox, and who enlivened society by play- 
 ful and happy remarks, Lady Holland, and 
 other persons of distinction were there. 
 
 I could have wished to have walked in 
 these gardens alone, or that Mr. Fox's family' 
 only had been there ! The tone of melan- 
 choly, which is generated by memorials, 
 however simple, of the misfortunes and 
 departed happiness of others, does not agree 
 with the gaiety of large parties ; the respect 
 due to calamity makes one wish to reflect 
 in silence ; to wander with one or two 
 through the abode of those whose long 
 absence is marked by desolation and neglect. 
 The feelings, the scene, and the company, 
 ought all to harmonize, where a strong asso- 
 ciation of ideas produces affecting recollec- 
 tions. I was glad to get a little apart from
 
 219 
 
 the brilliant party, who conversed beneath 
 the fine trees, which sheltered them from a 
 burning sun. I felt inclined to look back 
 on the hapless queen's past life with tender 
 indulgence. This altered scene of playful 
 mirth and tranquil enjoyment, inspired one 
 with a favourable opinion of her mind; she 
 was not cruel, vindictive, or treacherous ; 
 all the feelings of a female, were in her alive 
 and unperverted ; indulgence, and the luxury 
 of a court, like that of France, spoiled and 
 enfeebled her mind; but she who took plea- 
 sure in this charming, and unostentatious 
 retreat, and relished the adorning and 
 improving a little spot, dedicated to peace 
 and rural retirement, did not deserve to 
 expiate common errors upon a scaffold, and 
 to become a victim to a blood-thirsty party, 
 for the misconduct of a pusillanimous king, 
 and profligate or inefficient ministers. 
 
 The party at Trianon was, however, a most 
 agreeable one, and with it terminated the 
 short time given to recreation and repose 
 by Mr. Fox, previous to commencing his 
 historical researches at the Bureau des
 
 220 
 
 Affairs Etrangeres. On the fourth day, after 
 his arrival in Paris, he commenced his 
 labours. The worthy and respectable Lord 
 St. John, Mr. Adair, lately ambassador at 
 Constantinople, closely attaching himself to 
 Mr. Fox, and disposed to foreign and diplo- 
 matique researches, (a disposition which he 
 subsequently displayed at Vienna, in a man- 
 ner reflecting infinite credit on himself, and 
 doing honour to Mr. Fox's appointment,) 
 and myself, accompanied and regularly 
 attended Mr. Fox to the French Archives 
 every day, from eleven till three. 
 
 Lord Holland, in the preface to his histo* 
 rical work, which is too extended for a pre- 
 face, and too short for a memoir, has given 
 but a faint idea of his assiduity and perse- 
 verance, in this research. Relinquishing 
 much of the gratifications of which his 
 friends and countrymen were daily partaking, 
 leaving the various political characters in 
 Paris to themselves, and denying himself 
 much of that enjoyment of every thing 
 exquisite and sublime in art, which every 
 where was presenting itself; he devoted
 
 221 
 
 himself to his object with sincerity, 
 and intense application. The letters of Ba- 
 rillon, we found abundantly entertaining. 
 Mr. Fox had great anxiety to ascertain the 
 extent of James the Second's meanness, in 
 his transactions with the French court. 
 When he came to the passage of Barillon's 
 letter of the 26th February, 1685, where he 
 tells of the gratitude of James, for the first 
 advance of money made by Louis ; he could 
 not restrain the expression of his indig- 
 nation and contempt, which are strongly visi- 
 ble in his historic fragment. It is as follows : 
 — " le Prince fut extremement surpris, et me 
 dit, les larmes aux yeux, " II n 'appartient 
 quau Roi, voire maitre d'agir d'une maniere 
 si noble, et si pleine de bontd pour moi : je 
 vous avoue que je suis plus sensible a ce qui! 
 fait, en cela qua tout cequipeut arriver dans 
 la suite de ma vie : car je vois clairement le 
 fonds de son cceur et combien il a envie que 
 mes affaires prospe'rent : il a etd au des be- 
 soins: je ne saurois jamais dssez reconnnoitre 
 un tel proeede' ; temoignez lui ma recon- 
 noissance et soyez garant de V attachment que 
 j'aurai toute ma vie pour lui"
 
 000 
 
 The letters of Barillon contain curious 
 and ample information relating to James's 
 motives and intentions; and, I think, the 
 noble editor of the fragment would have 
 done well to affix a translation of them to 
 it, as there are readers, either incompetent, 
 or unwilling to go through them, who 
 might derive benefit from them in an Eng- 
 lish dress. 
 
 Mr. Fox, in his progress, was also much 
 amused by the tone assumed by Louis, 
 that he would not abandon James, — that 
 he approved of such and such things, 
 though he felt no small disgust at the self 
 degradation of an English monarch, under 
 an insolent and ambitious French court. 
 He read and transcribed himself with ala- 
 crity and good humour, and exacted no 
 trouble from others, in which he did not 
 himself fully participate. 
 
 The politeness of the keeper of the Archives 
 was so great, that we had but to mention the 
 year and the subject, and the volume was hand- 
 ed to us in rooms, solely appropriated to Mr.
 
 223 
 
 Fox's use ; pens, ink, paper, and every other 
 accommodation, were afforded. This occu- 
 pation of reading and transcribing, and of 
 eliciting historic truths, he steadily pursued, 
 with the liveliest interest, and unremitting 
 attention for two months. 
 
 In his subsequent progress, he was very 
 desirous- of ascertaining the points relative 
 to James's receiving additional sums, ar'ter 
 his first and early remittances from France, 
 through the hands of Barillon ; as the dis- 
 ingenuousness of James, and the suspicions 
 of Louis, operated in the affair, the inves- 
 tigation grew more difficult and more doubt- 
 ful. James pressed for money, — Louis craf- 
 tily withheld it ; the French king desired to 
 commit the English monarch completely, 
 that all his views, (am 1 they were those of 
 a despotic master) might be observed. The 
 abject and narrow-minded James, thus 
 degraded, through his hatred to liberty, 
 feared to involve himself too far, without 
 ample funds in possession. Their conduct 
 resembled that of two sharpers, unwilling to 
 trust one another. The one demanded pre-
 
 22-L 
 
 vious payment, — the other desired to receive 
 value before he advanced any thing; and both 
 hesitated, as each endeavoured to gain the 
 advantage over the other. It seemed that 
 nothing short of James declaring the Catho- 
 lic the established religion, and abstaining 
 from all foreign treaties and alliances, would 
 have satisfied Louis, and that, even then, he 
 would have reserved his money if possible ; 
 but, that the wretched James was not so 
 devoid of penetration, as not to know that he 
 risked his crown already by his measures, and 
 that to satisfy Louis, he must risk it infinitely 
 more. For this, he pressed for money to 
 secure himself, but Louis demurred. Hap- 
 pily for England, Louis greatly miscalculated 
 and resisted all the intreaties of his ambas- 
 sador, and all the prayers and remonstrances 
 of James. 
 
 The letters of M. D'Avaux and M. Bonre- 
 pos, were examined also by Mr. Fox. What 
 a disagreeable kind of subject that, of the 
 combined dissimulation and frauds of the 
 royal personages concerned, for such a mind 
 as that of Mr. Fox ! He was in the end,
 
 225 
 
 wearied and disgusted by the examination 
 of these papers, but the elucidation of truth 
 consoled him, and the detection of the mis- 
 takes and falsehoods of historians, made 
 him some compensation for his labours. 
 
 <a
 
 CHAPTER IX., 
 
 T17HILE Mr. Fox was thus usefully and 
 innocently employed in the national Ar- 
 chives, he did not abstain from the amuse- 
 mentsandsociety which Paris so richly afforded: 
 but to these he gave his evenings. When the 
 good, yet prejudiced, people of London (in 
 consequence of old and not yet effaced calum- 
 nies,) imagined that he was passing his days 
 and evenings with French politicians and 
 ministers, and plotting new ways to return 
 to power, he was devoting his time to his- 
 torical investigations in the morning, and to 
 instructive society, or the rational or innocent 
 amusements of Paris. 
 
 To one of the latter we went, shortly after 
 our arrival, it was called Tivoli, and was an 
 illuminated garden, which seemed decked by 
 the hands of fairies, and beautifully laid out.
 
 227 
 
 On entering, innumerable sports and enter- 
 tainments struck the enchanted eye — all was 
 animation and elegance. On a large platform 
 were country dancers and other persons per- 
 forming — here was a small piece of water, 
 and a boat and oars, for the younger parties — 
 there were little parties in bowers ; with 
 music and various refreshments every where — 
 beauty and grace gave enchantment to the 
 scene, and the charming female figures, who 
 glided about, were dangerously fascinating. 
 Vauxhall is excellent in its way ; but these 
 French gardens combine ail the fancied 
 delights of Oriental tales. The mind is 
 lost in a perpetual circle of pleasures — it is 
 here that age itself is exhilarated, and ap- 
 plauds the lively dance and playful sports it 
 can no longer enjoy, Here rank lays aside 
 its pomp and ceremony, pride forgets its 
 haughtiness, and enraptured youth feels a 
 thousand delicious sensations. The charm of 
 a serene night, and dry and pure air, made 
 every thing agreeable. The whole concluded 
 with splendid and beautiful fireworks. Such 
 was Tivoli. 
 
 Q'Z
 
 228 
 
 To the different theatres we went con- 
 stantly. These are extremely numerous, and 
 the acting in all of them is good. In comedy 
 I thought the French actors quite inimitable: 
 there was in their playing the most easy and 
 lively imitations of nature — every part was 
 sustained nearly equally well — the dresses 
 were correct, and the pieces played had often 
 a great deal of merit. Eight or nine theatres, 
 well supported, were a proof of the extraor- 
 dinary genius of the people, and of theirexces- 
 sive fondness for this species of amusement. 
 Mr.Fox enjoyed the French spectacle greatly, 
 and I think did not differ much from me, 
 when I preferred it to the English stage. In 
 one respect, however, he felt less pleasure at 
 the public amusements than others did, as 
 music gave him no great satisfaction : he did 
 not appear to relish it much, and he him- 
 self has assured me, (and his mind was free 
 from all disguise) that he derived no pleasure 
 from it. Still this must be taken in a quali- 
 fied sense, even from himself. He who 
 could so strongly taste the charms of poetry, 
 could not be destitute of a musical ear ; the 
 harmony and melody of the poet's verses
 
 229 
 
 contribute, in a considerable degree, to the 
 effects which they produce. No one felt 
 more than Mr. Fox, the powers of Homer, 
 Virgil, Pindar, Euripides, Ariosto, or 
 Metastatio ; and I cannot separate from his 
 admiration and enjoyment of these noble au- 
 thors, a value for the harmony and the sonor- 
 ousness of their verse. I can well imagine 
 that he did not feel delight at the modern 
 refinements of music, where execution is 
 substituted for expression, and the pathos 
 of nature is abandoned for the wonders of 
 art. In such a work as I have undertaken, 
 when the minutiae, and lighter touches of 
 character are noticed, and given to the pub- 
 lic as interesting parts (however small) of 
 the great whole, I could not omit, what ap- 
 peared to me remarkable, and what cannot 
 well be assented to, without explanation 
 and allowance. 
 
 Eight or nine days after our arrival, the 
 door of one of the apartments of the Hotel 
 de Richelieu was thrown open, and a gen- 
 tleman of small stature, and with nothing 
 prepossessing in his appearance, was shewn
 
 230 
 
 in. He came to wait on Mr. Fox ; and as 
 numbers came daily to pay him their re- 
 spects, I did not bestow much attention on 
 the entrance of this stranger. For some 
 time I remained indifferent, and unobser- 
 vant. It wsls Kosciusko ! — Spirit of de- 
 parted and murdered freedom, why did 
 not thy voice whisper in my ear, that 
 thy favourite son, a martyr to thy cause, 
 
 was present ? Kosciusko, thou wast 
 
 the victim of surrounding despots ; yet, 
 before thou wert overwhelmed, immured 
 in a dungeon, and thy brave — thy patriotic — 
 but unfortunate countrymen, sunk under 
 the lawless hand of iron power — thou wert 
 a star beaming upon the desert, — thougavest 
 courage to an oppressed nation — and, dis- 
 daining all dangers — frowning upon all the 
 threats and corruption of an imperial court, 
 ihou, — Kosciusko ! — endured every priva- 
 tion ; — famine and want, and obscurity, were 
 dear to thee — one thought pervaded thy vir- 
 tuous and brave mind — one desire animated 
 every action — one hope lightened upon 
 
 thee in thy darksome and perilous path, 
 
 the freedom and emancipation of a beloved
 
 231 
 
 country! — It was with greedy and unspeak- 
 able pleasure I beheld the champion of Polish 
 liberty. The figure which I had thought 
 inconsequential — the countenance which I 
 had thought uninteresting,became important. 
 I listened to his words with attention, and 
 beheld, with a feeling of delight, two men, 
 so eminently gifted, and so distinguished by 
 their love of liberty, conversing with the 
 sympathy and kindness one might expect 
 from each towards the other. 
 
 There is a wide difference between that 
 involuntary homage paid to genius and 
 patriotism, and the deference which is due 
 to rank ; the one is a glowing sensation, full 
 of admiration, regard, and sympathy ; the 
 other is a thing exacted, which is conceded 
 reluctantly, and, in general, insincerely. It 
 was the former, certainly, which Kosciusko 
 inspired. He did not speak much ; his 
 exterior and manner were extremely simple ; 
 Mr. Fox's reception of him was warm and 
 friendly : both these great men seemed happy 
 at meeting, and, conscious as each of them 
 was of having done all he could for his
 
 232 
 
 respective country, to calmly repose and 
 taste the pleasure of personal intercourse, 
 where there is high mutual esteem and regard. 
 It was true Kosciusko's career of glory was 
 extremely short, and that Mr. Fox distin- 
 guished himself, in a totally different manner, 
 and in the course of a long and brilliant 
 series of political efforts ; their principles, 
 however, were the same ; the advocate of 
 oppressed America, — of injured Ireland, — 
 of the enslaved blacks, — could not but cherish 
 the champion of the slaughtered Poles ; nor 
 could that champion fail to honour a states- 
 man who loved liberty, and who had so 
 long laboured in its cause. 
 
 Kosciusko was in apparent good health, 
 though, I believe, his wounds will never 
 allow him to be perfectly well. The inter- 
 view was not very long ; but how different 
 was it from the meeting of Potentates, pre- 
 pared to deceive one another, or planning 
 the disturbance of happy and independent 
 nations. Not like Joseph and the remorse- 
 less Catharine, sacrificing to their ambition 
 the peace and independence of millions,
 
 233 
 
 but benignly breathing sentiments of good 
 will for mankind, and bestowing on the 
 sacred cause of liberty, their wishes, where 
 they could not assist it ; and their regrets 
 where it was extinguished. I saw Kosciusko 
 depart with a strong sentiment of profound 
 admiration and sorrow ; he was now an 
 obscure individual in France, little noticed, 
 and cast back among the class of ordinary 
 men, — not regarded by a new government 
 rising upon the ruins of every thing repub- 
 lican, and felt himself alone among the 
 brilliant crowd of opulent and thoughtless 
 strangers, thronging to Paris, and full of 
 gaiety and joy. Not so Kosciusko ; his 
 prostrate country filled all his thoughts ; the 
 more so, as her fortunes were now irretriev- 
 able. He was a melancholy sojourner in 
 a land which could impart no joys to 
 him, — he was the stricken deer, whose 
 wound could never be healed. 
 
 He was received, and entertained by Mr. 
 Fox, with a cordiality mixed with melan- 
 choly. I have observed how much delicate 
 attention he always paid to the unfortunate ;
 
 234 
 
 and it may be easily understood, what were his 
 manners, — the tone of his voice, — and his 
 look, — towards Kosciusko ! 
 
 As Mr. Fox loved the country much, and, 
 in so fine a season of the year, wished to 
 let Mrs. Fox see it, we took advantage of 
 the second Sunday after our arrival to drive 
 to St. Cloud. The day was extremely fine, 
 and the environs of Paris are, in the direction 
 of St. Cloud, very pleasant. I did not for- 
 get, as we approached the vicinity of Meu- 
 don, that Madame Roland, that illustrious 
 victim of a sanguinary democracy, with a 
 monster for its leader, had made it interest- 
 ing, by celebrating it as the beloved spot 
 where, in her youth, she had, along with her 
 family, passed so many Sundays in rural and 
 happy retirement. I had long admired her 
 character and heroic conduct, and was gra- 
 tified to find that Mr. Fox estimated both 
 highly. He told me, that he sat up nearly 
 a whole night at Mr. Coke's, reading her 
 work, when it first appeared ; and, by such a 
 sanction, I felt my own opinion much fortified. 
 Meudon, as we passed, looked wild, yet 
 beautiful. Soon after we got to Belle vue, a
 
 235 
 
 beautifullv-situated, but now desolate, royal 
 chateau, built by Louis the XVth, for Ma- 
 dame de Pompadour, and subsequently pos- 
 sessed by the late king's sisters. Its situa- 
 tion on the Seine is very pleasing ; that river, 
 whose pellucid and blue waters adorn Paris 
 so much, is here increased to a respectable 
 size, and flows majestically along. Belle- 
 vue was quite deserted ; the hall, where 
 music and gay sounds were heard, when the 
 royal banquets were heid there, was silent 
 and joyless; the sound of the feet of our little 
 party resounded in a melancholy way. It 
 was a cheerless scene; for whether we con- 
 sidered the profligate extravagancy of Louis 
 the XVth, in squandering the revenues upon 
 his own gratifications, or satisfying the 
 pride of luxurious mistresses ; or that we 
 simply dwelt upon the overthrow of royalty, 
 and the distinction or desolation of its 
 palaces ; or that we thought of the last pos- 
 sessors, the amiable and respectable sisters 
 of Louis X Vlth ; — we saw a heart-chilling 
 change ; the walls naked, the rooms unfur- 
 nished, and the court-yard overgrown 
 with grass ; a general appearance of decay, 
 yet the gardens still beautiful, and well
 
 236 
 
 deserving to be put in order : these mourn- 
 ful memorials of better days, naturally in- 
 spired gloomy sensations. 
 
 We hastened from hence to St. Cloud. 
 This beautiful chateau is delightfully situ- 
 ated. A very fine wood, and a commanding 
 aspect, distinguish it from every thing be- 
 sides near Paris. The Seine winds slowly 
 below. The village of St. Cloud makes a 
 respectable appearance at the foot of the 
 hill, and the bridge has a handsome effect, 
 as the Seine is broad and majestic here, and 
 partakes much of the character of the 
 Thames at Richmond. The chateau of St. 
 Cloud had been taken from theDukeof Orleans 
 in the reign of Louis the 16th, by the court, 
 and I do not wonder that his resentment was 
 great, as it is a most charming residence, 
 and quite 'unrivalled around Paris. 
 
 Leaving St. Cloud, we took a boat as far 
 as Neuilly, and found most of the environs 
 and banks of the river delightful. Mr. Fox 
 fully enjoyed the scene : he was fond of the 
 water, and perhaps he was reminded of
 
 237 
 
 the scenes near his own beloved spot. The 
 evening was serene ; the water a glossy 
 surface, over which we glided ; and as we 
 left behind the proud, and towering walls 
 of St Cloud, and its lofty woods, we 
 turned to the more pleasing contemplation of 
 rural cottages, and small country-houses, of 
 an enchanting appearance on the banks of 
 the river. Happy little domestic parties 
 were scattered here and there — the setting 
 sun, threw a golden glow upon the water, 
 and a rich and softened light upon the land- 
 scape. Gliding softly along, no wish was 
 felt by our little circle, for the pompous 
 sights of St Cloud or Paris. 
 
 It was in such moments that Mr. Fox was 
 truly himself. Mrs. Fox's society, and that 
 of one or two friends, whom it was not 
 necessary to entertain, and find conversation 
 for, satisfied him : and in the manner of 
 that excellent judge of society, Horace, he 
 required but a few, whom he liked, and 
 rural and tranquil scenes, to make him quite 
 happy; like him he was ever ready to ex-
 
 238 
 
 claim to the admirers of the city, or the 
 follower of courts ; 
 
 <t 
 
 -Ego kudo runs amqui 
 
 Rivos, et musco circumlite saxa, nemusque 
 Quid qiiceris ? Vivo et regno simul ista reliqui 
 Quie vos ad caelum effertis rumore secundo." 
 
 Easy and instructive conversation made 
 these happy moments fly but too swiftly. 
 
 The shadows of evening began to fall 
 before we reached Neuilly; but all was 
 placid, and the objects around presented them- 
 selves with new interest : the little vine- 
 yards were lost in shade — the water lost its 
 splendor, but was still more beautiful, and 
 this delicious repose of evening, made us 
 grieve when our boat stopped, and it became 
 necessarv to disembark. 
 
 The carriage was waiting for us at Neu- 
 illy : as we drove through the Bois de Bou- 
 logne, we left on one side, at a considerable 
 distance, Bagatelle, once the elegant seat of 
 the ci-devant CompteD'Artois. It was now
 
 239 
 
 neglected, and adapted to some common 
 purpose. Another vestige of fallen gran- 
 deur, but of little interest. 
 
 On returning to Paris, we went to the 
 Opera Francois. In this species of amuse- 
 ment, the French, in my opinion, completely 
 fail. Their music is uninteresting and noisy, 
 but the soul-touching expression, which the 
 Italian Opera so delightfully attains, is, at the 
 French Opera, a thing unknown. Whether 
 French perceptions are ill-adapted vocal 
 music, or that the disposition of the people, 
 turning to gaiety, prevents their musicians 
 from aiming at that pathos, which at once 
 softens and charms the mind, I cannot 
 decide, but the French Opera seemed to me 
 so insipid, not to say disagreeable, that I had 
 no wish to return to it. 
 
 The following day, after the usual occu- 
 pation at the Archives, I was glad to go to 
 the palace of the Thuilleries with Mr. and 
 Mrs. Fox, Mr. West, and Mr. Opic. In front 
 are still to be seen, the marks of cannon 
 balls : the memorable night between the 9th
 
 240 
 
 and 10th of August 1792, was thus vividly 
 recalled to the memory. Could one enter 
 this palace without shuddering ? and could 
 one avoid acknowledging that, after such and 
 greater, and continued horrors, the French, 
 with some reason, have naturally acquiesced 
 under a government, which, though falling 
 short of their early and fond expectations, 
 affords them security against internal commo- 
 tions, and protects their properties and lives 
 against the caprice of an ignorant populace. 
 
 The lower apartments of the Thuilleries 
 were not at all altered since the time of 
 Louis the Sixteenth and his queen : the same 
 furniture, and ornaments, still remained. 
 Among other things we perceived there two 
 busts, one of Fox, and the other of Nelson. 
 Whether these were placed there as a com- 
 pliment to the English, or that the bust of 
 the former had not been removed since the 
 days of Louis himself, and that the latter 
 had been since added, I cannot say, but 
 the circumstance was curious and interesting. 
 
 Our walk through the royal apartments 
 was productive of strange sensations. This 

 
 241 
 
 sensible proof of the annihilation of a pow- 
 erful and long-established dynasty, scarcely 
 sufficed to convince us of the stupendous 
 change which had taken place. Mr. Fox 
 ruminated with pain upon the fallen fortunes 
 and wretchedness of the last of the Bour- 
 bons, and the whole party, I believe, felt re- 
 lieved, on quitting those once royal, but now 
 deserted abodes.
 
 ( 242 ) 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 "j%TR. FOX had now been twelve days in 
 Paris, and we had not seen Buona- 
 parte, except slightly and imperfectly at 
 the theatre. My own wish to behold the 
 first Consul had not been increased since my 
 arrival. The observation of military guards 
 every where, the information that the num- 
 bers of barracks in and about Paris were 
 very great, that 20,000 troops were within 
 a short summons ; and above all, a knowledge 
 that the system of espionage was carried to 
 an incredible height, making suspicion of 
 the slightest indisposition to government 
 sufficient cause for individuals to be. hurried 
 away at night, — (many of them never to 
 be heard of again) had not contributed,
 
 243 
 
 by any means, to exalt my opinion of the 
 new government. At this time I even 
 doubted whether an Englishman, a true lover 
 of liberty, ought to sanction the new order 
 of things. As I have already alluded to 
 those views, I shall only say, that Mr. Fox's 
 determination to go to the approaching levee, 
 threw a new light upon my mind, and I 
 was brought to consider the case dispassion- 
 ately. Was an English gentleman or noble- 
 man, travelling for instruction and pleasure, 
 to be the reformer and censor of Europe ? — 
 at Petersburg!! to reprimand Alexander, or 
 shun his court ? — at Constantinople toinsul 
 the Grand Signior, and rudely reject the soci- 
 ety of his ministers ? — No ! — I said to myself, 
 prejudiced and pensioned followers of minis- 
 try may affect to think in this way, but the 
 enlightened stranger will, in all countries, 
 respect the existing government, conform to 
 its usages and ceremonies, and frequent its 
 court, as the focus of all the rank, talent, 
 and character of the country, — where the 
 best manners are to be met with, and supe- 
 rior intelligence is to be collected ! 
 
 R2
 
 24± 
 
 We now heard a great deal of the approach- 
 ing levee ; it was expected to be unusually 
 splendid, and the English ambassador, Mr. 
 Merry, was overwhelmed with applications 
 of gentlemen, from England and Jreland, 
 to prevail upon him to present them to Buona- 
 parte, on this, his new and permanent acces- 
 sion topower. So numerous were these appli- 
 cations, that he was compelled to shelter 
 himself under the rule, that a letter from 
 Lord Hawkesbury must be handed to him, 
 introducing each person. Mr. Fox had been 
 so thoughtful and kind, as to have me, as 
 well as Lord St. John, included in his own 
 letter, so that I had no disappointment to 
 fear. Mr. Merry, the British ambassador, 
 was a good-natured and friendly man, but 
 unequal to trying and delicate emergencies ; 
 he seemed to me bending under his situation, 
 not enjoying the extraordinary scene; — with- 
 outsufficient dignity for his station, and rather 
 an honest gentlemen popped into a diplo- 
 matique situation, than the ambassador of 
 a great and commanding nation. I had 
 subsequent reason, in Mr. Fox's ministry, to 
 observe, that Mr. Pitt's long ministry had
 
 245 
 
 been ill supplied with men of talents in 
 foreign courts. 
 
 Previous to this levee, Mr. Fox went with 
 a small party to see the chateau of St. 
 Cloud. It was also the day of the fete at 
 the village, and we proposed dining at one of 
 the Restorateur's houses, which look down 
 upon the river. Mr. and Mrs. Fox, two or 
 three more, Monsieur De Grave, and 
 myself, formed the party. The day was 
 extremely fine, and we sat out with great 
 pleasure upon the little excursion, omitting, 
 for this one day, the labours at the Archives, 
 and leaving James II. and Louis XIV. to 
 rest unmolested and uncriticised. Monsieur 
 de Grave was a very polite and unassuming 
 companion ; he had been minister in the 
 early republican times, for a short time, but 
 was unequal to the fatigues of office. Who- 
 ever has read Madame Roland's works, 
 will find his genuine character there. It 
 was but too faithfully drawn; frequently 
 when 1 recognised the fidelity of the por- 
 trait, I was betrayed into a smile, and 
 trembled lest it might rise to a laugh.
 
 246 
 
 Madam Roland described M. de Grave as 
 a good-natured little man, unfit for an 
 arduous situation, — rolling his large blue 
 eyes, and falling asleep over his coffee. He 
 was, however, extremely obliging, and, as 
 we were disappointed in seeing the interior 
 of the chateau, his chagrin was very great 
 and undisguised. 
 
 Mr. Fox consoled us with a sort of play- 
 ful humour, that was very diverting, and at 
 the same time perfectly good-natured. 1 do 
 not recollect, indeed, any occasion when 
 he was more animated than this evening. 
 The scene before us was quite delightful ; the 
 Seine glided calmly past ; the people, assem- 
 bled for the fete, were walking about, sit- 
 ting in groupes, conversing, or dining on 
 the grass, — music enlivened all, — parties, as 
 the day advanced, were dancing under the 
 trees, — 'gaiety and elegance pervaded them, — 
 no vile intoxication disgraced the happy 
 assemblage,— they were joyous, but not riot- 
 ous, — cheerful, but not noisy, — animated, 
 but everywhere maintained decencyand good 

 
 247 
 
 manners. — Mr. Fox, to diminish M. de 
 Grave's vexation, talked more than usual. 
 
 He spoke, with excellent discrimination, 
 of the noble families he had known long 
 previous to the revolution ; the folly and 
 absurd pride of some, he treated in the hap- 
 piest manner; the admirable characters of 
 others, female as well as male, and their 
 genius and acquirements, he dwelt upon 
 with unqualified admiration. He strove 
 to lead M. de Grave from his uneasiness in 
 the most engaging manner, (for M. de Grave 
 had engaged to procure us admission to the 
 chateau.) It was something of Cicero in the 
 de Oratore, dwelling upon illustrious de« 
 parted characters, illustrious as well by- 
 birth as eloquence, virtue, and accomplish- 
 ments. The destruction of the old govern- 
 ment, the death, emigration, or distress of 
 many of these noble persons, a complete 
 substitution, not only of new government, 
 but change of property and honours, mak- 
 ing this eloquent retrospective view still 
 more interesting. The great character him- 
 Self, who was taking it, worthy of antiquity,
 
 248 
 
 and speaking from his own knowledge, with 
 an animation in which affection, veneration, 
 and gratitude, were all blended, and all 
 powerfully and visibly operating. As we 
 sat at our fruit, before we arose to depart, the 
 door opened, and a savoyarde, dressed in the 
 fashion of the peasants of her country, and 
 carrying a guitar or lute, presented herself. 
 Her air was almost sublime; the counte- 
 nance betokened better days and higher sta- 
 tion ; but resignation chastened every feel- 
 ing, and religion had sustained and aided 
 her ; her song was simple and affecting, and 
 her music far from contemptible ; the faulter- 
 ing voice told better than volumes, that she 
 was unhappy. She was satisfied with a 
 little, and withdrew with modesty and in 
 silence. 
 
 Before we left St. Cloud, we walked in 
 the park among the happy groupes, and left 
 this charming place, as it grew late, with a 
 wish to revisit it often. Indeed, lever ob- 
 served that Mr. Fox was most pleased in such 
 evenings as these. Unencumbered with 
 ceremony, and relieved from crowds, his
 
 219 
 
 amiable and domestic character expanded 
 itself; and, undesirous as he was of flattery, 
 hating subserviency, and abominating affec- 
 tation or hypocrisy of any kind, I think he 
 sought all opportunities of consoling himself 
 for the insincerity and baseness of worldly- 
 minded people, by forming a society of two 
 or three, (of which Mrs. Fox was ever one) on 
 whose ingenuousness and friendship he could 
 rely, and before whom he could relax and 
 display the whole simplicity and genuine 
 feeling of his mind. It was then he became 
 animated ; nor was he unwilling to bear a 
 full share in the conversation, and to pro- 
 long it through the evening. 
 
 " iEstivam scrmone benigno tcndere noctem." 
 
 We closed the month of August (having 
 dined there the 31st) at St. Cloud ; in the 
 republican style it was the 13th Fructidor. 
 
 All this time, and for about a week after- 
 wards, the heat was extreme. Mr. Fox 
 often found it necessary to have a carriage, 
 (otherwise he preferred walking) to go to the
 
 250 
 
 Bureau dcs affaires Etrangeres. The streets 
 of Paris were intolerably hot, and we fre- 
 quently found it an oppressive and fatiguing 
 walk, though the distance was not great 
 from the Hotel de Richelieu to the place 
 where the Archives were deposited. Mr. 
 Fox, however, allowed nothing to interfere 
 with, or prevent his pursuit. 
 
 On the day previous to the great levee, we 
 went to see the house of general Murat. 
 since king of Naoles. Nothing could be 
 more superb. The apartments were beau- 
 tifully and sumptuously fitted up. The 
 grand staircase was very noble — the bed- 
 chamber extremely elegant and rich — and 
 one circular room, particularly, was deserving 
 of attention. It was lighted from the top — 
 a great number or beautiful white marble 
 statues were placed in niches, holding 
 branches for lights, and the intervening re- 
 cesses furnished with silk, and containing 
 small couches, had an excellent efFect. There 
 was so much svmmetry and beauty in this 
 room, that I was much struck with it.
 
 2aJ 
 
 »« 
 
 In the evening a new scene opened to me ; 
 and when I announce to my reader, M Tal- 
 leyrand, minister for foreign affairs, to whose' 
 country house, at Neuilly, I was carried, along 
 with Mr. and Mrs. Fox, they will p rticipate 
 in the curiosity 1 felt. We arrived between 
 eight and nine in the evening, as it was usual 
 to open the house every evening at that time, 
 for a the corps diplomatique, and s rangers 
 of distinction. I was now about to see 
 somewhat of the French government, in 
 seeing the minister of foreign affairs, and his 
 establishment. On our arrival we were 
 ushered through a long suite of rooms, and 
 announced to Madame, who, at the head of 
 her drawing-room and of a numerous circle 
 of ladies and gentlemen, received each visitor, 
 that paid his respects to her. Many of the 
 foreign ministers, and other characters of 
 rank were present. Mr. Fox was received 
 with great politeness and marked attention. 
 
 M. Talleyrand possesses by no means an 
 agreeable exterior ; there is a want of 
 what is noble and elevated in his air and 
 countenance. It is evident, however, that
 
 252 
 
 he possesses great acuteness and pliability. 
 I am so far a bigot in the science of physi- 
 ognomy, as to doubt the excellency of a 
 character, where the countenance repels, or 
 at least inspires no favourable idea, — where 
 the eye does not speak the language of feel- 
 ing, and where the air and carriage of the 
 person is ungraceful or mean. M. Talley- 
 rand appeared to me, however, to be a com- 
 plete man of business ; alert, indefatigable, 
 and completely conversant in the ways of men. 
 
 Madame, was possessed of genuine po- 
 liteness ; and although her situation inspired 
 something of hauteur, yet there was a 
 sweetness of disposition to -be discerned 
 through it, which was very engaging. This 
 lady, now the Princess de Benevento, I 
 think, possessed a superior mind, which felt 
 disgust at, ard saw, with quickness, the 
 meanness of the servile crowd, who would 
 be equally ready, in the hour of misfortune, 
 to calumniate and vilify, as they were now 
 to flatter, those elevated characters, whom 
 they paid their homage to. 
 
 The circle at M.Talleyrand's, in the even-
 
 253 
 
 ing, was at first agreeable and entertaining. 
 The variety of character was great and striking; 
 the Italian Princess, — the German Duchess 
 or Prince, members of the ancient Trench 
 nobility, — strangers, of rank and talent, — 
 literarv characters, — ambassadors, — their 
 secretaries or friends, — members of govern- 
 ment, senators, &c. &c. — The poet and the 
 philosopher mingled in the crowd, yet all 
 was conducted with elegance and attention. 
 Here Mr. Fox met various distinguished men, 
 and conversed with every one, with ease and 
 vivacity. The house at Neu illy -was large 
 and handsome ; the distance from Paris, 
 five miles. It was, howe\cr, much more 
 agreeable at this season of the year, and iti 
 extremely hot weather, to drive out no the 
 evening c.rcle, than remain in town. After 
 some hours, (except a select few invited to a 
 supper) the company dispersed. 
 
 The establishment of the Minister for 
 Foreign Affairs was on the most liberal scale: 
 he was allowed 10,000 per annum to 
 enable him to keep a handsome table, and 
 receive his guests in a manner worthy of the
 
 254 
 
 splendour of the rising government. A 
 liberal and wise plan, it must be admitted, 
 for the minister who is obliged to maintain 
 the dignity, and, in some measure, represent 
 the consequence of his country and its go- 
 vernment with foreigners, requires liberal 
 funds to enable him to do so, greater than 
 these of other ministers, inasmuch as he is 
 called upon (and it may be politically use- 
 ful and requisite) to entertain foreigners of 
 every description. 
 
 Shortly after our arrival in Paris, distress- 
 ing accounts (distressing to lovers of liberty) 
 were dailv brought from Switzerland. 
 That country, once the invincible asylum of 
 liberty, whose confederate warriors, resisting 
 the tyranny of Austria, had transmitted 
 independence and happiness to their poste- 
 rity ; — that country was now suffering the 
 horrors of military oppression. Reding, 
 the intrepid leader of the Swiss, animated 
 them against the French. As we heard, the 
 very women and children were roused, and 
 symptoms of a sanguinary contest were 
 daily announced. Those English patriots
 
 255 
 
 who were amongst Mr. Fx's friends, and 
 Mr. Fox himself, heard these reports with 
 deep regret. That it was fruitless, and 
 unavailing, I need not say. -The sfrug le 
 soon afte^ ceased, and the brave Swiss 
 perceiving resistance to be little short of 
 madness, sullenly rested their arms and 
 capitulated. We were thus destined almost 
 to be witnesses of one of the last pernicious 
 consequences of the coalition war against 
 France. She had gained the Netherlands as 
 an integral part of her dominions, — the 
 Rhine as a boundary for a great extent, — and 
 she was now seizing upon Switzerland as an 
 outwork and fortification for her empire 
 For this important object, it was very un- 
 likely that regard for the feelings, or respect 
 for the liberties, of the Swiss, would at all 
 stand in the way of the French govern- 
 ment. Nor did it at this time act verv di ife- 
 rently from regular established governments, 
 whose tone and principles it seemed to be 
 fast assuming. The aristocracies of ;^wit- 
 zerland had themselves been guilty of so 
 
 to j 
 
 much oppression and cruelty, that the peo- 
 ple had not so much to lose as has been
 
 256 
 
 represented ; and it is more than probable, 
 that in the early subjugation of the country 
 m 1797> by the French, it these corrupt and 
 haughty governments had been purified and 
 reformed, and more valuable objects held 
 forth to incite the people, that Switzerland 
 might have defied the attacks of France, and 
 proved a dangerous, or at least a formidable 
 enemy to her; always interposing strong 
 positions between her and other countries, 
 capable of being used against her, and 
 remaining constantly in the nature of a 
 check upon her. But the aristocratical 
 governments had long disgusted and alie- 
 nated the people ; and the country not 
 feeling the same stimulus which warmed 
 them against Austria in 1300, fell an easy 
 prey to French ambition. Accordingly, 
 the senate of Bern, in 1802, sanctioned 
 all the measures of Buonaparte ; joined with 
 his government against their own people ; 
 and, at the last, conspired with France in 
 stifling the last struggling sigh for liberty.
 
 ( M7 ) 
 
 CHAPTER Xir. 
 
 A S we visited the museum as often as 
 time could be spared to it, I recollect 
 one day, that all the company were attract- 
 ed to the windows of the gallery of the 
 Louvre, by a parade m the Place de Carousel. 
 The guards, and some other French troops, 
 were exercising. Mr. Fox, with the others, 
 went to the window, but he instantly turned 
 away on seeing the soldiers. This occurred 
 some time before the levee; and on that 
 day, as there was a grand parade, we 
 remained in a private apartment of the 
 Thuilleries till it was over. Buonaparte, 
 mounted on a white charger, and accom- 
 panied by some general officers, reviewed 
 his troops, amounting to about six thou- 
 sand, with great rapidity. The consu- 
 
 s
 
 258 
 
 Jar troops made a fine appearance, and 
 the whole was a brilliant and animating 
 spectacle. Mr.Fox paid little or no attention 
 to it, conversing chiefly, while it lasted, with 
 Count Mark off, the Russian ambassador. 
 I observed Mr Fox was disinclined not 
 only to military, but to any pompous display, 
 of the power of the French government. 
 An enemy to all ostentation, he disliked it 
 every where; but the parade of military troops 
 in the heart of the metropolis, carrying 
 with it more than vain pomp, must naturally 
 have shocked, rather than entertamed, such 
 principles as those of Mr. Fox. 
 
 On the day of the great levee, which was 
 to collect so many representatives of 
 nations, and noble strangers from every 
 country to pay their respects to the first 
 consul of France, now established as the 
 sole head of government for life, several 
 apartments, having the general name of the 
 Salle des Ambassadcui^s, were appropriated 
 for the crowd of visitors at the levee, pre-
 
 259 
 
 vious to their being admitted to the first 
 consul's presence. Lord Holland, Lord 
 Robert Spencer, Lord St. John, Mr. Adair, 
 and myself, accompanied Mr. Fox there. I 
 must acknowledge that the novel and 
 imposing scene amused and interested me in 
 a high degree. This grand masquerade of 
 human life, was inconceivably striking: — the 
 occasion of assembling — the old palace of 
 the Bourbons — the astonishing attitude that 
 France had assumed, affected the imagina- 
 nation, and almost overpowered the judg- 
 ment. A latent smile was often to be caught 
 on the countenances of different intel- 
 ligent and enlightened men ; it said, very 
 significantly, can this be reality ? can so 
 wonderful a fabric be permanent ? 
 
 His toils were now approaching ; there 
 was a much greater number of English 
 presented than of any other nation. Mr. 
 Merry, the English ambassador, appeared, 
 on the part of the British government, to 
 sanction and recognize the rank and govern- 
 ment of the first consul ! Mr. Merrv, 
 
 s 2
 
 2(J0 
 
 ■ 
 
 whose nation had, under the blind au- 
 spices of an intemperate minister, fatally 
 interfered with the internal concerns of a 
 great people, and had vainly attempted to 
 counteract the success of their efforts. 
 What a subject had he for a letter, in the 
 style of Barillon, for the perusal of Mr.Pitt, or 
 his friend, M i\ Addington, then acting as Pitt's 
 deputy, or locum ienens, in the government \ 
 Mr. Merry! — thenacting under LordHawkes- 
 bury, the Quixotic marcherto Paris, which same 
 Lord was now receiving a magnificent present 
 of a service of china of unrivalled beauty and 
 elegance, from this same new government and 
 Buonaparte. Itwouldhavebeeuan instructive 
 lesson for Mr. Pitt himseif, could he invisi- 
 bly, with Minerva by his side, have contem- 
 plated the scene ; he might then have 
 studied history, and discovered that such 
 interference and conduct in foreign powers, 
 as that of his and the allied potentates, had 
 made Cromwell a king, or an emperor, and 
 fixed the succession in his family ! 
 
 " What think vou of all this ?"' said the 
 Chevalier cTAzara, ambassador from Spain,
 
 261 
 
 addressing himself to Mr. Fox. The other 
 gave an expressive smile — u It is an astonish- 
 ing time," continued he ; " pictures — sta- 
 tues, — I hear the Venus de Medicis is on 
 her way — what shall we see next ?" A 
 pleasant dialogue ensued : these enlightened 
 statesmen diverting themselves, when scold- 
 ing and anger could avail nothing The 
 Turkish Ambassador graced the splendid 
 scene ; a diminutive figure, accompanied by 
 a suite of fine and handsome men ; — he repo- 
 sed on a sofa, — the heat was excessive, and 
 his crossed legged attitude but little re- 
 lieved him ; — his companions spoke French 
 with great ease, and some of them were fine 
 Grecian figures. 
 
 Count Markoff ! covered with diamonds, 
 — of a most forbidding aspect— of sound 
 sense, however, — ma'gre a face no lady 
 wouldfallin love with, — andan ungraceful air. 
 — - — The Marquis Lucchesini ! the kino of 
 Prussia's ambassador, who, from an obscure 
 situation, by having become the reader to a 
 minister, was elevared to the corps diplo- 
 matique — gaudily dressed — always with se-
 
 262 
 
 veral conspicuous colours, — one thought of 
 a foreign bird, on seeing him ; and his physi- 
 ognomy corroborated the idea — agreeable, 
 however, pleasing in manners, easy in his 
 temper, and enjoying rationally the amusing 
 scenes around him. 
 
 The Marquis de Gallo ! the Neapolitan 
 ambassador — an unmeaning nobleman of the 
 old school, — florid in manner, but not cal- 
 culated to produce effect in politics or conver- 
 sation. — Have I forgotten the Count Coben- 
 zel ! — that sage and venerable negotiator 
 was there. A small, emaciated figure, — 
 pale, and worn out with the intrigues of 
 courts, he seemed to have been reserved to 
 witness the scene before us, as a refu- 
 tation of all his axioms and systems. With 
 excellent good se se, he took all in 
 good part — he was too wise to betray dis- 
 satisfaction, and too politic not to bend to 
 the gale. The American ambassador, Mr. 
 Livingston, plain and simple in manners and 
 dress, — representing his republic with pro- 
 priety and dignity. — Of these, I believe, 
 M. d'Azara, held the first rank for intellect ;
 
 263 
 
 he had all the appearance of a man of 
 genius — he seemed very much to enjoy the 
 society of Mr. Fox, — he and the Count Co- 
 benzel are both since dead, as, no doubt, 
 are many other of the actors in the grand 
 drama of that day. 
 
 The illustrious statesman of England, 
 who that day attracted every eye, is himself 
 withdrawn also from mortal scenes ! 
 
 A number of English noblemen and gen- 
 tlemen, — many Russians, — Swedish offi- 
 cers, with the white scarf on their arm, also 
 crowded the rooms. The Cardinal Caprara! 
 representing his holiness the Pope w.th his 
 scarlet stockings and cap, was to me a novel 
 sight, — he was a polite and dignified eccle- 
 siastic, and, but that I was imbued a little 
 with the prejudices of English historians 
 and other authors, I should have found no- 
 thing extraordinary in the respectable car* 
 dinal. I am now ashamed that I did. 
 
 This grand assemblage were detained a 
 considerable time, in the Salle des Anibaaaa-
 
 264 
 
 deurs, during which several servants, in 
 splendid Jaced liveries, handed round coffee, 
 chocolate, the richest and finest wines, and 
 cake, upon China, bearing the initial B. 
 without any armorial, royal, or established 
 marks of power. The heat was excessive, and 
 expectation, wearied with the pause, began to 
 droop, when the door opened, and the prefet 
 du Palais announced to theCARDiNALCAPRA- 
 ra, that the first consul was ready — he after- 
 wards called upon M.d'AzARA — upon which 
 every one followed, without regular order 
 or distinction of rank. As we ascended 
 the great staircase of the Thuilleries, be- 
 tween files of musketeers, what a sentiment 
 was excited ! 
 
 As the assumption of the consulship for 
 life was a decisive step, tending not only to 
 exclude every branch of the old dynasty, 
 but to erect a new one, every sensible man 
 considered this day as the epoch of a new 
 and regular government. Buonaparte was 
 virtually king henceforth. As we passed 
 through the lofty state rooms of the former
 
 265 
 
 kings of France, still hung with the ancient 
 tapestry, very little, if at all, altered — 
 the instability of human grandeur was re- 
 called to the mind more forcibly than it had 
 yet been. The long line of the Bourbons 
 started to the view ! I breathed with diffi- 
 culty ! Volumes of history were reviewed 
 in a glance. Monarchs ! risen from the 
 mouldering tomb, where is your royal race? 
 The last who held the sceptre dyed the scaf- 
 fold with his blood, and sleeps forgotten and 
 unknown, without tomb, or memorial of his 
 name ! — Rapid was the transition succeed- 
 ing ! — We reached the interior apartment, 
 where Buonaparte, First Consul, surrounded 
 by his generals, ministers, senators, and offi- 
 cers, stood between the second and third 
 consuls, Le Brun and Cambaceres, in the 
 centre of a semicircle, at the head of the 
 room ! The numerous assemblage from 
 Salic, des Ambassadeurs, formed into another 
 semicircle, joined themselves to that at the 
 head of which stood the first Consul. 
 
 Buonaparte, of a small, and by no means 
 commanding figure, dressed plainly, though
 
 266 
 
 richly in the embroidered consular coat- 
 without powder in his hair, looked, at the first 
 view, like a private gentleman, indifferent as 
 to dress, and devoid of all haughtiness in his 
 air. The two consuls, large and heavy men, 
 seemed pillars too cumbrous to support 
 themselves, and, during the levee, were sadly 
 at a loss what to do, — whether the snuff- box 
 or pocket handkerchief was to be appealed 
 to, or the left leg exchanged for the right. 
 
 The moment the circle was formed, Buo- 
 naparte began with the Spanish Ambassador, 
 then went to the American, with whom he 
 spoke some time, and so on, performing his 
 part with ease, and very agreeably : until he 
 came to the English Ambassador, who, after 
 the presentation of some English noblemen, 
 announced to him Mr. Fox ! — He was a 
 good deal flurried, and after indicating con- 
 siderable emotion, very rapidly said — " ^h ! 
 Mr. Fox ! — / have heard ivith pleasure of 
 your arrival — / have desired much to see 
 you— I have long admired in you the orator 
 and friend of his country, who, in constantly 
 raising his voice for peace, consulted that
 
 267 
 
 country '$ best interests — those of Europe—- 
 and of the human race. The two great 
 nations of Europe require peace ; — they 
 have nothing to fear; — they ought to under- 
 stand and value one another. In you, Mr. 
 For, I see with much satisfaction, that great 
 statesman who recommended Peace, because 
 there was no just object of war ; who saw 
 Europe desolated to no purpose, and who 
 struggled for its relief." 
 
 Mr. Fox said little, or rather nothing, in 
 reply, — to a complimentary address to him- 
 self, he always found invincible repugnance 
 to answer ; nor did he bestow one word of 
 admiration, or applause upon the extraor- 
 dinary and elevated character who addressed 
 him. A few questions and answers relative 
 to Mr. Fox's tour, terminated the inter- 
 view. 
 
 Amongst the distinguished English pre- 
 sented to Buonaparte on that day, was Mr. 
 now Lord Erskine. I am tempted to think 
 that he felt some disappointment at not 
 being recognised by the first Consul ; there
 
 268 
 
 was some difficulty at first, as Lord Er- 
 skine was understood to speak little French. 
 M. Talleyrand's impatient whisper to me, 
 J fancy, I yet hear, " Parle-t-il Francois" 
 " Parle-t-il Fra??cois." Mr. Merry, already 
 fatigued with his presentations, and dreading 
 a host to come, imperfectly designated Lord 
 Erskine, when the killing question followed, 
 '■' Etes vons legiste" was pronounced by 
 Buonaparte with great indifference, or, at 
 least, without any marked attention.*- 
 
 Lord Erskine, truly great as he is in 
 England, was, however, himself deceived, 
 
 * One would almost fancy that Buonaparte had imbib- 
 ed from the air of the Thuilleries, Louis the fourteenth's 
 disrespect for, and dislike of Lawyers. Whether the dis- 
 tinction between " legiste" and " jurisconsulte" is an 
 important one, whether the former or the latter is the 
 more dignified, I cannot say, but, Louis' words to his 
 ambassador, Barillon, are not very flattering to the self- 
 importance of that profession : his Majesty writes: 
 
 " Je n'ai rien a vous dire sur le choix que le Roy d'An- 
 gleteje a fait du Chevalier Trumbal pour remplir la 
 place du Sieur Preston : mais il me paroit que la 
 la qualite de jurisconsulte AngUris, n'est pas la plus con- 
 venable pour maintenir la bonne intelligence entre moi 
 et la Roy d'Angleterre, et qu'elle ne sert souvent qu'a 
 trouver des difficultes, ou il n'y en duit point avoir."
 
 269 
 
 if he imagined that his well-earned repu- 
 tation had extended into foreign nations. 
 The province of the advocate is to defend 
 the equivocal cause of a client. r J his, 
 necessarily, creates a confined and technical 
 species of oratory. The municipal laws of 
 one nation do not concern, or interest ano- 
 ther. A lawyer from Vienna or Petersburgh, 
 however eminent athome, would beunknown 
 and unnoticed at the British Court. It is 
 only, and this rarely happens, when the lawyer, 
 greatly rising into the philosopher, statesman, 
 and senator, displays new and more general 
 abilities, that he ranks with the great men of 
 other nations. The lawyer's habits and 
 pursuits are, besides, adverse to the forma- 
 tion and expansion of greatness of charac- 
 ter ; his investigations arc too microscopic ; 
 his subjects of study too low and jejune; 
 his accumulations of wealth are too grovel- 
 ling ; and the restrictions placed upon the 
 efforts of his genius, by the narrow spirit, 
 the prejudice, or the envy of judges, disqua- 
 lify him for bold and liberal exertions. 
 
 Another question, asked by Buonaparte,
 
 270 
 
 when a young English officer, handsomely 
 dressed, belonging to some English militia 
 regiment was presented to him, with- 
 out any announcement, or key to his 
 rank and quality, — qua-t il fait P Was a 
 lesson : and if the commander-in-chief 
 established this qua-t il fait ? as a test of 
 merit, and gave promotion according to 
 the answer, he would obtain the thanks 
 of the nation. The ceremony was not 
 long. 
 
 Buonaparte w r ent round the circle a 
 second time, addressing a few words here 
 and there, without form, and finally placing 
 himself between the two consuls, he bowed 
 slightly, but expressively, when the company 
 withdrew. 
 
 It would be surperfluous to speak much 
 of a matter so well known or so long can- 
 vassed. I shall mention a few ideas only 
 which occurred to me, and make but few 
 observations on this celebrated person. 
 His stature being small, and his person, 
 though not ill, yet not very well formed, he
 
 271 
 
 cannot, on that account, be supposed to have 
 a very strikingair,but his counter ancehaspow- 
 erful expression ; and decision, and determi- 
 nation, when he is grave and thoughtful, are 
 most emphatically marked in it. His eyes are 
 common grey, and have nothingremarkablein 
 them. I am disposed to think, that the lower 
 part of the face, which is the most striking in 
 that of Buonaparte, is the most decisive 
 indication of an inexorable and prompt 
 line of conduct. In performing the honours 
 of the levee, this was not at all observable ; 
 his smile was extremely engaging ; his 
 general expressions very pleasing, and his 
 manners divested of all haughtiness, without 
 manifesting the least of that studied con- 
 descension, which, in persons of great rank, 
 is often more offensive even than arrogance 
 and rudeness. Admiring him as a great mili- 
 tary character, whose reputation was un- 
 doubted and hard-earned, I looked upon 
 Buonaparte as a superior man, born to com- 
 mand the destinies of millions, and felt in- 
 credible satisfaction at beholding this great 
 general. His presence, however, inspired 
 me with no awe. The military exploits of
 
 272 
 
 the warrior have their exclusive merit, as 
 demonstrations of genius and talent, irre- 
 sistibly influencing the fate of society, but 
 falling far short of the exertions of the poet, 
 the orator and the legislator. That which 
 adorns and gives resplendent lustre to the 
 military character is the love of liberty, im- 
 pelling the warrior to beat down the iron 
 hand of oppression and dcspotism,and accom- 
 plishing the independence and happiness of 
 millions. 
 
 At the moment I saw Buonaparte in the 
 midst of generals, ambassadors, and cour- 
 tiers, — Aloys Reding, labouring to emanci- 
 pate the Swiss from the yoke of foreigners, 
 was to me a far more respectable and more 
 truly elevated object. The wicked attempt to 
 subdue Spain had not then commenced, 
 an attempt far less excusable than the sub- 
 jugation of Switzerland, and productive of 
 infinitely more misery and bloodshed. It. 
 has since taken place, and hasforever tar- 
 nished the fame of Buonaparte. The repub- 
 lican general converted into an Emperor A 
 follows the career of Louis XIV. with far
 
 273 
 
 superior energy and perseverance, doubtless, 
 with more extended views, and much greater 
 power. 
 
 " When black ambition stains a public 
 cause," we no longer revere and applaud 
 the consummate general or able monarch. 
 I had heard, too, that Toussaint, the friend 
 and hope of his country, had been seized, and 
 was on his way to a prison in France. I did 
 not then know that he had there languished 
 and died; but I pitied the sable chieftain, and 
 could not esteem his oppressor. An enligh- 
 tened mind, and a just appreciation of the 
 rights of men, had distinguished this charac- 
 ter. Could I have seen him pining in a lonely 
 dungeon, — his hopes extinguished, — his 
 family and friends far distant, — ignorant of 
 his country's fate, and surrounded by men 
 who little sympathised with him ; could I 
 have seen him languishing out his few 
 remaining days, — his dark visage saddened 
 and withering, and his groans hourly grow- 
 ing fainter ! — How little then should 1 have 
 enjoyed this splendid levee ; — how gladly 
 should I have withdrawn ! As it was, I left 
 
 T
 
 274 
 
 the Thuilleries with my curiosity gratified, 
 but without feeling any impression of plea- 
 sure or admiration from having seen the first 
 Consul. 
 
 To entertain such sentiments was una- 
 voidable, and would have been inexcusable 
 in me, living, as I did, at this time, in the 
 society of Mr. Fox. The sterling superiority 
 of that great man's character, then a simple 
 individual, divested of all power, but still the 
 advocate and supporter of liberty and peace, 
 —the philosopher, scholar, and orator, — 
 untainted by ambition, vanity, or avarice, — 
 full of humanity, and hating cruelty, as well 
 in governments as in individuals, — even his 
 mild domestic virtues conspired to make me 
 view the astonishing spectacle at the Thuil- 
 leries, with indifference and calmness. The 
 very research at the Depot des Archives, 
 contributed to produce such a frame of mind. 
 I was daily reading the letters of Louis XIV". 
 once styled the Great, whose meanness of 
 soul, and narrowness of spirit, as well as 
 his total want of generous views, and of 
 liberality in his estimate of human nature, 
 had sufficiently disgusted me with a great,
 
 275 
 
 arbitrary monarch, had I not been seeing an 
 embrio one. 
 
 After the levee, a very pleasant party of 
 English, invited by Lord R. Spencer, dined 
 at Roberts's, the first restorateur's in Paris: as 
 it consisted of ladies and gentlemen it was 
 extremely pleasant. The entertainment was 
 sumptuous,and served up with the same order 
 and elegance, as in a private house. Among 
 others, Mr. Kemble, the monarch of the 
 English stage, was there; but accustomed, 
 as I was, to the ease and elegance of the 
 French, as also to the unaffected nobleness 
 of manner in English persons of high rank, 
 Mr. Kemble did not strike me as agreeable. 
 There was an air of self-consequence which 
 repelled — a manner which did not harmo- 
 nize with the tone of Paris ; — Mr. Kemble, 
 when he was civil, was condecending ; and 
 when he spoke, it was a little in the style 
 of an oracle. He was a polite gentleman, 
 however, well informed, and desirous of in- 
 formation ; paying a just tribute to the 
 Frencii stage, and wanting only six or 
 twelve months residence in France, te 
 
 t2
 
 276 
 
 soften the oracle into a pleasing companion, 
 and the monarch into a friendly man. Ihe 
 company was select and agreeable ; and, 
 amongst his old friends and eminent coun- 
 trymen, Mr. Fox, in particular, was quite 
 cheerful and happy. The fatiguing cere- 
 monies of the day, and the grandeur of the 
 new court of France, were forgotten in the 
 social converse of the evening. The simpli- 
 city and dignified manners of the English 
 nobility, never appeared to me to greater 
 advantage. Their independent minds made 
 them review with philosophic indifference, 
 the pageant of the Thuilleries. They met 
 it as a matter of course ; as a thing result- 
 ing from the inevitable consequences of 
 the war ; not, however, without reflections 
 upon the mistakes and ignorance of that 
 ministry, who had so essentially contributed 
 to place Buonaparte on his new throne, and 
 to raise the French nation to so unexampled 
 an height ; in fine, they appreciated every thing 
 with exact justice, without indulging in 
 foolish invectives against the first magistrate 
 of the nation, in the midst of which they
 
 2/7 
 
 were, nor repining at success, which appeared 
 beyond the power of man to counteract. 
 
 The following day Mr. and Mrs. Fox, and 
 some of their friends,, went to visit the 
 celebrated Abbe Sieyes. They found hi?n 
 in retirement about twelve miles from Paris, 
 cultivating his estates, (national domain) to 
 a considerable extent granted him by the 
 new consular government, as a remuneration 
 for the past, an asylum for the future, and a 
 proper eloignement from all subsequent cares 
 of government. Here he enjoyed a happy, 
 domestic life ; but as I did not see him, I am 
 unable to sketch his character or manners. 
 Mr. Fox seemed to consider him in a respect- 
 able light, but to entertain no very high opi- 
 nion of him.
 
 ( 273 ) 
 
 CHAFfER XL 
 
 HPHE recurrence to the best Historical Re- 
 searches, was a useful as well as instruc- 
 tive labour, as it rendered other enjoyments 
 more poignant, and prevented the tedium 
 arising from too much amusement and plea- 
 sure. The character of Louis the XlVth, 
 studied in the quietness of the Hue du Bacq, 
 and divested of all its transitory glare, was a 
 good corrective, if any were wanting, of 
 undue admiration of any arbitrary despot. 
 The manner in which Louis received the 
 account of the death of Charles the II. 
 and his subsequent suspicions of James, 
 shewed, that he considered Charles as a de- 
 pendent, having more talents than his bro- 
 ther—more entirely unprincipled — and, con-
 
 279 
 
 sequently, more useful to him. — " Sai 
 app?is" says the king, " avec ctonncment 
 ct en deplaisir bien sensible la mort si sitbite 
 da roi d AngleterreT — He speaks exactly as 
 if he were the arbiter of events, and that he 
 had a right to be angry when one of his vas- 
 sals died inopportunely for him. 
 
 Mr. Fox discovered, with some surprize, 
 how extremely bigotted to his religion Louis 
 was : it was evident in all the letters to Ba- 
 rillon. Thus, whilst he was bribinga monarch 
 to trample down and debase his subjects, he 
 was also urging the restoration of the Catholic 
 religion, whose precepts forbad the interference 
 with, or the overthrow of, established govern- 
 ments. I am inclined to think that James 
 had more pride than Charles, or rather that 
 the latter had none, and that though James's 
 conduct was clearly a continuation of Charles's 
 as to money and professions of subservienceto 
 France, yet that his pride at all times led him 
 to act the independent English monarch, to 
 the great displeasure of the haughty Louis. 
 James probably desired to become an absolute 
 monarch, independent of his parliament, and
 
 280 
 
 of the French king; but as he knew that his 
 arduous attempt required secret funds to 
 support him, he dissembled with Louis, and 
 did not do more than encourage foreign am- 
 bassadors to hope something from him : thus 
 Louis, doubting the sincerity of James's com- 
 munications to Barillon, says, in writing of 
 the renewal of his treaty with the States 
 General : " Je trouve queles ministrcs etr an- 
 gers ont raison de ne le pas regarder, comme 
 tine simple formality, ainsi que le cour ou 
 vous etes vcut vous le persuader. Sestime 
 au contraire quellej cite par la le fondement 
 dune ligne qui peut donner courage a ceux 
 qui ne pouvent souffrir le repos, dont V Eu- 
 rope jouit apreseut." He also testifies simi- 
 lar uneasiness in regard to Spain. 
 
 In the progress of the research, Mr. Fox 
 displayed all the qualities of a man of busi- 
 ness ; attentive, indefatigable, and acute ; 
 allowing neither to himself nor his associates 
 any remission till the allotted business of the 
 day w T as performed. 
 
 Some time after the levee, we dined at
 
 281 
 
 M. Talleyrand's, at Ncuilly ; we went be- 
 tween six and seven, but did not dine till 
 eight. The dinner hour at Paris had become 
 ridiculously late, and, as in London in 
 fashionable life, resembled more the Roman 
 supper, than what accords with the modern 
 term dinner. M. Talleyrand was at Mal- 
 maison, transacting business with the first 
 Consul, and the dinner waited ,'orhim. Everv 
 thing was in a profuse and elegant style ; 
 M. Talleyrand and Madame sat in the sides 
 of the table; the company, amounting to 
 between thirty and forty, (and this, i believe, 
 did not much exceed the ordinary daily 
 number) were attended by almost as many 
 servants, without any livery. Behind Madame 
 Talleyrand's chair, two young blacks, splen- 
 didly habited in laced clothes, wereplaced; the 
 master of the feast devoted himself to a few 
 distinguished persons around him; on them he 
 bestowed his most chosen and precious wine, 
 and to them he directed all his conversation. 
 
 Several emigres and ex-nobles, who had 
 made their peace with government, and were 
 desirous of advancement, or sought relief
 
 282 
 
 or compensation under the new regime, 
 were at the lower end of the table. They 
 were little noticed, or if I said were alto- 
 gether neglected, I should be more correct. 
 As I sat near some of them, I was filled 
 with concern for their altered state : those 
 who have never had an elevated station in 
 life, do not feel, comparatively speaking, 
 half the stings and arrows of outrageous 
 fortune, when calamity and poverty fail upon 
 them. The Due d'UzEZE, (ci-devant) for- 
 merly one of the first and most ancient peers 
 of old France, was close to me ; he was 
 now a humble and distressed individual, 
 divested of title and property, and seeking, 
 at the table of the minister for foreign 
 affairs, under the consular government, for 
 notice and assistance. He had come to 
 Neuillvinahired one-horse cabriolet, without 
 servant or companion. He was of a gen- 
 teel, prepossessing, and rather youthful 
 appearance, and seemed to bear his change 
 of fortune with an admirable degree of phi- 
 losophy and good humour, and was even play- 
 ful upon his own situation, and spoke of the 
 splendour and elevation of others, without
 
 283 
 
 rancour or envy. I could have imagined 
 myself, af.er the battle of Brunducium, 
 sitting at a Roman table, Julius Ca?sar 
 triumphant, and the exiles returning, and 
 permitted to become guests of the trium 
 phant party. 
 
 The company was mixed. A young 
 naval officer sat at the foot of the table. 
 M.Hauterive, of the department of Foreign 
 Affairs, was near me : he was sensible, unaf- 
 fected, and well informed ; of plain but con- 
 ciliating manners ; he seemed a man of 
 integrity and sincerity — estimable qualities 
 in a courtier ! — M. Rcederer also was there 
 — several officers, two or three physicians, 
 a few English and other foreigners. 
 
 In the evening Madame Talleyrand's circle 
 commenced. The corps diplomatique flow- 
 ed in, and the minister, the whole remainder 
 of the evening, transacted business with 
 them, taking one aside at one a time, to one 
 room, another to another. Count Coben- 
 zel, the Nestor of the band, was there — ■ 
 Each member of the corps looked " unut-
 
 284 
 
 tcrable things." The interests of na- 
 tions were thus discussed beside a picture 
 or chimney piece, and 1 could not but ad- 
 mire the dexterity and attention of M. 
 Talleyrand. The prince of Saxe Weimar 
 took his leave this evening of Madame, on 
 his return to Germany ; a pleasing young 
 man, promising to be respectable and good, 
 if his rank did not harden his heart, and 
 pride beset its best avenues ! The Abbate 
 Casti, author of " Gil Animali parlanti" 
 added to the interest of the evening assem- 
 bly — he was eighty years of age — his head 
 was white, and his figure inclined with age; 
 but he was vivacious, talkative, and gay ; 
 Admiral Brueys, a very animated little man, 
 (who is, I think, since dead,) proud of his 
 daughter, a very young girl, who danced in- 
 imitably — Russian, German, Italian nobles 
 and their spouses ; and many polite and agree- 
 able French people — continued to come in 
 and diversify the scene. Madame Talley- 
 rand maintained a good deal of state, 
 and was attended, on entering the drawing 
 room, by two young females, elegantly 
 clothed in white, and burning frankincense 
 as she advanced.
 
 285 
 
 Mr. Fox alternately conversed or played at 
 cards — always easy, and always animated, — 
 he who in the retirement of St. Anne's 
 Hill appeared devoted to a rural and philo- 
 sophic life so entirely as if he had never 
 moved in the political sphere, now was the 
 polished and accomplished gentleman, speak- 
 ing French, Italian, or Spanish, admired by 
 all, as much for the amiability of his character 
 and manners, as he had long been for the splen- 
 dour of histalents. As the weather continued 
 extremely hot, the entertainments of the 
 minister for Foreign Affairs were very 
 agreeable in the country : and the drive on 
 returningto Paris, in these charming serene 
 nights, was very often not the least agreeable 
 part of the excursion. The day after this 
 dinner, and henceforth, we dined frequently 
 at Neuilly. 
 
 Madame Buonaparte's drawing room suc- 
 ceeded : it was held in the lower apartments 
 ot the Thuilleries. The ceremony was 
 short, cold, and insipid : Madame, the dis- 
 parity of whose age and appearance, from 
 that of the first consul, was ill concealed by
 
 (.; 
 
 86 
 
 a great deal of rouge, sat at the head of a 
 circle of ladies richly habited. Buonaparte, 
 after they had paid their compliments, came 
 from an interior apartment, went round to 
 the circle, said a few words to these ladies, 
 and retired. Mr. Fox stayed but a short 
 time; having paid his compliments to Ma- 
 dame, there was nothing interesting for him 
 in this state affair. This lady was spoken 
 extremely well of at Paris ; her humanity 
 and disposition to befriend, were allowed by 
 all ; and it was said, that whenever she 
 could, she interfered to alleviate the dis- 
 tresses, and procure pardon for those who 
 hud incurred the displeasure of government. 
 It was considered that whatever had been 
 the errors of her earlier days, she had 
 redeemed them by the many good actions 
 she had performed, and from thence a sen- 
 timent of respect had been generated, which 
 softened envy, and gave a sort of dignity to 
 her, very advantageous in her high station. 
 
 Mr. Fox seemed to think extremely well 
 of her. As she loved plants and understood 
 botany, he found it agreeable to converse
 
 287 
 
 with her on this elegant and interesting 
 subject. She had enriched Malmaison by a 
 very fine and choice collection of plants, 
 and it is fair to presume, that she who 
 raised to a throne employed herself in acts 
 of humanity, and in this innocent and de- 
 lightful pursuit, possessed no common 
 mind. It was said in Paris, however, at this 
 time, that Madame Buonaparte had been 
 nearly disgraced several times, but that the 
 brothers of the first Consul supported her, 
 on the expectation that if he had no issue of 
 his own, some of their children might suc- 
 ceed him ; so that a divorce was probably 
 in Buonaparte's contemplation, from the 
 moment that he saw a prospect of making 
 the government permanent and hereditary ! 
 
 At this time an invitation was sent to Mr. 
 Fox, from Miss Helen Maria Williams. 
 She requested the pleasure of his company 
 to an evening party, and to express how 
 much this honour would gratify her, 
 wrote that it would be "a white day," thus 
 distinguished. Some of Mr. Fox's friends 
 wished him to decline this invitation altoere- 
 
 o
 
 288 
 
 ther, from apprehension of giving a handle 
 to ill-nature and calumny. He, however, 
 always the same, disdaining the fear of 
 suspicion, and unwilling ungraciously to 
 refuse an invitation earnestly pressed, did 
 not agree with them, and went for a short 
 time. I mention this circumstance because 
 it proves how unwilling he was to give 
 offence or pain, as also, how much he 
 soared above common party views. He was 
 aware that he might be misrepresented and 
 blackened for going to Miss Williams's con- 
 versazione, as much as he had been for admit- 
 ting Mr. A. O'Connor to his presence ; but he 
 despised slander, was not anxious for 
 place, and was too benignant to slight, 
 with contempt and scorn, the request of an 
 accomplished female, whose vanity, as 
 well as a natural admiration of so great a 
 man, were deeply concerned that he should 
 grant it. 
 
 A very interesting dinner, to which Mr. 
 Fox was at this time invited, brought vi- 
 vidly to recollection the horrors and ex- 
 cesses of the revolutionary times. M. Per-
 
 289 
 
 regaux, a banker noted for his wealth, inte* 
 grity, and politeness, requested Mr. Fox and 
 several of his friends to dine with him : 
 he was a man advanced in years, of a noble 
 persenee, and most agreeable frankness of 
 manners. The company was select and 
 pleasing. M . Perrigaux, by his good sense and 
 consummate prudence, had escaped the very 
 worst times of Robespierre. It was, however, 
 still a matter of wonder to himself how he 
 had escaped. He had seen his friends daily 
 fall around him, and, having a small country 
 house at Passy, a short distance from Paris, 
 he retired there to avoid being in the 
 midst of accumulated horrors, and often 
 in a calm day, or evening, heard distinctly 
 the chop of the guillotine. 
 
 t?
 
 290 
 
 CHAPTER X1L 
 
 XM^E continued busily employed every 
 morning in transcribing and reading at 
 the office of the Archives ; and, as we were 
 never interrupted or disturbed, I was sur- 
 prized one day by the door opening. A 
 stranger of an interesting and graceful figure 
 came gently in, advanced rapidly, and in 
 embracing Mr. Fox, shewed a countenance 
 full of joy, while tears rolled down his 
 cheeks. Mr. Fox testified equal emotion. 
 It was M. de la Fayette, the virtuous and un- 
 shaken friend of liberty ! Louis, James, Ba- 
 rillon, all vanished from my mind — a more 
 gratifying subject for contemplation was 
 before me ! 
 
 Fayette, at a very early age, had visited 
 London ; he had there become acquainted 
 with Mr. Fox, and they had not met again
 
 291 
 
 till now. There was too much congeniality 
 in their souls not to produce an early and 
 strong sentiment of friendship. Destined 
 from their youth to be, in their respective 
 countries, the protectors of the sacred cause 
 of liberty, they had followed different paths, 
 but each led to the same temple — -that of 
 glory founded on the people s happiness. 
 
 M. Fayette, born under a despotic regime, 
 saw nothing in his own country to employ 
 a young and enthusiastic mind. North 
 America attracted his attention — sorely op- 
 pressed, asking for justice — all her com- 
 plaints rejected — her petitions unheeded— 
 her murmurs disregarded — America was 
 beginning to feel the sacred impulse of 
 liberty — she was stretching and unfolding 
 her half-fledged wings, — doubting her 
 powers — dreading her adversary — and 
 wavering between submission and disj air : — 
 she was in the infancy of her strength, 
 when Fayette, animated with the glorious 
 cause, left all the luxuries and indigencies 
 which rank and fortune could procure him, 
 crossed the Atlantic, and oilered himself 
 
 u 2
 
 29'2 
 
 to the Americans, as a champion and a 
 friend. He built, at his own expense, a fri- 
 gate, to aid the cause; and, by his military and 
 civil exertions, contributed not a little to the 
 emancipation of the United States of Ame- 
 rica ! Whilst Fayette thus promoted the 
 cause of liberty in America, his noble friend, 
 in the British House of Commons, laboured, 
 with equal zeal, to inspire an obstinate and 
 unenlightened ministry with respect for the 
 rights of humanity, and mercy for the tor- 
 tured Americans: loudly and repeatedly he 
 raised his voice in their favour, and if he did 
 not convince the ministry, he at length con- 
 vinced the nation. 
 
 Peace was made, and Fox found his bene- 
 volent mind relieved from hearing daily of civil 
 discord, of unavailing bloodshed, and of hor- 
 rid warfare, in which each party was weak- 
 ened, no object was gained, and the ene- 
 mies of the two countries could alone find 
 pleasure. America was acknowledged inde- 
 pendent : her prosperity has since been pro- 
 gressive and unexampled ; and it is no com- 
 mon debt of gratitude she owes to Fox and
 
 m 
 
 Fayette. The affectionate interview which 
 took place before my eyes, between those 
 great and excellent men, gave a new turn to 
 my thoughts. I observed, with secret and 
 unspeakable satisfaction, that purity of prin- 
 ciples, and goodness of heart, formed a bond 
 which no time or separation dissolves. 
 These great and good men had not met for 
 many long years — different countries con- 
 tained them — different pursuits occupied 
 them — different connections engaged them — 
 but their excellent minds still sympathised : 
 their hearts were united, and the people's 
 cause was to both like a polar star. 
 
 M. de la Fayette had come from the 
 country to see Mr. Fox, and to invite him to 
 his house. He now resided entirely there, 
 and had been allured from his retirement by 
 this call of friendship and affection. In a few 
 moments their sentiments were interchanged; 
 in a few looks their thoughts were known. 
 The review of the past was taken in a mo- 
 ment, and they soon appeared to be affec- 
 tionate friends, who, having parted for a few 
 days, were now re-united. M. dela Fayette
 
 294 
 
 resided about thirty miles from Paris, and was 
 quite unconnected with, and unconsulted by, 
 the government. He viewed the new state 
 of things with melancholy and regret ; not 
 from an unfavourable opinion of the first 
 Consul, but from a rooted and principled 
 conviction, that arbitrary power is injurious 
 to the happiness of the people. 
 
 The reader will find annexed to this vo- 
 lume, a letter of M. de la Fayette, on the con- 
 sulship for life, which, as it is in perfect con- 
 sonance with every act of that excellent and 
 pure character, will be studied with pleasure 
 by every lover of liberty. A fervent and 
 chastened love of freedom is conspicuous in 
 it: and the patriotic author seems to have 
 closed his political career by this last act, in 
 a way which will endear him to posterity, 
 and rank his name in history, as theundevi- 
 ating patriot, the friend of his country's 
 rights, and, in every place and situation, the 
 opponent of despotic power. — Let him who 
 peruses this letter feel the value of steadiness 
 of principle, but let no oneprcsume, in order 
 to throw blame upon Buonaparte, to set forth
 
 295 
 
 this interesting document as evidence of his 
 criminality, who himself every day prostitutes 
 himself to power, and riots in the spoils of 
 an abused people. Fayette wrote for the 
 world and posterity. His view was not to 
 disturb an established government, or indulge 
 in petulance and spleen; but to leave a record, 
 which in future times might vindicate his own 
 character, and inform his descendants, that 
 to the last Fayette was consistent. 
 
 Since his retirement, and in the gloomy 
 prospects of the republic, he had lived in the 
 most private and simple manner; in the 
 bosom of a tender and affectionate family 
 he found every consolation ; he frequented 
 no place of amusement, never went to the 
 theatre, and, with a limited and curtailed 
 fortune, exhibited the bright example of # 
 public man, content with a little, free 
 from envious and angry feelings, and 
 willing to live in dignified silence, when he 
 had not the power to do good. Mr. Fox 
 cheerfully complied with M. de la Fayette's 
 wish of seeing him at La Grange, (the name
 
 296 
 
 of his country house,) and agreed to visit 
 him in a fortnight. 
 
 Mr. Fox this day received all the gratifica- 
 tion of a feeling and affectionate mind. 
 The family of General Fo.t had arrived; and, 
 as no man was more domestic, no man was 
 more attached to all his family, he found in 
 his extended circle, further enlarged by Mr. 
 Henry Fox, his nephew, and niece, every 
 gratification he could desire. That amiable 
 family were worthy their exalted relative, 
 and it added not merely to his satisfaction 
 in seeing them around him in Paris, but 
 their presence highly contributed to the plea- 
 sure and charm of our select society. 
 
 On the following day, we drove to St. 
 Cloud, having obtained an order of admis- 
 sion. That superb chateau was now 
 furnishing, and putting in complete order 
 for the reception of the first Consul. As we 
 approached it every thing wore a military 
 appearance ; sentinels, every twenty yards, 
 paraded about, diminishing, in my eyes, the 
 beauty of the place. When we entered, how-
 
 297 
 
 ever, the display of elegance, ta 1 te, and riches, 
 dazzled and enchanted every eye. Every 
 room was fitted up differently. The silk in 
 each was of a different colour. The gallery 
 and chapel were untouched, remaining as 
 the royal family hud left them; but the 
 whole was, we understood, to be altered 
 and improved ; and none of the furniture 
 or ornaments placed there by the queen was 
 to be retained. The si vie oi ornamenting 
 was in the most exquisite taste. We saw a 
 plain and commodious cabinet, fitted up 
 for the first Consul, and a most superb and 
 costly bath for Madame. The expense of 
 furnishing and fitting up St. Cloud, was 
 estimated at 500,000. 
 
 As Mr. Fox proceeded in his research 
 among the Archives, an occasional day 
 intervened, as he advanced in his progress, 
 which was given to invitations, or visits of 
 an interesting nature. A dejedner, given 
 by Madame Recamier, at Chchy, -at this 
 time, collected almost every distinguished 
 person at Paris : w r e went there about three
 
 298 
 
 o'clock. So much has been said of the 
 beauty of the charming hostess, that it 
 would be superfluous to say more, than that 
 every one was captivated by it. But her 
 simple and unaffected manners, a genuine 
 mildness and goodness of disposition, obvious 
 in all she said and did, with as little vanity 
 as is possible to conceive, in a young woman 
 so extravagantly admired, were still more 
 interesting. She received her visitors with 
 singular ease and frankness. The house at 
 Clichy was a pretty one, and the gardens 
 extended to the river ; in the latter, the 
 company walked about till all were assem- 
 bled. 
 
 There, for the first time, we saw General 
 Moreau ; his appearance was plain and 
 heavy, — his dress rather negligent; — his coun- 
 tenance, I thought, denoted indolence, and 
 his air had nothing martial or elevated. — 
 He struck me, then, as quite inadequate to 
 be placed in competition with Buonaparte ; 
 there was much bon homnrie, much calmness 
 about him; but I discovered no latent energy; 
 and although I endeavoured to admire him for
 
 299 
 
 his past exploits, I could not bring myself 
 to think him a great man. Mr. Fox address- 
 ed himself to him, and turned the discourse 
 upon Louis XIV. and the history of those 
 times. Moreau, upon this subject, was dull, 
 and did not elicit one spark of intelligence. 
 Afterwards at table, he was free in his dis- 
 course about the army ; but those who heard 
 his conversation remarked that he testified 
 more want of thought, than prudence, in 
 his manner of expressing himself. Moreau 
 was above the middle size, but his person 
 was ungraceful, and not well formed He 
 lived at this time about ten or twelve miles 
 from Paris, and was said to be much devo- 
 ted to his wife and to hunting. 
 
 Eugene Beauharnois, viceroy of Italy, 
 was at this entertainment; and a great crowd 
 of French characters, eminent for rank and 
 talents. Since the period of which I write, 
 the amiable and lovely Madame llecamier has 
 sustaineda great reverse of fortune, by the fai- 
 lure of Monsieur Recamier,who was a banker. 
 She bore her fall, it is said, with great fortitude; 
 and, reducing her establishment from a splen-
 
 300 
 
 did to a very humble one, continued to live 
 with all that calm cheerfulness which had 
 marked her in times of affluence. If I had ad- 
 mired this most charming woman at Paris, 
 surrounded by admirers, and possessing every 
 thing that wealth could bestow, — as gentle, 
 unassuming, and untainted by vanity, 
 how much more admirable did I think her 
 when I heard that she bore adversity with 
 nobleness of mind, which shews the 
 possessor to be independent of fortune and 
 of the world ! I have since learned, indeed, 
 that this admirable woman is no more: form- 
 ing a high opinion of her conduct at CHchy, 
 I have never ceased to think of her without 
 esteem. — I mourned over her misfortunes, 
 and felt that grief at her death, which is 
 ever due to the memory of a lovely, accom- 
 plished, and unaffected woman. 
 
 I cannot help mentioning an interesting- 
 little piece, which I saw at the Theatre Rue 
 Feydeu in the evening, in company with 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fox. It was called, " Nina, 
 ou la folle par amour." We were all 
 charmed with it. A young girl in the country
 
 301 
 
 falls in love : her friends refuse their ap- 
 probation of the young man of her choice — 
 she grows melancholy and deranged. — Her 
 parents, alarmed, use every method to restore, 
 but in vain. At length, her lover is brought to 
 see her — she does not know him — he speaks to 
 her — still she is insensible — till a look recalls 
 her wayward fancy ; she trembles, and be- 
 gins, in a confused way, to recognize her 
 beloved ! Tears burst forth, and nature and 
 reason assert their rights ! — The acting was 
 so excellent, that it is impossible to do justice 
 to it ; but it may serve as a powerful proof 
 that the French possess exquisite feeling, and 
 on the stage are unrivalled in exciting it, in 
 that familiar and tender manner which comes 
 home to all hearts. 
 
 The day succeeding the dejeuner, at Clichy, 
 presented us with a new and curious, though 
 certainly not very interesting sight. It was 
 a seance of the tribunate, a body to whom 
 the task of digesting and preparing laws for 
 the consideration of the legislature had been 
 originally allotted. The sitting was held in a 
 part of the Palais Royal. As we waited in the 
 antichamber, an officer, who had been pri-
 
 302 
 
 soner at Portsmouth, recognized Mr. Fox, 
 and, in a very handsome manner, thanked him 
 for some former interference in the House of 
 Commons, in behalf of himself and his fel- 
 low prisoners. His figure was good and im- 
 posing — his manner polite and grateful — 
 and as the act was quite spontaneous, it had 
 all that effect which the overflow of the 
 heart gives on public occasions. Mr. Fox 
 was embarrassed by the compliments paid 
 him, and scarcely replied. 
 
 As we were summoned to the seanceby 
 the beating of a drum, I did not anticipate 
 any thing very august. Nor was I deceived. 
 We entered a small hall, of an oval form : 
 a semicircle of benches were arranged for 
 members, and a gallery was raised for spec- 
 tators. Very few persons were present: 
 the clerk or secretary read the names of per- 
 sons presenting hooks to the nation — their 
 nature and contents — some other equally 
 interesting forms were gone through, wher 
 the meeting broke up. This was a strange 
 scene to one accustomed to the English 
 House of Commons : we restrained our
 
 303 
 
 smiles, and left the place diverted with this 
 specimen of the exertions of a French legis- 
 lative bodv. We afterwards understood that 
 warm discussions had taken place, relating to 
 new laws, in the tribunate, and that govern- 
 ment in consequence had thought fit to reduce 
 it to the phantom we saw. 
 
 From thence we proceeded to behold a dif- 
 ferent sight indeed — the Hotel des Invalides. 
 It is a noble and most interesting establish- 
 ment. The officers and privates there enjoy 
 repose, and tranquilly wear out the rest 
 of their days. The interior forms a noble 
 and even sublime sight: trophies and standards 
 adorn the halls, and are most appropriately 
 placed ; the tomb of Turenne rests in awful 
 silence ! The remains of that great general, 
 and excellent man, filled me with veneration 
 and sorrow ; he was the father of his 
 soldiers, and the supporter of his country. 
 Such men are honoured by all nations, and 
 live for the benefit of society at large ; they 
 soften the horrors of war, and accelerate the 
 return of Peace. Happy in domestic life, 
 their ambition does not hurry them into per- 
 petual broils ; but when called by their coun-
 
 30i 
 
 try, their virtue is bright in its defence. 
 I stood before the tomb! I imagined I heard 
 the groans of his soldiers-—! thought I saw 
 their tears and their rage, when his horse 
 came past without its illustrious rider ! 
 — they had lost a protector and friend, 
 never to be replaced ! 
 
 Our labours at the Archives were now 
 drawing to a close ; and as I rejoiced at the 
 accomplishment of Mr. Fox's purpose, so I 
 was glad to have more time to observe the 
 new and striking scenes around me. I fre- 
 quented the theatres as much as possible, 
 going often alone to see the best pieces ; and 
 this I recommend strongly to every stran- 
 ger wishing to become master of the French 
 language and its pronunciation ; and that 
 not as mere amusement, but as a study of 
 their first dramatic authors. I now saw, 
 with infinite pleasure, the Zaire of Voltaire 
 represented. M. and Madame Talma, and La 
 Fonds pleased me highly. With the Italian 
 opera I was quite enchanted ; the music 
 and singing were excellent ; the house a pro- 
 per size, and the acting good. The TartufFe,
 
 305 
 
 of the inimitable Moliere, I saw at the thea- 
 tre Francois with great delight ; though I 
 thought it did not answer the expectations 
 on the stage, which the perusal of that ex- 
 cellent comedy had raised. It would, how- 
 ever, fatigue my readers if I were to enume- 
 rate every thing we now saw, — the Monu- 
 mens Francois, disposed in a manner the 
 happiest that can be conceived, the Jardin de 
 PJantes, Pantheon, Palais de Justice, &c. &c.
 
 •J 
 
 06 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 HP HE new year, according to the repub- 
 lican style, was now (the l£th Sep- 
 tember) commencing; five complimentary 
 days preceded the 1st of Vindemaire. The 
 French government, always attentive to the 
 amusements of the people, had ordered fetes, 
 illuminations, and the exhibition of the pro- 
 duce of national industry, to take place on 
 this occasion. Paris, in consequence, was gay 
 beyond measure. The fete, which was held 
 in the Champs Elysees, although attended 
 by so many thousand people, exhibited no 
 disorder or impropriety; no intoxication was 
 to be observed, every one enjoyed the vari- 
 ous sports; the day was excessively fine, and 
 there could not be a more pleasing sight. 
 In the evening illuminations at the Thuille- 
 lies succeeded, which had a delightful effect ;
 
 307 
 
 the gardens were open, and every person 
 permitted to walk about as they pleased. 
 At this time, splendid parties at the Marquis 
 de Gallo's, and M. Lucehesine's, took place, 
 and the round of amusements and pleasures, 
 which followed one another, scarcely left 
 time to dress, and not much to think. This 
 lasted but a very few days, and closed with 
 the exhibition at the Louvre. A square had 
 been fitted up with temporary shops, an 
 esplanade and pillars ; within these shops 
 were deposited every thing rare and excel- 
 lent, the produce of the national indus- 
 try. 
 
 Previous to the indiscriminate admission 
 of the people, a few were permitted to 
 see this admirable display of national wealth. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fox, General Fitzpatrick, Lord 
 St. John, and myself, went the first day. 
 The first Consul, attended by his guards, 
 came in a plain coach. I had an opportu- 
 nity of judging better of him here than at 
 the levee. He walked in public with an in- 
 flexible and commanding gravity : the small- 
 ness of his figure lost its disadvantages in 
 
 x 2
 
 308 
 
 the awi'ul severity of his countenance; his 
 step was measured and calm, and his eyes 
 did not wander but were fixed, or looked 
 straight forward. As the first magistrate of 
 the state, and its military chieftain also, he 
 carried himself with great propriety and 
 decorum in public, and there was nothing 
 ferocious or rough in his demeanour. He 
 spoke some time to Mr. Fox, who was in 
 one of the shops, but as I was not with 
 him, I cannot relate the conversation. 
 
 This exhibition of the produce of national 
 industry was very interesting; the finest 
 silks, the most beautiful tapestry, porcelaine, 
 lace, cambrics, furniture of every kind, 
 and of new inventions, works in steel, glass, 
 marble, — every thing which an ingenious 
 and flourishing people could send to Paris, 
 from every quarter, were here exhibited. It 
 was a most pleasing and instructive sight, 
 and an example worthy of the imitation 
 of all nations. 
 
 As our time forgoing to M. la Fayette's ap- 
 proached, I anticipated with delight the plea-
 
 309 
 
 sures of the country, and the society of the 
 family at La Grange. Mr. Fox looked forward 
 to it with great satisfaction; his friendship for 
 its possessor, and natural inclination for the 
 country, attracting him strongly there. 
 
 A residence of a considerable time in 
 Paris with him, had confirmed, and in- 
 creased my sentiments of admiration and 
 esteem for this truly great man. His mo- 
 deration and simplicity were perfectly un- 
 changed in this great vortex of vanity, pomp, 
 and pleasure : receiving daily the most flat- 
 tering (and, to any other man, intoxicating) 
 marks of general esteem and applause, 
 from French, English, and other persons, ot 
 almost every other nation ; he was uniformly 
 the same : no variation appeared, and not 
 a shadow of vanity passed over his cha- 
 meter. At times walking alone with him, 
 in an evening, in the garden of the Hotel 
 de Richelieu, I have been instructed and 
 always interested by his conversation. The 
 French government did not inspire him 
 with any respect for its constitution, but 
 he took a philosophic and statesman-
 
 310 
 
 like view of it. At these times his manner 
 was peculiarly serene ; his conversation 
 candid and undisguised — saying little — 
 listening a great deal, and then interposing 
 a simple yet powerful remark, founded on 
 history and the nature of man. He listened 
 with complacency to every statement of 
 facts, and though he drew different conclu- 
 sions from them, was far from being dis- 
 pleased at opinions more unfavourable to 
 the French government than his own. These 
 were precious moments. Mr. Fox instruct- 
 ed often by a look, and the smile which 
 said so expressively, yet good-naturedly 
 ** surely you are going too far;" was not to 
 be forgotten. 
 
 This method of instructing or improving 
 a youthful and inexperienced mind, was 
 a very singular one. He allowed his com- 
 panion to talk, to ask questions, and to 
 express opinions quite dissimilar to his own ; 
 but by withholding his approbation, by the 
 smile of doubt, and a gentle dissent on 
 one or two poLts, he brought him to 
 re- consider the question (allowing him
 
 311 
 
 his full merit for original and sound re- 
 mark,) and by dispassionate investigation, to 
 correct the errors incident to hasty or ill- 
 grounded opinions. Truth was his sole ob- 
 ject, and he never disdained the humblest 
 attempts to elucidate it in others, if he was 
 clearly satisfied with their sincerity. 
 
 It cost him no pain to surrender his own 
 opinion upon conviction — he readily did so, 
 but there were two vices in society singled 
 out, and deservedly lashed, by the excellent 
 author of Joseph Andrews, which Mr. Fox 
 mortally hated — Hypocricy and Affec- 
 tation ; these were quite intolerable in pri- 
 vate and intimate society to him, and he 
 never assumed any appearance of esteem 
 where he did not feel it. He kept a plain 
 and moderate table at Paris, where his 
 earliest friends were often found. One of 
 them, Mr. Hare, then at Paris, was too ill 
 to dine out, and Mr, Fox visited him often, — 
 Mr. Hare, once the brilliant meteor in society, 
 whose wit, and powers of pleasing, wxre 
 amazingly great — the friend of Fox, and the 
 men of genius of the day, I saw then de-
 
 312 
 
 dining in his sphere — the languid counte- 
 nance and feeble frame betokened ap- 
 proaching dissolution — his eyes yet beamed 
 with tremulous fire, and his mind was clear 
 and undisturbed. He testified much affec- 
 tion for Mr. Fox, and seemed to revive at 
 his presence. His decease was not far dis- 
 tant ! How little was I aware that 
 his illustrious friend would follow so 
 soon ! 
 
 Mr. Fox seldom entertained at his table 
 more than six or eight. The conversation 
 was always cheerful and pleasant. I re- 
 collect M. de Narbonne, an Ex-minister, 
 dining with him. A man of more vivacity 
 than talent, an eloquent talker — a great 
 admirer of Hume, the English historian, and 
 consequently no enemy to royalty. At one 
 of those pleasant small dinner parties, I 
 have seen Mr. West and Mr. Opie, and 
 heard Mr. Fox discuss the merits of almost 
 all the grand painters with great acumen, 
 taste, and discrimination. Such parties were 
 greatly preferable to the dinners at the mi- 
 nister for Foreign Affairs. What a con-
 
 313 
 
 trast too ! At the one the smooth intercourse 
 and studied dissimulation of the world, — at 
 the other, sincerity, politeness, and wit ! 
 
 Previous to our leaving Paris for La 
 Grange,MadameCABARRUs y ci-devant Tallien, 
 gave an elegant and sumptous dinner to 
 Mr. Fox and other distinguished foreigners. 
 Every thing which taste, genius, or art, 
 could contrive, conspired to make this the 
 most perfect sort of entertainment I had 
 witnessed. Madame Cabarrus was a most 
 lovely woman, something upon a large scale, 
 and of the most fascinating manners. She 
 was rather in disgrace at court, where 
 decorum and morals were beginning to be 
 severely attended to : Madame was sup- 
 posed, when separated from her husband, 
 to have been indiscreet, and did not appear 
 there. 
 
 Most of Mr. Fox's friends were at this 
 dinner; but the surprize, and, indeed, dis- 
 pleasure of some English characters of 
 political consequence, was great at finding 
 that Mr. Arthur O'Connor was one of the
 
 314 
 
 guests. This had been done inadvertently 
 by Madame Cabarrus, and was certainly not 
 considered. Mr. now Lord Erskine, was 
 extremely uneasy, lest evil report should 
 misrepresent this matter in England ; but 
 Mr. Fox, ever magnanimous, treated it as an 
 unavoidable, though unlucky circumstance. 
 He spoke to Mr. O'Connor as usual, and 
 lost none of the enjoyment of the evening 
 from an event, which, being trivial, must be 
 forgotten ivhen malignity iv as fatigued with 
 recounting it. I do not recollect upon the 
 whole that Mr. Fox saw this gentleman 
 more than twice during his stay in Paris. 
 It was, indeed, understood that the French 
 government did not look with a favourable 
 eye upon the Irish Exiles, and they certainly 
 received no public countenance whatever. 
 
 Madame Cabarrus had a charming house, 
 at the extremity of the city; the gardens 
 were pretty, and taste reigned every where. 
 This fascinating woman exerted herself for 
 the accommodation of her guests with infinite 
 kindness and elegance: she was scarcely 
 satisfied to allow her servants to do any
 
 315 
 
 little office in the course of a delightful 
 evening, but often anticipated the wishes 
 and wants of her guests herself. French 
 horns played during dinner, and in the 
 evening, with a very happy effect, being well 
 placed and admirably played. A ventri- 
 loquist of extraordinary powers entertained 
 us extremely. His imitation of a revolu- 
 tionary committee in the corner of the room, 
 was admirable, as well as several other 
 proofs he gave of this astonishing talent. 
 M. Tallien was himself at this time in 
 Paris, but all intercourse between him and 
 his wife had ceased. Lord St. John, who 
 afterwards met him in a private company, 
 told me, that he gave a very interesting 
 account of the apprehension of Robespierre. 
 It will be recollected that Tallien was one 
 of the principal persons concerned in the 
 seizure of the Robespierres, and in over- 
 throwing that execrable tyranny. 
 
 On the 1st Vindemaire (September 23d) 
 another levee was held, at which Mr. Fox 
 was present. The first Consul was not 
 more penetrating on this occasion than on
 
 316 
 
 the former, respecting Lord Erskine. The 
 ceremony was similar to that of the former 
 levee. It was usual to invite those prevent- 
 ed at a former one, to dinner on the sub- 
 sequent one. Mr. Fox on this occasion, 
 therefore, dined with the first Consul. I re- 
 collect well his return in the evening to the 
 hotel de Richelieu : he said Buonaparte 
 talked a great deal, and I inferred at the 
 time, that he who engrossed the conversa- 
 tion in company with Mr. Fox, debarred 
 himself of much instruction, and did not 
 feel his value sufficiently. Mr. Fox, how- 
 ever, was pleased, or 1 may say amused. 
 After dinner, which was a short one, the 
 first Consul retired, with a select number, to 
 Madam Buonaparte's apartments in the 
 Thuilleries, where the rest of the evening 
 was spent. Mr. Fox appeared to consider 
 Buonaparte as a young man who was a good 
 deal intoxicated with his success and sur- 
 prizing elevation, and did not doubt of his 
 sincerity as to the maintenance of peace. 
 He manifested some irritation against a part 
 of Mr. Pitt's ministry, as having instigated 
 and been privy to plots against his life, par-
 
 317 
 
 ticularly that of the infernal machine 
 actually named one individual whom 
 
 reproached with having aided it the 
 
 late Mr. Windham ! — Mr. Fox did every 
 thing to discharge the mind of the first 
 Consul from such an idea, as far as his own 
 positive contradiction, and as his belief 
 strongly expressed, could go. Buonaparte 
 spoke a good deal of the possibility of doing 
 away all difference between the inhabitants 
 of the two worlds — of blending the black 
 and the white, and having universal peace ! 
 Mr. Fox related a considerable part of the 
 evening's conversations, with which he was 
 certainly much diverted, but he had imbi- 
 bed no improved impressions of the first 
 Consul's genius from what passed. 
 
 For my part, I was quite satisfied with 
 levees, and great dinners, and parties, and 
 now looked with unfeigned delight to our 
 departure for La Grange.
 
 ( 318 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 }N the morning of the 24th of Septem- 
 ber we left Paris for the country. 
 There was nothing striking in that part 
 through which we passed, formerly called the 
 Isle of France. As we approached La 
 Grange, it became evidently a corn dis- 
 trict. The towers and wooa^of the Cha- 
 teau appeared in peaceful repose as we drove 
 near, and when we gained a full view of the 
 building, I felt great emotion. It was the 
 residence of a great and good man — a patriot 
 and friend to mankind, whose life had been 
 consecrated to virtue and liberty. Such 
 truly was M. de la Fayette. The chateau 
 was of a very singular construction, qua-
 
 319 
 
 drangular, and ornamented by Moorish towers 
 at each angle, which had no unpleasing 
 effect. A ruined chapel was near the man- 
 sion : the fosse was filled up through neglect 
 and a long lapse of time. We drove into 
 the court-yard. The family came to the 
 hall to meet us. That good and amiable 
 family, happy in themselves, and rejoicing 
 to see the illustrious friend of La Fayette ! 
 Can I forget that moment ? No silly affec- 
 tation — no airs of idle ceremony, were seen 
 at the residence of him who gloriously and 
 successfully had struggled for America, and 
 had done all he could for France ! 
 
 M. de la Fayette and Madame received 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fox with the heartiest wel- 
 come. The family consisted of two daugh- 
 ters, a son and his wife — all young and ele- 
 gant — all living with M. de la Fayette, as 
 their brother and friend. As his figure was 
 youthful and graceful, (his age at this time 
 being about forty-nine or fifty,) he appeared 
 quite a young man. His benevolent coun- 
 tenance — the frank and warm manners, 
 which made him quite adored in his family —
 
 320 
 
 and a placid contentedness, amounting to 
 cheerfulness, altogether had an irresistible 
 effect in gaining the affections and esteem of 
 those admitted to his more intimate society. 
 
 Madame de la Fayette, of the ancient fa- 
 mily of Noaiiles, was a superior and admi- 
 rable woman, possessing the high polish of 
 the ancientnobility, eloquentand animated. — 
 Fondly attached to M. de la Fayette and her 
 family, she regretted nothingof past splendour, 
 she possessed a cherished husband, and was 
 happy in retirement. M. de la Fayette's 
 son was a pleasing young man ; his wife very 
 engaging and interesting; his daughters were 
 charming yoifng women, quite free from the 
 insipid languor, or wretched affectation, 
 which, in young women of fashion, so much 
 destroys originality of character, and makes 
 one find in one fashionable young lady, the 
 prototype and pattern of ten thousand. In 
 a word, this amiable and most interesting 
 family seemed united by one bond of affec- 
 tion, and to desire nothing beyond the circle 
 of their tranquil mansion,
 
 321 
 
 It is necessary to recur to some past events 
 in M. de la Fayette's life, to do full justice to 
 such a family. It is well known that M. 
 de la Fayette had been arrested on leav- 
 ing France, and thrown into the dungeons 
 of Olmutz. He had continued imprisoned 
 a considerable time, when Madame de la 
 Fayette, unable to bear her separation from 
 him, determined to make an effort for his 
 liberty, or to share his fate, and set out for 
 Germany, with her young and lovely chil- 
 dren. At the feet of the emperor she 
 implored his majesty to release her husband, 
 or to allow her to participate in his confine- 
 ment. Her first request was coldly refused ; 
 — she was, however, permitted to visit her 
 husband. From that time, for several years, 
 she never left him, herself and daughters 
 sharing with him every inconvenience and 
 misery ! The damps of his prison hurt the 
 health of Madame, and she had never 
 entirely recovered from their baneful effects : 
 Buonaparte, to his honour it must be re- 
 corded, interposed as soon as he had power 
 effectually to do so, and insisted on the libe- 
 tion of M. de la Fayette. Accordingly, at 
 the period of which I write, (1802) he had 
 
 r
 
 322 
 
 not long arrived in France, having come by 
 way of Holland, with his virtuous and 
 excellent family, the partners of his captivity, 
 and soothers of his sorrows. 
 
 The chateau and estate of La Grange, which 
 Madame, who was an heiress, had brought 
 him, was all that remained of his fortunes: he 
 had lost every thing besides, in the madness 
 of revolutionary confiscation, and had not 
 yet been able to procure restitution or com- 
 pensation. To add to the interest of the 
 scene, General Fitzpatrick, who had known 
 M. de la Fayette in America, and had vainly 
 attempted in the English House of Commons 
 to rouse the Pitt ministry to a sense of 
 humanity and commiseration for M. de la 
 Fayette, joined the party at La Grange. 
 That accomplished man was an addition to 
 it of the most pleasing nature, and he was 
 received most affectionately by the family. 
 I have often contemplated with pleasure, 
 General Fiztpatrick and M. de la Fayette 
 walking in a long shady grove near the 
 chateau, speaking of past times, the war in 
 America, and the revolution in France. The 

 
 823 
 
 rare sight of three such men, as Fox, Fay- 
 ette and Fitzpatrick, was grateful to any one 
 who felt rightly, and valued men for their 
 services to humanity, rather than for suc- 
 cessful ambition. Lally Tollendal, also, 
 whose father had, under the old regime, 
 suffered so severe a fate, was at La Grange, 
 an open, honest, and agreeable man,™ 
 telling a great number of ancedotes, relating 
 to the revolution, with point and energy, 
 and resembling the Irish in his good-hu- 
 moured and unstudied manners ; anxious to 
 contribute to the pleasure of M. de la Fay- 
 ette's guests, and pointing out every thing 
 agreeable to English customs and habits. 
 In the evenings, he read extracts from 
 Shakespeare, translated by himself into 
 French, with an almost stentorian voice, and 
 much effect. A few of M. de la Fayette's 
 country neighbours were also occasionally 
 invited ; his table was plentiful, and our 
 evenings diversified by conversation, chess, 
 or some other game, as was most agreeable. 
 Madame was extremely pleasing in conver- 
 sation, and narrated her adventures, and 
 
 v 2
 
 324 
 
 sufferings in Germany, with great vivacity 
 and ease. » 
 
 The chateau itself was ancient, and simply 
 furnished : the library, at the top of one of 
 the towers, a circular room, with a com- 
 manding view from its windows, was adorned 
 by the busts of Washington, Franklin, and 
 other di tinguished American patriots, as 
 well as by those of Frenchmen of genius in 
 modern times. The wood, which adjoined 
 the chateau, was a beautiful one, divided in 
 the old style by long green alleys, intersect- 
 ing one another, admirably adapted for a stu- 
 dious walk, or for reading remote from noise. 
 Here was a place to enjoy the sublime 
 and eloquent writings of Rousseau; and here 
 I was happy to lose all thought of Paris and 
 the world, filled with the grateful sensation, 
 that I was the guest of a man so excellent 
 as La Fayette. I often, too, had the satis- 
 faction of conversing with him, as he was so 
 unaffected and mild, that I had no difficulty 
 in addressing him : he talked of Ireland, and 
 Sir Edward Haversham, and enquired very 
 much concerning the ancient Wolf Dog, one 
 of which race (extinct I believe in France) he
 
 325 
 
 desired much to procure. All his sentiments 
 were noble, and his mind was animated 
 with a true feeling for liberty. He spoke 
 a good deal of America, and told me, that 
 so great was the jealousy of the Americans 
 against foreign troops, that he was obliged 
 to consent to reduce the number stipulated 
 for, though he afterwards negotiated for 
 more at home, to make the aid effectual ! 
 Worthy and respectable man ! If I have 
 seen you for the last time, my wishes for your 
 repose, and my gratitude shall ever be alive. 
 I shall ever dwell on your name with reve- 
 renceand affection; and those delightful daysl 
 spent at La Grange, shall remain consecrated 
 in my memory, as among the most fortu- 
 nate and pleasing of my life. 
 
 The political career of M. de la Fayette 
 had not, it is true, the same happy result in 
 France as in America ; but it is to be 
 considered, that his situation in the former 
 was arduous beyond measure. A friend to 
 a limited monarchy, and to the legitimate 
 rights of the people, at a time when the 
 support of one was deemed hostility to the
 
 326 
 
 other, he found it impossible, consistent 
 with his principles, to fall into the mania 
 of the nation. A king of integrity and 
 firmness, with La Fayette as his counsellor, 
 might have been safe, even in the tumultuous 
 times preceding the seizure of the common- 
 wealth, by sanguinary demagogues ; but 
 Louis, it is to be feared, wanted both these 
 qualities, certainly the latter ! La Fayette 
 failed, therefore, in his patriotic views, not as 
 the first Consul is said to have insinuated, 
 because heattempted what was impracticable; 
 but because those whose interest it was to 
 second his views, and whose happiness 
 would have been insured by them, did not 
 support him. A ruined throne, and desolated 
 country, subsequently attested the purity of 
 his principles, and the soundness of his 
 judgment. 
 
 M. de la Fayette had begun to devote 
 himself much to agricultural pursuits, (the 
 happiest occupation of man !) and had 
 entirely withdrawn himself from political 
 affairs. His house and family were excels
 
 327 
 
 lently well regulated ; each had their own 
 employment ; till dinner, every guest was left 
 quite free to follow his studies, — to walk and 
 explore the country, — to write, — to act as 
 he pleased, — dinner re-assembled every one ; 
 and the hours flew swiftly past. Mr. 
 Fox was very happy at La Grange ; every 
 thing suited his taste there, and he had, be- 
 sides, the gratification of seeing his friend, 
 after a life of dangers, and years of captivity, 
 sheltered, at length, on the moderate estate 
 of La Grange — having all his family around 
 him, and conscientiously satisfied that he had 
 done every thing for his country that his 
 powers and opportunities had allowed. 
 
 His garden, which was large, but had 
 been neglected, also occupied a good deal 
 of the attention of M. de la Fayette. He was 
 in the mornings engaged in his farms, and 
 enjoyed, with much relish, the avocations of 
 agriculture ! We remained a week at La 
 Grange. 1 left it with great regret. The same 
 kind and hospitable family bade us adieu ; they 
 lingered on the stair-case. We took leave
 
 328 
 
 of Madame. It was for the last time ! 
 That amiable woman, never having reco- 
 vered her health, is since dead ; and the 
 lovely chateau of La Grange stands deprived 
 of its hospitable mistress. M. de la Fayette, 
 in the year 1803, sustained a dreadful 
 fracture of his thigh bone, but recovered, 
 and continues to reside in his retirement at 
 La Grange.
 
 ( 329 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 {\N our return to Paris, we found rumours 
 afloat of an unpleasant nature : Lord 
 Whitworth had not arrived, but it was said 
 that the first Consul was dissatisfied, and 
 that a new rupture was likely to take place. 
 This was whispered, but not credited. I 
 heard, indeed, that the gross language of 
 the English papers had afforded Buonaparte 
 matter for irritation and complaint, and that 
 every passage, relating to his government, 
 was translated by his orders, and laid before 
 him, but I did not consider such reports well 
 founded, though I have since had reason 
 to think they were. As yet, however, 
 there was but a whisper, and whatever 
 causes combined to renew hostilities be- 
 tween the two nations, it is heavily to be 
 deplored that their true interests were not 
 better understood, and such an event prevented. 
 
 In the close of the summer of 1802, the
 
 330 
 
 French government seemed much inclined 
 to be on good terms with England, and the 
 people of France were certainly anxious that 
 a good understanding, and harmony, should 
 be restored between the nations. There was,on 
 our first arrival, a marked disposition on all 
 sides to prefer and to distinguish the English as 
 a superior race of men. In public the English 
 were admired and respected : the odious acts 
 of Mr. Pitt's ministry were forgotten, and 
 an amnesty in opinion appeared to be the 
 predominant sentiment. 
 
 The day succeeding our arrival from La 
 Grange, we dined at Berthier's, the minister 
 of war (now Prince of Neufchatel.) The 
 entertainment was splendid and striking. 
 Military trophies decorated the great stair- 
 case, and the dining room was ornamented 
 by busts of Dessaix, Hoche, and two other 
 generals, deceased. A number of military 
 characters were present. Berthier, agree- 
 able, active, and penetrating, seemed equally 
 fit for war or the cabinet. Massena, about 
 forty-five or six years of age, with keen and 
 piercing small black eyes, strong make, a de- 
 termined air, and lively motion, looked ready
 
 381 
 
 to seize his prey at all times, and not 
 likely to relinquish it easily. Bougain- 
 ville, the venerable circumnavigator of 
 the globe was at this dinner, and on seeing 
 him, I rubbed my eyes, and suspected we 
 had gone back a century — his aspect was ve- 
 nerable and intelligent — V olney, the cele- 
 brated author of the ruins of empires, was 
 also present — His countenance was quite 
 intellectual — his person thin and tall — and 
 his air altogether, and appearance, more inte- 
 resting than that of any person among the 
 French at Berthier's dinner. The form of 
 invitation, a just remark, was quite agreeable 
 to the republican style in date, designation of 
 the year, and in title, " Republique Fran- 
 caise," affixed to it. An Austrian officer, in 
 full regimentals, in the midst of the French 
 officers at General Berthier's, was a striking 
 and pleasant sight. After long and bloody 
 wars, to behold brave men of nations, lately 
 hostile, meeting in social converse, and for- 
 getting all animosity, was one very agreeable 
 fruit of peace. 
 
 As the season now advanced, Mr. Fox 
 began to think of returning to England.
 
 332 
 
 Very little remained to be explored at the 
 Archives. The elucidation of the material 
 points was completed, and we were now to 
 take leave of Louis the XlVth and Barillon. 
 Mr. Fox turned his thoughts towards home, 
 as the place where his history could best pro- 
 ceed, and he had obtained a great deal of va- 
 luable materials, to bring there with him. 
 How much it is to be regretted that his de- 
 signs were interrupted, and that a fragment 
 of that history only remains. From a recent 
 examination of it, I cannot help again regret- 
 ing that it appeared so soon, and prefaced in 
 a manner calculated to raise expectation, 
 already too much on the stretch. 
 
 In a conversation I had with the noble edi- 
 tor, he was of opinion in which I entirely 
 concurred, that a few lines, stating the facts, 
 and leaving the fragment for public conside- 
 ration, was all that was required, as in the 
 way of preface. That Lord Holland subse- 
 quently changed this opinion, I shall ever re- 
 gret. It was the spontaneous and judicious 
 idea of his own mind, and were it possible to 
 hand the work down to posterity, according 
 to that conception, it ought yet to be done.
 
 333 
 
 I have doubts whether Barillon's papers re- 
 ceived a second reading and re-consideration 
 by Mr. Fox, on returning to England, and I 
 am strongly induced to think that his work 
 would not have passed out of his hands be- 
 fore the public without it. Under these cir- 
 cumstances, any references of the editor 
 were very dangerous. For instance, that 
 to the letter of Louis the XlVth, of the 24th 
 of April, is not a corroboration of the his- 
 tory. I believe also, Mr. Fox, on further 
 examination of those papers, would have 
 modified the opinion expressed in the page 
 to which that reference is affixed, and in page 
 107. The letter is a sort of conditional 
 bond of Louis, or an explanation of the 
 terms on which a sum of money was to be 
 paid ; viz. if parliament were refractory, and 
 required bribing, and if the king demanded 
 the money from Barillon. The passage in the 
 history stands thus — " Louis/ - secure in the 
 knowledge that his views of absolute power 
 must continue him (James) in dependence 
 upon France, seems to have refused further 
 supplies, and even, in some measure, to have 
 withdrawn those which had been stipulated, 
 as a mark of his displeasure with his depen-
 
 334 
 
 dent for assuming a higher tone than he 
 thought becoming." 
 
 Now the particular letter of April the 24th 
 does not shew Louis " secure;" the begin- 
 ning of it alludes to a threat of James, that 
 he must concede to his parliament, if he does 
 not get the money down : Louis then, in a 
 conditional manner mentioned, agrees that 
 four hundred thousand livres should be paid 
 to the king's ministers, and even sixteen 
 hundred thousand remaining, are to be 
 used in the same manner, if the parliament 
 behave so ill as to require dissolution, or that 
 the free exercise of the Catholic religion be so 
 much prevented, that arms against his sub- 
 jects must be used by James : he says that 
 he must see an absolute necessity, in the 
 the refractoriness of parliament, before he 
 gives great sums, but repeats that he allows 
 the four hundred thousand livres to be paid : 
 adding a threat of his displeasure if James 
 presses too much. This was not refusing 
 " further supplies," nor withdrawing them, 
 but it was withholding a part, and granting a 
 part, which was quite conformable to Louis's 
 whole conduct, as to James, and denotes the
 
 o 
 
 35 
 
 reverse of being " secure." The simple 
 state of the case appearing, that James threat- 
 ened Louis with the parliament, and that 
 Louis threatened James with not giving him 
 monev, that neither were secure of one ano- 
 ther, and that this drama lasted till James de- 
 servedly lost his crown, and Louis his cor- 
 rupt influence in England. My reasons, ex- 
 clusive of this particular, and unfortunately- 
 quoted letter, that Mr. Fox would have 
 altered the opinion as to Louis's being " se- 
 cure" as to James, are drawn from the letters 
 of the French king, subsequent to that of the 
 24th of April, in almost all of which he tes- 
 tifies anxiety about James's formingalliances, 
 and an apprehension that he might be in- 
 duced to join a league for troubling the re- 
 pose of Europe, as Louis presumptuously 
 styled the thraldom in which he desired to 
 keep it. With all his ostentatious arrogance 
 to his own ambassador — his flourish (which 
 was but a guess) to the Duke of Villeroy, was 
 compounded of cunning and vanity, and his 
 affected contempt of James, I think it is mani- 
 fest that he was afraid of him all through the 
 latter part of the year 1685. James was a 
 different subject for his management from
 
 336 
 
 Charles the II. — he had neither the same 
 hold of him through his voluptuousness, or 
 unprincipled facility — devoid of pride, as he 
 had upon Charles. Accordingly, it appears 
 from Barillon' s and Louis's letters, that the 
 foreign ministers had greater hopes of James, 
 and they doubtless flattered his pride, as 
 much as Louis plied his bigotry. In August 
 and September, of the year 1685, James ap- 
 pears to have had fluctuations between the 
 honour of his crown, and the corruptions ot 
 Louis. He was then deemed by the latter to 
 incline to Holland, Spain, Brandenburg, and 
 Austria : Barillon expressly writes, too, that 
 the Austrian minister had great hopes as to 
 his dispositions : in November Louis writes, 
 " J'apprends de toutes parts que le Roy 
 d'Angleterre, temoigne unegrande disposi- 
 tion, a entrer dans toutes sortcs (Tengage- 
 mens contraires a mes interets." Again, in 
 the same month, he is apprehensive of his 
 engaging in the interests of Austria, and 
 desires Barillon to discover the true designs 
 of the English king, going so far as to 
 declare, that if he treats with other powers, 
 he, Louis, will be glad of any difficulties his 
 parliament may throw in his way. The
 
 337 
 
 letter of Louis, 19th November, 16S5, is full 
 of suspicion and mean malignity ; even in- 
 citing Barillon to stir up members of the 
 Commons against James, if he proves un- 
 grateful to the French monarch. Barillon, 
 in answer to this, expresses, towards the 
 end of his letter, his difficulties in endea- 
 vouring to prevent foreign treaties, and not 
 being allowed to settle on a subsidy with 
 James: Louis certainly, by such suspicious 
 and jealous conduct, placed his ambassador 
 in a most perplexing situation ; who sug- 
 gests a pension to Lord Sutherland, as the 
 only middle course, and Louis consents to 
 this, on the ground that he, Sutherland, 
 should prevent engagements contrary to the 
 French king's interest, shewing thereby that 
 he was not at all " secure" of James himself; 
 and, indeed, in the same letter (ending the 
 year 1685) he expresses a hope, that James 
 will not hastily renew his treaty with Spain ! 
 James's apologies (History, p. 10') to 
 Barillon, prove as much the necessity he 
 felt of deceiving the French court, as they do 
 dependence upon it. I cannot help being 
 of opinion, that Louis found him more un-
 
 <9 
 
 38 
 
 bending than he desired, and was disap- 
 pointed and displeased by his conduct very 
 much ; his expressions on the death of 
 Charles, being those of strong disappoint- 
 ment, his fears of the " repose of Europe" 
 being disturbed through James ; — his malig- 
 nant intention of sowing divisions in parlia- 
 ment, his jealous caution about money, and 
 his resistance of all Barillon's advice, shew 
 that he viewed the two brothers in very 
 different lights, and apprehended that if 
 James grew* strong at home, he might 
 ultimately turn his arms against France, and 
 join in the general league. I trust, this 
 disgression may be the more readily par- 
 doned, as the work I have undertaken is 
 necessarily somewhat desultory, — as the 
 candour of the illustrious author of the frag- 
 ment would have been prompt, had he 
 lived, to admit it, if his opinion had gone a 
 little too far, as historic truth is of the most 
 paramount value, and as I am sure the noble 
 editor and the public will be glad to peruse 
 suggestions, arising from a deep veneration 
 for the departed, which may tend to excuse. 
 or to account for, those slight imperfections
 
 339 
 
 unavoidably incident to a posthumous work 
 never corrected, and not even prepared and 
 re-considered for publication. 
 
 On the 6th of October, 1802, I accom- 
 panied Mr. Fox to the Archives for the last 
 time : we had been employed there about 
 six weeks without material intermission. I 
 shall not easily forget Mr. Fox walking up 
 stairs, taking off his hat, and sitting down 
 in our room, oppressed with heat and the 
 fatigue arising from it ; — taking a few 
 minutes to recover himself; and then ap- 
 plying with the same ardour and industry 
 every day, copying, reading aloud the 
 passages leading to any discovery, keeping 
 his friends busily employed, and always 
 cheerful and active. After the day's labour 
 had ended, Mr. Fox usually called at three, 
 when we went to the museum, or some 
 other place worthy of attention. But it is 
 past, and those pleasant and instructive 
 labours are for ever ended ! 
 
 Previous to my leaving Paris, where Mr. 
 Fox remained a few weeks longer, under the 
 expectation of meeting his brother, General 
 
 z 2
 
 340 
 
 Fox, 1 endeavoured to see as much as 
 possible of it, which, as our work grew 
 lighter at the close of Ser ..o , became 
 more practicable, without failing in that 
 duty and grateful service, so deservedly due 
 by me to the great man who had benevo- 
 lently given me an opportunity so uncom- 
 monly effective of seeing this brilliant 
 city, and all its fascinating and extraordinary 
 scenes. I have mentioned the stage — every 
 theatre presented good actors. The Cid, Tan- 
 cred, and other pieces, I saw represented 
 admirably, at the theatre Francois. The 
 smaller comic theatres were excellent ; even 
 that of the Jeunes Eleves, afforded speci- 
 mens of acting, to have been admired, in any 
 place but in Paris. The grand opera filled 
 me with sensations of delight: there the 
 ballet is the most charming thing in the 
 world, — the gracefulness, beauty, and 
 activity of the dancers, — so many young 
 females of different ages, modelled by the 
 hands of the graces, were so fascinating a 
 view, that the imagination, in recurring to 
 Greece's most golden times, could scarce 
 find a parallel, and might still more easily
 
 341 
 
 have lead the spectator to forget himself. 
 Frescati, too, was a brilliant and singular 
 spectacle ; it was a handsome house, with 
 a pretty garden, thrown open to the public, 
 and beautifully illuminated, — crowds of 
 fashionables walked about here, paid nothing 
 for admittance, but expended what they 
 pleased for refreshment. Here I saw Madame 
 Recamier, also, for the last time, surrounded 
 and almost overpowered by a multitude of 
 persons admiring her. The lovely phantom, 
 breathing a thousand delicious charms, yet 
 flits before me; — and so ingenuous, and 
 unaffected ! shunning the ardent gaze, and 
 if conscious of her dazzling beauty, unas- 
 suming and devoid of pride; rich at the 
 first of female virtues, — a kind and noble 
 heart ! 
 
 The Palais de Justice I was but able to 
 look into : the lawyers pleading loud, 
 garrulous, and vehement, stunned my ears ; 
 — they wanted what all lawyers in general 
 want, modulation of voice, and gentleness of 
 manner. There is something, too, so insipid, 
 jf not revolting, in the arguments and details,
 
 342 
 
 belonging to ordinary litigation, that unlcs.% 
 Paris had been destitute of every eharra, I 
 should not willingly have given much time, 
 during our short stav, to listen to French 
 lawyers : Notre Dame is venerable, but 
 bv no means magnificent; the want of pic- 
 tures makes it look very bare. The pantheon 
 is a grand building ; the view from the top 
 affords a beautiful panorama of Paris and its 
 vincinity ; and, as the air is not loaded and 
 darken d with coal smoke, every thing looks 
 distinct and cheerful : in vaulted cavities be- 
 neath, cenotaphs to Vokaire and Rousseau 
 wtrre placed, — one of the means of revolu- 
 tionary mania ! 
 
 The last day of my stay in Paris being 
 one on which a levee was held, I went with 
 ^s\y Fox and some of his friends. It was a 
 custom, rather than any remaining desire 
 to behold the cold ceremonies and fatiguing 
 pomp of the French court, which led me to 
 the Thnilleries. Buonaparte's former ques- 
 tion of Etes vous catholique P to me, when 
 informed, that I was an Irish gentle- 
 man, was not again repeated. I saw the
 
 343 
 
 same persons, the same apartments, the same 
 grandeur. It may be very well, said I, 
 inwardly, to those who barter happiness 
 for the unreal gratifications arising from 
 pride, avarice, and ambition ; but I sicken 
 at this repeated exhibition ; my heart feels no 
 enjoyment here ; I am not sorry this is the 
 last; and so I thought of the dinners at 
 Neuilly ; — the labour of attending the great, 
 of frequenting courts, and associating with 
 nobles and courtiers, is not small. 
 
 t: Dulcis inexpcrtis cultura potentis aniici 
 Expertus metuit." 
 
 I took leave, however, of Madame Talley- 
 rand (now Princess of Benevento) with 
 sincere regret ; that amiable woman had 
 shewn feeling and unaffected good-nature; 
 and in supporting her station, I had always 
 found her at the same time atfable with- 
 out insipidity, — gracious without affected 
 condescension, and extreme! v attentive and 
 kind in her manners to strangers.
 
 ( 314 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 >THHE reflections and observations arising 
 out of a residence of about two 
 months in France and Paris, were often 
 effaced by the variety and pressure of occu- 
 pations, amusements, and pleasures. The 
 society of Mr. Fox abstracted me from a 
 great deal of the common life, and scenes so 
 full of information for a stranger ; besides, 
 the time was too short to allow that maturer 
 consideration which follows the first tumult 
 of ideas, and succeeds the amusements and 
 pleasures of a new and extraordinary scene. 
 France appeared, beyond measure, benefited 
 by the revolution. The very manners and 
 dress of the inhabitants, recovered from re- 
 publican rudeness and inelegance, had 
 assumed a better style, not so effeminate and
 
 °J5 
 
 v> 
 
 foppish as in the old regime, and not so care- 
 Jess as in the republican period. 
 
 Agriculture had improved immensely; not 
 a spot was neglected, and the peasants no 
 longer groaned under partial burthens. The 
 land divided into patrimonial, national, and 
 church land, was of different purchase in 
 value : the first a good deal the highest, the 
 second, or emigres land, was, at a great dis- 
 tance from Paris, very low, and the third was 
 nearly as high as the first. The unpleasant 
 idea of the return of an emigre, the old and 
 lawful owner, though not any doubt of the 
 security of the government, made the second 
 sell at a low price. The almost total change 
 of property has rendered the new government 
 very secure ; the flight of the emigres, and 
 the external threatening of foreign powers, 
 irrevocablv confirmed the revolution. It is 
 amusing (let this idea be extended) to look 
 into Europe, and observe also the wonderful 
 change of property between, and in different 
 states, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the 
 Tyrol, Dalmatia, Venice, &c. &c, and if we 
 then calmly consider the language of Pittite
 
 346 
 
 ministers, speaking of a deliverance, on 
 restoring of Europe, we must think that 
 they have strangely forgot the nature and 
 qualities of property, to expect to force 
 things back, or that they speak but to de- 
 ceive. The internal trade of France appeared 
 flourishing, and they hailed with great satis- 
 faction, rich foreigners coming amongst 
 them. 
 
 The general police is extremely good ; 
 Paris, at all times of the evening and night, 
 was admirably regulated ; no noise, rioting, 
 or intoxication, was known, — at eleven, the 
 streets seem quite quiet, and no person, 
 even of the lower orders, to be seen. It 
 was impossible not to feel the general dou- 
 ceur and politeness of manners, pervading 
 every class, and every where smoothing the 
 path of life. The Irish and Scotch mixed 
 much more easily with the French than the 
 English, and spoke their language better 
 too ; the former were much respected on 
 the continent, as belonging to an ancient, 
 and once- renowned nation. The English- 
 man, seldom leaving his country till his
 
 347 
 
 habits are all formed, afterwards finds repug- 
 nance to unbend himself, to accommodate 
 his manners to those of foreigners, or to 
 mould the organs of speech to their lan- 
 guage; the elegance and taste of foreign- 
 ers, do not compensate to him for his want 
 of comfort at home. He makes philosophic 
 remarks, but does not act philosophically — 
 he reasons strongly, but his practice is unwise 
 — in fine, he travels with less advantage 
 than others, and often returns with no other 
 acquisition than his prejudices confirmed. 
 I speak in general; the English nobility, and 
 gentlemen of fortune and good education, 
 are the most polished and dignified class of 
 men in Europe. 
 
 1 had often heard the French accused of 
 insincerity, but I never met with anything 
 to countenance the idea. I found them 
 highly capable of friendship, full of feeling, 
 and verv discriminating. The French are 
 much addicted to amusement, it is true, and 
 it may, perhaps, be said to weaken their 
 character in some degree; but, if the short- 
 ness of lite, the superfluous and additional
 
 318 
 
 cares heaped on it by narrow and brooding 
 minds, be rightly considered, perhaps, there 
 will be found much wisdom and philosophy 
 in gilding the hours of life, as much as we 
 can, consistently with a care of our families, 
 and regard to the improvement of our minds. 
 In society, the French are eminently pleas- 
 ing, and the women, in point of elegance, 
 vivacity, and penetration, seem calculated 
 to render the life of man a happy dream, 
 in which he discovers flowers at his feet, 
 and a fragrant air continually around him. 
 It is vain to attempt to do justice to the graces 
 of their conversation. They very much 
 resemble my own country-women, the Irish 
 ladies, in feeling, and a nice attention to the 
 wants of their guests. 
 
 The government was too recently esta- 
 blished when I was in France to decide what 
 effect it had upon the people. There is no 
 doubt that the shaking off the old despot- 
 ism has invigorated, beyond measure, the 
 French nation. It will take a long time, 
 (and the wiser the monarchs of the new re- 
 gime, the longer it will be) before the cor-
 
 319 
 
 ruption and profligacy too often inherent in 
 old governments, will take a strong root, 
 flourish, and overshadow the state. If it be 
 said that it isadespotism,it may also be replied, 
 that it is a dictatorship, established in a time 
 of critical emergency, and that the people's 
 preservation required a strong and absolute 
 government ! — The taxes were very high, 
 but they were equally imposed in 1802 — 
 there were no reversions or sinecures — or old 
 pensions — the government was loaded by no 
 debt, and the state, with the vigour of youth, 
 and the benefit of experience, was starting 
 forward, in a career whose consequences and 
 results could not easily be calculated. There 
 was evidently now not only a commence- 
 ment of a new government, but of a new 
 era of things : the radical change had been so 
 great, that it might be said, as of a new order 
 of things rising up, 
 
 '* Jura rpagistratusque legunt, sanctumque senatum. 
 Hie portus alii eftbdunt : hie alta theatris 
 Fundeuiauta locant alii, hnmanesque coluranas 
 Rupibus exeidunt, scenis decora alta futuris. 
 Qualis apes sestate nova per florea regna 
 Esercet sub sole labor, cum gentis adultos
 
 350 
 
 Educunt foetus ; aut cum liquentia mella 
 Stipant, et dulci distendunt nectare cellas ; 
 Aut onera accipiunt venientium ; aut, agmine facto, 
 Ignavum fucos pecus a praescpibus arcent." 
 
 It was manifest that though the new 
 government might not afford all that sanguine 
 persons, and ardent lovers of libertv, might 
 desire, that it presented a refuge from the 
 tumult and blood of preceding times, of an 
 acceptable nature. The laws were verv much 
 simplified, and therefore improved, the old 
 code having become dreadfully complex, and 
 magnified. As to crimes, I observed that [ u- 
 nishments of four, five, seven, ten, or fifteen 
 years imprisonment, were decreed for great 
 offences; but capital punishments themselves 
 were rarely inflicted. The constitution of 
 the government itself offered nothing pleasing 
 to those habituated to admire the advantages 
 of the British constitution ; but it possessed 
 great energy, and in a period of great impor- 
 tance to the French nation, threatened, as it 
 had been, annihilation, and placed in the 
 unnatural and feverish situation of working 
 through its own salvation, at the expense of
 
 351 
 
 ruined monarchies, and Europe's stupendous 
 changes, the people had been induced to 
 think, that the government, ever absolute of 
 one man, was called for, since all others had 
 been tried, and had failed. The severity and 
 suspicions of the new government were na- 
 tural to it, in common with all others so cir- 
 cumstanced : jealousy and vindictiveness, 
 though shocking at all times, yet in such a 
 government were incidental to its nature, and 
 were connected with its self-preservation. 
 The temple where Louis had been confined, 
 was now used for state prisoners : many were 
 immured there — many transmitted from 
 thence in a private manner, and often by 
 night. That unfortunate king, (whose death 
 was by no means so dignified as has been 
 represented, as he struggled much, and died 
 with great pussillanimit y,) had rendered this 
 building interesting, and I always passed it 
 with feelings of sorrow for the past, and of 
 indignation for the present. The temple was 
 the state prison, and was constantly full. I 
 left Paris with no pleasing impression of this 
 government, however, and k; u tting that an 
 arbitrary regime had been the result of a
 
 352 
 
 revolution, which had cost the people so 
 much misery and so much blood ; though I 
 was not prepared to say that, persecuted as 
 France had been, and converted into a mili- 
 tary nation, as she had been for her own 
 preservation, any thing else could have been 
 expected. 
 
 I took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Fox with 
 sincere regret. Their friendship had pro- 
 cured me every gratification in France. 
 Whatever was pleasing and delightful I owe 
 to their kindness : they contributed in every 
 way to make any young friend under their 
 roof happy. There was no constraint so 
 imposed. Our life at the Hotel de Riche- 
 lieu, and at St. Anne's Hill, was as far as 
 possible similar : early hours, a small, well- 
 regulated family ; harmony, peace, and 
 happiness. In Mr. Fox a constant disposi- 
 tion to bring every one forward advan- 
 tageously ; the same desire to listen and 
 encourage; in short, the same steady and 
 lively friendship at Paris as in England, — the 
 same magnanimous indirFerence for power 
 and its attractions, — the same love for poetry,
 
 353 
 
 the arts, and all the efforts of genius, — 
 the same warm remembrancer of all his 
 friends, — the same love for England, and 
 attachment for home, distinguished him in 
 the great metropolis of the continent, as in 
 the rural walks of St. Anne's Hill. I left 
 Paris with a great deal of sorrow ; but the 
 excellent and beloved inhabitants of the 
 Hotel de Richelieu, occasioned the greatest 
 share of it : in leaving them behind, I felt 
 that I left every thing deserving to be valued, 
 honoured, and loved. — I left them ! and the 
 diligence, into which I stepped, soon re- 
 moved me from the brilliant scenes of Paris, 
 and the far more cherished society of in- 
 valuable friendship. 
 
 Three years passed over, before I rejoined 
 Mr. Fox ; bound to him by ties of gratitude, 
 affection, and esteem, I had conceived, as my 
 dearest, though melancholy hope, that I 
 might, at the last awful hour, be allowed to 
 render him the services which such a man 
 deserved so truly from any one honoured by 
 his regard. That hope was fulfil led much 
 sooner than I imagined. This great man 
 
 a a
 
 Oj4r 
 
 was too soon taken from this mortal scene, 
 for the happiness of his friends, and tho 
 welfare of his country. In my succeeding 
 pages, I shall present an imperfect sketch of 
 his latter days, anxious as I am to present 
 his character, in that melancholy period, in 
 the undisguised garb of truth and simplicity ; 
 no more is necessary for throwing a lustre 
 round it, if not as powerfully bright, yet 
 more mildly radiant than that of his happiest 
 days. 
 
 END OF THE TOUR TO PA Rib.
 
 -rr— ra 
 
 P A R T II. 
 
 a a 2
 
 PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 [N the commencement of the year 1806, 
 after the demise of Mr. Pitt, there existed a 
 pretty strong sentiment in the nation, but 
 a great deal more powerful one among 
 certain parties, that a combination of rank, 
 talent, and popularity, was imperiously 
 required to support the state. The nation 
 wanted a great man, unshackled and decisive 
 at its head, to remedy, as far as might 
 be possible, past errors, and to infuse a 
 wholesome spirit of economy and temperate 
 views into the political body. Party wanted 
 a leader. Unfortunately circumstances had 
 concurred to cause Lord Gkenville and Mr. 
 Fox to act together. Thus there were two
 
 358 
 
 leaders of one heterogeneous party, and the 
 introduction of both into his Majesty's coun- 
 cils, wasdeemed to be indispensably requisite. 
 
 I am much inclined to think that Mr. Fox 
 had determined to devote himself to history, 
 previous to Mr. Pitt's death ; nor do I think 
 that event would have altered his intentions, 
 unless the voice of the people, reaching the 
 throne, had concurred in seeing placed 
 at the head of the ministry, a friend to the 
 just equilibrium between regal authority and 
 popular rights, a man of commanding genius 
 and extensive knowledge. Assailed, how- 
 ever, by persuasion, and willing to sacrifice 
 his own opinions for the good of his coun- 
 try, his judgment and feelings gave way, 
 and he consented to take apart in the minis- 
 try in conjunction with Lord Grenville. 
 
 He could not be ignorant that such a mi- 
 nistry was unstable. The basis was without 
 foundation. Even the superstructure was Pit- 
 tite, to which Mr. Fox lent the sanction and 
 grace of his illustrious name. It is not im- 
 probable that the court, unobstructed by
 
 359 
 
 Lord Grenville and his friends, might have 
 determined on placing Mr. Fox at the helm 
 of affairs. Certain it is, that his admission 
 to the sole management of the government, 
 or his rejection, would have benefitted the 
 cause of the people. The one would have 
 permitted him to select honest and enlight- 
 ened men for every department, and to have 
 restored their just weight to the people. The 
 other would have placed him on so high an 
 elevation, in public opinion, that no ministry 
 formed afterwards, could lon£ have with- 
 stood the nation's indignation, or if they did, 
 Mr. Fox's great name would have so 
 strengthened the popular cause, that ulti- 
 mately it must have triumphed ; a triumph 
 that excellent character might have lived to 
 witness, or have left as a bequest to poste- 
 rity, of no common value. 
 
 In the years 1S03 and 1804, he appeared 
 daily growing fonder of §t. Anne's Hill, 
 and to covet less the business of the House 
 of Commons. My wonder is, that he could 
 have endured it so long : had he been edu- 
 cated less for the views of political warfare,
 
 360 
 
 he would earlier have thought of abandon- 
 ing it. The idea of a junction between Mr. 
 Fox and Mr. Pitt, shortly before the latter's 
 decease, proves to me that the Pitt system 
 was tottering, and required aid ; it was a 
 falling house, seeking for a new partner, 
 and hoping to preserve credit by a new 
 name. By such a junction, Mr. Fox would 
 have lost, — the latter would have gained 
 every thing ; perhaps, his hope, and object 
 in coming into power, may fairly be con- 
 sidered as PEACE. 
 
 Early in February 1806 the new ministry, 
 with Mr. Fox and Lord Grenville at their 
 head, were called to his Majesty's councils, 
 and as he wished to place me near himself, 
 he required me to join him the day after 
 he had received his Majesty's commands. 
 I left Ireland with no sanguine hopes that 
 a ministry thus constituted could render 
 much service to these countries, and par- 
 ticularly to Ireland. Lady Moira, whose 
 name and character is deserving of equal 
 admiration and respect, previous to my leav- 
 ing Dublin, distinctly pointed out to me the
 
 361 
 
 impossibility of the ministry existing long, 
 unless a total change in all the minor depart- 
 ments took place, and predicted exactly what 
 happened, in case such regeneration was not 
 carried into effect. All her hopes were 
 founded on Mr. Fox, superior even to her 
 son in genius, and inferior to no one in 
 patriotism and the love of mankind ; she 
 found in Mr. Fox, the kindred of the soul — 
 dignified in manner and deportment, — of an 
 unbounded comprehension, — warm in her 
 affections, and constant in friendship, — view- 
 ing the business of government in its gene- 
 ral bearings, and in detail with a powerful 
 penetrating eye, — a patriot in the very best 
 sense of the word, because she preferred 
 adhering to a distressed and degraded coun- 
 try, before the lures of grandeur, and the 
 gratification of the society of her connec- 
 tions amongst the English nobility, — mis- 
 tress of history, and wonderfully well versed 
 in all the turns of the human heart, — com- 
 passionate to the miserable, — possessing emi- 
 nent powers in conversation, — always serene 
 and commanding, — often witty in the most
 
 362 
 
 delightful manner,— devoid of vanity, and 
 if she had pride, it was a pride of the most 
 ennobling nature, raising her to every excel- 
 lence, and never betraying her into contempt 
 or rudeness to others. This accomplished, 
 and trulv noble woman, felt the danger and 
 the importance of the crisis of the begin- 
 ning of 1805, and saw with a prophet's 
 foresight, and a patriot's grief, the irretriev- 
 able errors which would spring from the de- 
 struction of a ministry, of which Mr. Fox was 
 at the head, and the long train of calamities 
 hanging over these countries, in the event 
 of a restoration of the Pittite system, and 
 the triumph of its adherents. In particular, 
 Lady Moira impressed on my mind the 
 necessity of a radical change in Ireland; it 
 was the country of her adoption to it, she 
 had consecrated a long and most useful life — 
 in it, — she had determined to breathe her 
 last, — and now, wavering on the confines 
 of mortality, she was endeavouring to con- 
 vey to Mr. Fox, through me, the admonitions 
 of avt incomparable friend, full of anxiety 
 for his fame, of maternal yearnings for the
 
 363 
 
 prosperity of Ireland, — she was the guar- 
 dian spirit exerting itself before it winged its 
 flight to a better world, for the benefit of the 
 friends of liberty, of her chosen country, 
 and of mankind. Disdaining; every religious 
 distinction, — forgetting the narrow concerns 
 of worldly beings, — full of solicitude for 
 that happiness and prosperity, which she 
 knew her declining life would not permit 
 her to participate in, — she earned immor- 
 tality by her last action, and in aiming at 
 co-operation with Fox, she shewed at once 
 the grandeur of her mind, the justness of 
 her views, and the excellence of her heart. 
 
 It is not my intention to attempt even an 
 outline of Mr. Fox's ministry, but to confine 
 myself chiefly to those things personal, and 
 peculiar to himself. Lady Moira's testimony 
 I have cited, to shew that admirable woman's 
 intuitive view of things, how rightly she 
 had conceived that the difficulties of the 
 new ministry would spring from Ireland, 
 and that the most enlightened persons in 
 that country considered the ministry nnsta-
 
 364 
 
 ble, unless a total change of system was 
 introduced there.* 
 
 The Irish nation, of which the great 
 majority so much exceed the numbers of 
 the settlers, that it may be justly styled and 
 deemed a catholic one, and must yet take 
 its place in Europe as one, when England 
 is taught wisdom by adversity, at this period, 
 was full of the most sanguine hopes, from 
 the sole consideration of Mr. Fox, who was 
 ever mueh beloved, by having consented 
 to stand at the head of the ministry ; the 
 repealof the union, the catholic emancipation, 
 of course, and the establishment of a liberal 
 and conciliating system in all things, danced 
 before their warm imaginations. 
 
 * I saw Lady Moira after Mr. Fox's death ; she re- 
 ceived me with great kindness, but great emotion, — she 
 took me by the hand, as I addressed her, " We have 
 lost every thing," said she; " that great man was a guide 
 for them all." The tears rolled in torrents down her 
 venerable cheeks ; " he was their great support, and 
 now there is nothing cheering in the prospect. For me, 
 I have nearly run my course,— I shall remain but a little 
 longer, but others will sutler; the loss of Fox is irre- 
 parable."
 
 365 
 
 Before I left Ireland, I dreaded their dis- 
 appointment, I doubted Mr. Fox's compe- 
 tence to gratify them,- — I knew his opinion 
 of the union, — adverse to its principle, 
 because Fox was the friend of liberty, — unfa- 
 vourable to it, also, on account of the base- 
 ness of the means of accomplishing it ; but, 
 also, strong upon the difficulty of rescinding 
 it ; I foresaw that, joined with Lord Gren- 
 ville, his measures must be shackled, and his 
 grand views for Ireland and the empire, be 
 much impeded. Already, too, I saw with 
 pain a mixed system appearing, — the attor- 
 ney and solicitor generals of a Pittite minis- 
 try in Ireland rcta'nwd, and Mr. Curran, a 
 man whose splendid exertions at the 
 Irish bar, in defence of the subject, deserved 
 reward from a Foxite ministry, as yet 
 unnoticed, and placed in a painful situation, 
 before the eyes of the people; — the most 
 inveterate unionists, and adherents of the 
 Pittite system, not dismayed, and preparing 
 to hold their ground by management and 
 solicitation, through channels upon which 
 they depended. As I took my leave of 
 Lady Moira, I mingled my apprehensions and 
 fears with tier's, — we both shuddered at the
 
 366 
 
 idea of failure or discredit attaching to Mr. 
 Fox's ministry, and concurred in thinking 
 that the cause of liberty would receive an 
 irreparable blow, if he was induced, or 
 presuaded into compromising too much, 
 under the specious idea of an union of 
 parties, with old, and well known enemies 
 to it. I have dwelt upon this Irish sub- 
 ject the more, because every year succeed- 
 ing has shewn me that such opinions were 
 not less correct than they were important. 
 On my leaving Ireland, some memorials 
 from persons having suffered unjustly, as 
 they alleged, were put into my hands, for 
 Mr. Fox and Lord Moira, of which I shall 
 speak presently. 
 
 On arriving in London, I found Mr. Fox 
 looking remarkably well, and without any 
 appearance of the cruel disorder which 
 so soon attacked him. He was now the 
 great minister of state, but he was still the 
 same amiable, domestic character, and the 
 same sincere warm friend. He looked pecu- 
 liarly animated when I first saw him ; his 
 air was dignified and elevated, and there w r as 
 more of majesty in his whole appearance
 
 367 
 
 than I had ever beheld in any one ; his ex- 
 pressive countenance was full of intellectual 
 fire, and beamed with a softened grandeur, 
 in a manner that filled me with a new sen- 
 sation of grateful veneration for this illus- 
 trious man. After a long and glorious strug- 
 gle against an arbitrary ministry, he was 
 now at the head of his majesty's councils. 
 Calumny, so long and so actively employed, 
 sickened at the view; his majesty's better and 
 unperverted judgment, had selected the most 
 enlightened man in his dominions, the friend 
 of the people, and the supporter of a limited 
 monarchy, and placed him in the situation so 
 long abused by an arrogant man, whose impe- 
 rious temper had trenched even upon the feel- 
 ings of royalty itself: the haughtiness of an 
 ambitious and arbitrary mind was supplied 
 by a powerful, conciliating, and extensive 
 genius ; there were a thousand Pitts : office 
 and power easily make active, indefatigable, 
 and lordly ministers !-*-But it is the hand of 
 Providence which, according to its wise, but 
 inscrutable designs, bestows on nations 
 benevolent, sagacious, and Genuine states- 
 men.
 
 368 
 
 In Fox his majesty at length saw the 
 great shield of the country, and by calling 
 him into the cabinet, on the demise of Mr. 
 Pitt, gave a proof that he had been held 
 in thraldom by the overbearing minister, 
 who, it may truly -be said, could bear no 
 rival near the throne. There was much 
 greatness of mind in the venerable monarch, 
 who thus rose above the long system of 
 delusion practised against him, and he 
 proved himself thereby both the lover of his 
 people, and also the ultimate approver of 
 Mr. Fox's political career. With such an 
 adviser, he now perceived America would 
 have been unalienated, Great Britain unbur- 
 thened, and France of just dimensions and 
 moderate power. Afflicted as the father of 
 his people now unhappily is, bowed down 
 with years and infirmity, it is a consolation 
 to his family, and satisfaction to those who 
 sincerely venerate him, that, with his facul- 
 ties unclouded, and his health unimpaired, 
 he chose Charles James Fox as his minis- 
 ter, instead of continuing the system of M; 
 Pitt.
 
 36<J 
 
 Had Lord Grenville and his friends been 
 thrown aside, much more would have been 
 effected, but party was too strong for the 
 monarch, and the genius of Fox was thus 
 cramped, thwarted, and counteracted. 
 
 The department for Foreign Affairs, at the 
 head of which Mr. Fox was placed, required 
 all his attention. The map of Europe pre- 
 sented a chaos to his view, out of which he 
 w r as to bring order, peace, and security. 
 The floating fragments of a shipwreck were 
 to be collected and combined. The gigantic 
 power, which embraced the continent in its 
 iron grasp, was to be bounded and restrained. 
 The w T orld required a master-hand to re- ad- 
 just and repair its parts. Vulgar minds 
 might for a while continue the obstinate 
 course of attempting to regulate that world 
 by war, but Mr. Fox knew too well, that a 
 series of defeated coalitions, like unsuccessful 
 conspiracy on a smaller scale, serves to 
 strengthen the object attacked, and that the 
 time was long past for correcting, by aims, 
 the excessive power of France. He desired 
 to make peace, but even that was become a 
 
 Bb
 
 370 
 
 matter of infinite difficulty. Thus he re- 
 ceived power, succeeding a predecessor, who 
 had carried on war till no object remained, 
 and till peace seemed to be almost as danger- 
 ous as the continuation of war. Mr. Fox 
 was well aware of all his difficulties, and he 
 made the greatest sacrifice that man could 
 make, for the good of his country, by con- 
 senting to attempt to repair the shattered 
 vessel of the state. 
 
 I soon perceived him in a new light. He 
 w r as beginning to apply to the business of his 
 office. He went generally at eleven, and 
 staid till three : as long as his health conti- 
 nued good, he was active, punctual, and at- 
 tentive in the highest degree. The foreign 
 office now appeared in a different light from 
 its semblance of an office under Mr. Pitt. That 
 minister who dictated almost every thing, had 
 latterly brought government to the shape of 
 an arbitrary regime, and left the person, called 
 Foreign Minister, little to do but copy dis- 
 patches. Mr. Fox gave that office a soul, 
 and foreign courts very soon felt that 
 an accomplished minister and statesman 

 
 O/I 
 
 wrote the dispatches, sent to the English 
 ambassadors abroad. His Majesty, who was 
 always extremely regular and punctual in 
 the discharge of his own high duties, also 
 perceived a difference, and said " that the 
 office had never been conducted in such a 
 manner before," and expressed much satis- 
 faction at Mr. Fox's mode of doing the 
 business. This testimony was the more 
 striking and valuable, as his Majesty never 
 caused delay himself in that department, the 
 dispatches transmitted to, and laid before 
 him, were uniformly returned with a punc- 
 tuality deserving every praise, worthy of imi- 
 tation, and highly becoming the first magis- 
 trate of the state. 
 
 As his under secretaries were quite new in 
 office, Mr. Fox directed and modelled every 
 thing himself at first. His dispatches were al- 
 lowed, by every one in the office, even by those 
 who had grown old there, to be models of com- 
 positions, far excel ling every thing of the kind 
 in it from times long back : they cer- 
 tainly had every claim to praise — clear, com- 
 prehensive, and conciliating, and strong, 
 
 b b2
 
 372 
 
 they were worthy of the pen of the minister 
 of a great nation, shewing great knowledge 
 of human nature, — avoiding any thing like 
 dictating, consulting the feelings and dig- 
 nity of every court to which he sent instruc- 
 tions, full of energy and grandeur of 
 mind, and calculated to create new sensa- 
 tions, and a new era upon the continent. 
 
 Shortly after my arrival, I could not but 
 feel a strong sentiment, and a very peculiar 
 one, on going in his coach to the Foreign 
 office with Mr. Fox and Sir Francis Vin- 
 cent, one of the under secretaries, as we 
 passed a regiment of the guards returning 
 from parade : an excellent minister, and be- 
 nignant man was now at the head of affairs, 
 the military passing shew was no longer for- 
 midable. I felt assured that under Mr. Fox 
 no standing army would be employed 
 against the people's liberties ; the music 
 of the regiment sounded more sweetly, the 
 soldiers appeared more respectable, the idea 
 of military coercion vanished, and, for the 
 first time in my life, I looked with com-
 
 3/3 
 
 placency upon that part of the system of 
 modern governments. 
 
 This day I recollect Sir Francis Vincent, 
 who was a very assiduous and very respect- 
 able young man, but who did not at all com- 
 prehend the delicacy and grandeur of Mr. 
 Fox's character, began to talk of foreign poli- 
 tics, and quoted M. Gentz as authority. 
 Mr. Fox made no reply. I ventured to say, 
 that I did not think Gentz, or people of that 
 stamp, entitled to much weight. " Cer- 
 tainly," said Mr. Fox, very quietly, and 
 almost under his breath. Sir Francis had 
 been a lawyer, and carried with him a good 
 deal of the profession ; and, attentive to small 
 matters, proud of overcoming little difficul- 
 ties, anxious to obtain his superior's appro- 
 bation, but very little qualified to appre- 
 ciate the mind of Mr.Fox. He was, however, 
 good-natured in his way, always in a hurry, 
 and ready to wear out a hundred pair of 
 shoes to oblige the secretary of state for 
 foreign affairs. 
 
 Mr. Fox went to court in all the simpli-
 
 374 
 
 city of a plain dress. " He does very well," 
 said a young friend of mine, who was quite 
 a courtier, and one of the gentlemen Exon 
 who attended upon the King, " but itis terri- 
 ble that he does not put powder in his hair." 
 I said, with a smothered smile, very gravely, 
 " it is not so well." *,'. If any one would 
 advise him," rejoined the young courtier, " if 
 his friends would speak to him." This young 
 man saw not the resplendent greatness of 
 the character of Mr. Fox, or he thought 
 only of the want of powder in his hair. 
 
 My readers may recollect an anecdote of 
 General Dumourier, which resembles this. 
 Roland, as minister of the interior, went to 
 the court of Louis. — " My God ! Sir," said 
 a courtier to the general, f* he has strings in 
 his shoes !" Good heavens ! Sir," said Du- 
 mourier, " is it so ? — we are ruined." In 
 truth, no one was ever more unaffected, or 
 more thoroughly disdained the pomp, or 
 ceremonies of courts, than Mr. Fox. He 
 was, however, pleased with the King's 
 reception of him, and he uniformly appeared 
 to me, the whole subsequent time he was in
 
 375 
 
 office, full of just respect for his majesty, 
 attentive to his wishes, and anxious to con- 
 duct matters in the office, so as to merit 
 the continuance of his approbation. 
 
 The introduction of Mr. Fox so late into 
 his majesty's councils, may be thought to 
 have occasioned someembarrassment between 
 the monarch and his patriotic and neg- 
 lected minister. Nothing of this kind, 
 however, took place. The sovereign pos- 
 sessed too much dignity and elevation of 
 mind, to adopt any party animosity, and 
 the minister felt too profound a respect for 
 his royal master, and too much veneration 
 for monarchy itself, not to approach the 
 royal presence in a manner worthy of 
 himself and of the King. Every thing 
 passed, therefore, in the most agreeable and 
 gracious manner, and I was thereby con- 
 vinced, that a faction had long abused the 
 monarch's ear, or had been criminally silent, 
 in regard to the transcendent qualities of 
 Mr. Fox. His majesty was a remarkably 
 good judge of the qualifications of his 
 ministers; he expected punctuality, dispatch,,
 
 376 
 
 and vigour ; and he knew perfectly well 
 when he was properly served. It has been 
 supposed, and I believe with good reason, 
 that his former minister, Mr. Pitt, had 
 become obnoxious to the sovereign, by his 
 haughty manners, and his monopolizing 
 exercise of power : but Mr. Fox was a 
 character quite the reverse ; and by fair 
 deduction, naturally more agreeable as a 
 minister to a crowned head. I understood 
 that Mr. Fox never deviated from that re- 
 spectful and dutiful manner becoming the 
 minister of a great sovereign, and that he 
 was very likely to have secured his majesty's 
 favour as an amiable man, as well as his 
 consideration as an enlightened and great 
 statesman, if illness had not intervened and 
 finally snatched him from the world. Mr. 
 Fox's loss was peculiarly felt in the cabinet, 
 on the affair of the Catholic bill, forced on 
 the Ring by Lord Grey (then Lord Howick) 
 and Lord Grenville. The candid and undis- 
 guised manners of Mr. Fox would have 
 precluded all mistake in such a business : 
 his Majesty and such a minister would at 
 once have understood each other. The
 
 377 
 
 monarch's character was always firm and 
 decisive ; Mr. Fox's was not less so, and a 
 dislike of half measures marked both. From 
 the time of Mr. Fox's entering the cabinet, 
 in 1806, till his illness, his majesty had 
 never occasion to testify disapprobation : 
 with his mode of conducting a negotiation he 
 was much pleased; his dispatches obtained 
 even his majesty's admiration, (as of official 
 writing there was no better judge) and there 
 can be little doubt that with such a minister 
 of foreign affairs, the name of the sovereign 
 and of Great Britain, (had he been spared) 
 would have risen to great and proud estima- 
 tion abroad. 
 
 Nothing demonstrates more plainly the 
 decision and manliness of Mr. Fox's cha- 
 racter, than his conduct to the Catholics of 
 Ireland on coming into office in 1806. He 
 did not flatter them with any hope of imme- 
 diate, nor did he insult them by any offer of 
 partial, relief. His dutiful feelings to a 
 venerable sovereign, preventing him from 
 rudely intruding matters upon him, on 
 which it was understood he had a fixed and
 
 378 
 
 strong opinion. He, therefore, suggested 
 to the Catholics, calmness and patience, 
 in shape of a moderate delay ; but added, 
 that if they themselves brought forward 
 their question, he wouid support it fully, 
 even though he went out of office on that 
 account. The Catholics relied upon him, 
 and did not press their question. IS or 
 would that confidence have been abused, 
 which they reposed in him. In the year 
 1806, he hinted to me, something relating 
 to the test act in respect to Ireland, which I 
 have lately considered a good deal. Late 
 events have shewn me that this great man 
 took a stronger and deeper view of their case, 
 than many of the Catholics themselves do. I 
 am quite sure that body have lost in him more 
 than they were, or are even yet aware of. 
 The revolution of 1688, which mav be con- 
 sidered as a sort of confirmation of the Re- 
 formation in the time of Henry the YTIIth, 
 seems to present weighty and serious obsta- 
 cles to the manner of Catholic emancipation, 
 since, by the act of union, it has become an 
 English question. In suggesting to my Ca- 
 tholic countrymen, (which I have lately
 
 379 
 
 publicly done,) the due consideration of the 
 revolution in 1688, 1 have but followed the 
 steps, as far as my judgment enabled me, 
 of Mr. Fox. Lord Eldon, who always ap- 
 pears to me to speak like an honest man, has 
 lately alluded to this revolution, and I con- 
 sidered his speech as the more worthy of at- 
 tention, because Mr. Fox had himself diffi- 
 culties and doubts on the precise mode and 
 measure of Catholic relief, under the union. 
 Let men take a manly and definite view of 
 things. I acknowledge that vague and long 
 declamations, however beautiful or sublime, 
 do not satisfy me, on the great Catholic ques- 
 tion. The parties ought to explain : one side 
 should declare what they require, precisely, 
 and the other should state the obstacles, and 
 the quantity which would satisfy, in case of 
 their removal. Otherwise, it appears to me 
 the Catholics may be in the situation of the 
 person waiting till the river ceases to flow. 
 
 " Rusticus expectat dum dqfluat amnis," &c. 
 
 On a late remarkable occasion in the Irish 
 metropolis, I scorned to delude my valued
 
 380 
 
 countrymen with undefined expectations : 
 it was due to Mr. Fox's great name, and to 
 myself, to call their attention to the points 
 upon which he had difficulties. I wished them 
 to imitate his decision, in marking definitely 
 their just claims, thereby, as well aiding their 
 friends, and refuting their enemies, as also 
 admitting Protestant Irish gentlemen to a 
 distinct knowledge of their plan, which, as 
 Irishmen co-operating with them, they had 
 a right to ask for. Mr. Fox saved Ireland 
 in 1806 from the suspension of the Habeas 
 Corpus, and had he lived, the insurrection 
 and disarming bills would have been, in like 
 manner, averted ! How noble was that 
 mind which, in an English breast, felt and 
 acted more for Ireland's liberty and welfare, 
 than numbers of Irish public characters have 
 done since the act of union ! How truly dif- 
 ferent from Mr. Pitt, who followed the steps 
 of Lord Strafford in his treatment of that 
 country, rather than the practices of an en- 
 lightened and wise statesman ! 
 
 The pressure of business upon Mr. Fox, 
 at bis coming into office, was quite over-
 
 381 
 
 whelming. He assured me, that the ser- 
 vants were knocked up with fatigue, that the 
 door was perpetually assailed by visitors of 
 every description and rank. What an effect 
 has power on the minds of men, — how does 
 it impart every virtue and remove every 
 stain ! Mr. Fox, at times the object of 
 scorn and neglect, but always, in the eye of 
 the discerning, the first man in the nation, 
 was now exalted, beyond measure, in the 
 opinions of men, and it was thought possible 
 he might make as good a minister as Mr. 
 Pitt. I, too, found myself afterwards court- 
 ed and caressed by persons who now do not 
 know or care if I exist. Such are men, and 
 so illusive and deceitful are the charms of 
 power. As soon as the first pressure of 
 general business, and private importunity 
 was past, Mr. Fox began to plan little holi- 
 day intervals of going to St. Anne's Hill, 
 with a redoubled relish for that beloved 
 spot. 
 
 As soon as I could obtain a proper mo- 
 ment of leisure, I did not fail to express to 
 Mr. Fox my uneasiness at the situation of 
 Ireland. I also laid before him a memorial
 
 382 
 
 from an Irish Catholic gentleman, who had 
 suffered by severe and very unmerited im- 
 prisonment. Mr. Fox was too much op- 
 pressed by business to attend minutely to 
 such things, but had not illness inter- 
 vened, his heart would have led him to 
 every thing humane. . 
 
 On leaving Ireland, I had understood that 
 the general feeling of the Catholics was to 
 do nothing whatever to embarrass Mr. Fox. 
 There was something so generous and 
 almost romantic in this determination, that 
 my esteem and affection for my countrymen 
 were greatly heightened. It was a novel 
 incident in politics, that above three millions 
 of men should rest under their grievances, 
 almost with pleasure ; and with all the 
 confidence of the warmest friendship, rely 
 upon one man for protection and redress; 
 that they should stifle their groans, and, 
 adjusting their chains, be careful that not 
 one clink should disturb him in his great 
 work of restoring peace to the world, and 
 of preparing a system of home policy, 
 capable of communicating happiness and
 
 383 
 
 strength, and liberty, to the British Isles ! 
 Such a sublime proof of disinterested attach* 
 ment in the Irish Catholics, could not but 
 impress every friend of Mr. Fox with 
 gratitude. Impressed with a lively sense of 
 the value of Ireland, I stated to Mr. Fox the 
 necessity of immediate and effectual steps to 
 relieve her ; that the magistracy had been 
 degraded by the introduction of improper 
 subjects ; that, though the Catholics had 
 great veneration and even affection for him, 
 they could not be expected to be devoid of 
 natural feelings common to all men ; and 
 though under his ministry they w 7 ere inclined 
 not to press, their generosity and abandon- 
 ment of themselves for a time, deserved 
 every thing, and that every ultimate bad 
 consequence was to be apprehended for the 
 empire, if the general state of Ireland was 
 not redressed. As I felt sincerely and strongly, 
 1 spoke with the same freedom, and more 
 warmth than in the garden of the Hotel de 
 Richelieu : nor was Mr. Fox more displeased 
 than he had been there at my speaking 
 unreservedly. He said, however, very 
 little.
 
 384 
 
 It was obvious to me, that in his own 
 breast he concurred with me in admitting 
 that a long arrear of redress was due to Ire- 
 land ; but he seemed to feel indisposed to 
 enter upon the subject ; there was a mixture 
 of benevolence and uneasiness in his counte- 
 nance, which said, I do not blame you for 
 speaking for your unhappy country, but you 
 do not comprehend the difficulties of my 
 situation. He told me, however, as some 
 consolation, that a strong recommendation 
 had come from the Irish government, just 
 quitting office, (Lord Hardwicke) to 
 renew the suspension of the Habeas Corpus 
 bill this year, (1806) but that it had been re- 
 jected. It was very evident, from his manner, 
 whom Ireland might thank for this boon, and 
 lam quite satisfied that to this day she owes 
 so much of the preservation of her liberties 
 principally, if not entirely, to Charles James 
 Fox. On this occasion, he said that some- 
 thing was in contemplation relating to 
 tithes. I did not think Mr. Fox's mind was 
 at all at ease upon the subject of Ireland. 
 He seemed to rely upon the Duke of Bed- 
 ford's name and amiable disposition, but
 
 3S5 
 
 With all that candour and purity of soul, 
 which so eminently set him above the dark 
 and haughty statesman, the smooth and u ily 
 courtier, he did not affect to say-, that much 
 could be done. I could read in his mind 
 all the ansv\ er he could give me, to be 
 
 and I forbore to press him then ; and when I 
 afterwards renewed the subject, I found in 
 him the same feelings.* In fact, the Pa- 
 triots, or whig characters of Ireland, had 
 contributed to make Mr. Fox's situation more 
 difficult and more individually responsible 
 for Ireland. It was manifest that Mr. 
 Grattan and Mr. Ponsonby, and their 
 friends, had made no conditions for her. 
 I ever considered this as a fatal derelic- 
 tion of her interests. Mr. Fox, over- 
 whelmed as he was with foreign and 
 domestic affairs, was neither called upon, 
 nor was he able, to act evert where, 
 and for every person. I am sure, too, that,- 
 
 * Droop not my friend, ;t happier day 
 May come, and chase those fears away. 
 C C
 
 386 
 
 had Mr. Grattan and his friends expressly 
 declared that they must know what terms 
 of relief would be granted to Ireland, before 
 the}' could support the new ministry, 
 Mr. Fox would have found himself strength- 
 ened by the demand, and that if no other 
 man in the cabinet had listened with satisfac- 
 tion to their proposals, he would. The 
 Catholics, helpless as they were, having none 
 of their body in the English parliament, acted 
 a wise as well as generous part in relying 
 silently upon Mr. Fox; but Mr. Grattan, hav- 
 ing become an English member for Ireland, 
 ought to have insisted upon positive mea- 
 sures of redress for her, and opposed even 
 Mr. Fox's ministry, (as he has since that of 
 the Prince Regent,) unless its first measures 
 were calculated to destroy the Pittite system 
 there, and to restore liberty to his long-op- 
 pressed country. I am certain Mr. Fox 
 would not have been displeased at this con- 
 duct. He was not at all a man to shudder 
 at a division in the cabinet, if he was on 
 right ground, and, as he subsequently must, 
 most probably, have gone out upon the Irish 
 question, it would have spared him great la-
 
 3$7 
 
 bour and anxiety, (perhaps prolonged bis 
 invaluable life,) if he had at the outset, and 
 in defence of the liberty and happiness of 
 Ireland, left the cabinet : the mercenary 
 crowd who hovered round him, panting for 
 situation, place, and pension, and who styled 
 themselves, so improperly, his friends, might 
 have been disappointed, but Fox, great at St. 
 Anne's Hill, with his history, the poets, 
 and a few sincere friends — if he did return 
 to power, would have come in singly, and 
 his ministry would then have been without 
 alloy. 
 
 As I always looked upon that sort of po- 
 licy which sanctions a bad measure, by sub- 
 sequent inertness, as w T eak and dangerous, 
 I never could discover what reasons could 
 influence Mr. Grattan and his friends to allow 
 the union to be glossed over, as if irretriev- 
 able ; the repeal of an act of union not be- 
 ing more difficult than that of Poyning's 
 law, or any other act treating upon' Ire- 
 land's independence. The goodness of 
 Mr. Grattan's heart, all must admit ; but his 
 entrance into the English Parliament, after 
 
 c c 2
 
 388 
 
 the union, has involved him in inextricable 
 difficulties, I fear : he may recollect our con- 
 versations after the union, when I almost 
 conjured him never to sit in an English 
 assembly, whose prejudices were strong and 
 highly adverse to Ireland.
 
 ( 389 ) 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 TN the spring of the year 1806, Mr. Fox 
 was always happy to get to St. Anne's 
 Hill for a few days, and withdraw from 
 the harassing occupations of a ministry, 
 which it required all his vigour, and all 
 the weight of his name to uphold ; assailed 
 too, as it was, by the active and indefatiga- 
 ble adherents of the Pittite system, and 
 Weakened by a want of popularity, naturally 
 resulting; from the neutralized course it 
 appeared to pursue. At St. Anne's, as he 
 had been at La Grange, when he withdrew 
 from the splendour and amusements of 
 Paris, he seemed more than ever to delight 
 in the country. A small party, consisting 
 of General Fitzpatrick, and Lord Albermarle
 
 390 
 
 and family, found their time pass lightly 
 away ; Mr. Fox, with a few chosen friends, 
 was also truly happy and cheerful ; Lord Al- 
 bemarle was sincerely attached to him, and 
 was very much regarded by him. Lord A. 
 was one of those amiable and unaffected 
 men, possessing sound sense, great good- 
 nature, and a feeling heart, — no talker, but 
 always delivering himself well, and naturally, 
 — a most excellent domestic character, and 
 worthy, from the simplicity of his manners, 
 the integrity of his mind, and his love of 
 liberty and respect for humanity, every way 
 worthy the friendship of Mr. Fox. This 
 nobleman has spoken little in the lords, but 
 when he has done so, it was always on grand 
 principles, and, much as the more prominent 
 public characters are applauded for their 
 exertions, I would ever prefer the modest 
 merit, ingenuous nature, and noble heart of 
 Lord Albemarle, to the shining orator of a 
 party, — to the consummate politician, alive 
 to all the movements and prospects of that 
 party, but dead to the grand interests of his 
 country and the world.
 
 391 
 
 Lord Albemarle was sincerely beloved 
 by Mr. Fox ; — Lady Albemarle, whose 
 sincerity and naivetd were very pleasing, and 
 who was the lovely mother of some fine 
 children, there with her, also contributed 
 to make St. Anne's Hill still more agreeable. 
 TheMessieursPortersexcellentand respectable 
 young men, neighbours of Mr. Fox, and by 
 him long esteemed, were occasionally with 
 us. They found no difference in the great 
 minister and the tranquil possessor of St. 
 Anne's Hill. I had seen nothing resembling 
 this scene but La Grange; and I cannot but 
 think that Fox and La Fayette, if parallels 
 of great men, in the manner of Plutarch, 
 were made, would be found similar charac- 
 ters in a great variety of leading points, — 
 of more purity, disinterestedness, and sensi- 
 bility, than any of modern days, — equally 
 great, equally happy in retirement, — contem- 
 ners of power, — true to liberty, — warm 
 and affectionate friends, — fond of domestic 
 life — the country and the poets, — of serene 
 and admirable temper, — disclaiming every 
 species of ostentation, — tolerant and liberal 
 in religion, — kind and benevolent to infe-
 
 392 
 
 riors, — easily amused, and hospitable in no 
 common degree. While at St. Anne's Hill, 
 the dispatches were brought to Mr. Fox, 
 and forwarded from thence to his majesty. 
 
 It might be supposed by some, that the 
 cares of his new situation abstracted him 
 from all thoughts of his Greek ; but I am 
 going to give a proof of the lively concern 
 he continued to take in every thing relating 
 to the poets. Early one morning, I had Euri- 
 pides in my hand, and was reading Alcestis, 
 which I had formerly wished to do in Ireland, 
 but had an incomplete edition of Euripides, 
 (as the heads of Dublin university leave out 
 in their course, Alcestis, one of Euripides' 
 most interesting and best pieces) and could 
 obtain no better in the country. " How do 
 you like it ?" said Mr. Fox, entering, and 
 well pleased to think a little about Euri- 
 pides, instead of the perplexing state of the 
 continent, and the complicated difficulties at 
 home ; — " I have just begun," said I, " and 
 cannot tell yet." " You will find something 
 you w T ill like, — tell me when you come to 
 it." I read on, — his servant was dressing
 
 393 
 
 him, — he waited and watched me atten- 
 tively : when I came to the description of 
 Alcestis, I proceeded with emotion, till I 
 came to the part so pathetically depicting 
 Alcestis : after praying for her children, 
 
 And again, 
 
 " Kawri»Ta SaAa^oK uawiatiaru., n»t Asyo? 
 EutxvBu i5e Seotgvcrt yCaKiyiv t«^i 
 SlXiTrrgov," &c. &C 
 
 tc 
 
 K^«» & TrpofTn-rvao-o," &C. &C, 
 
 I laid down the book upon the sofa ! 
 Mr. Fox looked full of a kind of satisfaction 
 on perceiving that I could not go on. In a 
 short time I finished the description, which, for 
 pathos and exquisite tenderness, is, I believe, 
 unrivalled in description ; it is full of those 
 touches of nature, which no man can mis- 
 take, placing Alcestis, and every object 
 before us, in so lively a manner, that he
 
 394 
 
 who does not sympatize with her — he who 
 does not feel the tear start as he goes on, 
 ought to shut up Euripides, learn to grow 
 rich, and never attempt to speak of the poets. 
 Alcestis was, I think, Mr. Fox's favourite 
 play in this favourite dramatic author. In 
 the evening' and next morning, we talked 
 it over, and I was quite gratified to find how 
 much we coincided, as besides warmly ad- 
 miring the delightful character of Alcestis, I 
 concurred with him entirely as to Hercules, 
 whose indecent levity, subsequent compunc- 
 tion, and restoration of Alcestis to the faith- 
 ful and afflicted Admetus, we both thought 
 admirably pourtrayed by Euripides. 
 
 Mr. Fox's memory shewed itself to be pecu- 
 liarly powerful in regard to the poets. He 
 had not, perhaps, read Aloestis, and, conse- 
 quently, the admired passage, for a long 
 series of years, and yet he anticipated the 
 very spot where he expected me to stop, 
 with as much precision as if he had been 
 looking over my shoulder. I have seen him, 
 too, in speaking of Spencer's Fairy Queen
 
 395 
 
 and Tasso, turn to the works of the Italian 
 poet, and point out, here and there, lines and 
 images, similar to parts of Spencer's work, 
 with as much rapidity as if they had heen 
 marked out for him. Among the ancient 
 English poets he entertained a sincere vene- 
 ration for Chaucer, a poet, in tenderness and 
 natural description, resembling Euripides. 
 
 At St. Anne's the same regular and happy 
 life was led when Mr. Fox was there, as for- 
 merly ; with this difference, that reading 
 aloud in history gave place to business. 
 Although now the first minister of England, 
 I never observed in him a wish to enlarge 
 his little farm around St. Anne's, or to 
 exchange it for something larger and less 
 modest : he never thought of a grand house 
 in the country, and the urmost acquisition he 
 meditated, was a small wood and a rural 
 cottage, for shooting, at a distance of a mile 
 and a half from St. Anne's. His meditations 
 and serious thoughts were all given to his 
 country ; his lighter ones to his beloved 
 authors, to St. Anne's, and the unfading 
 pleasures of the country. As the season ad-
 
 396 
 
 vanced, he looked forward, with secret satis- 
 faction, to the months when parliament 
 having risen, he would be able to spend more 
 time out of town. 
 
 As I have restricted myself a great deal in 
 my present work, from observations upon 
 any thing like a detailed account of Mr. Fox's 
 ministry, one incident is, however, too 
 pleasing an instance of his equanimity to be 
 withheld.* In a certain debate, Mr. Canning 
 
 * When my readers consider that I have waited Jive 
 years in the expectation that some work, doing justice to 
 Mr. Fox's amiable and great qualities, would appear, from 
 some pen capable of doing more justice to him than mine, 
 no improper forwardness will, I trust, be now imputed to 
 me. I happen to entertain an exactly inverse view from 
 that taken by the friends consulted by Lord Holland, 
 (vide the end of his preface to Historical fragment) and 
 to think that the historic remains should have been 
 delayed, and that the life, or memoir, of Mr. Fox should 
 have been promptly brought out. The one was not 
 immediately called for, and would have appeared to more 
 advantage after a lapse of time : the other was anxiously 
 wished for by every lover of freedom and admirer of Fox. 
 I regret much that Lord Holland was induced, by any 
 advice, to alter the sentiments he entertained when I last 
 conversed with him in 1807, at St. Anne's Hill. That
 
 397 
 
 had attacked him with a greater degree of 
 acrimony than I thought becoming, whe- 
 ther Mr. Fox's experience, or the former good 
 terms between them, when Mr. Canning 
 was very young, authorized. — This I heard 
 in the gallery, and saw, with great indigna- 
 tion, that the young politicians and asso- 
 ciates, whom Mr. Fox had raised into a parti- 
 cipation of power with himself, by no 
 means repelled, with proper spirit, the at- 
 tack of their taunting, yet able, adversary. 
 There was a something of the 
 
 " Adsum qui feci— in me convertite ferrum" 
 
 wanting ; and, in truth, I never perceived 
 a sufficient appreciation of this great man in 
 that quarter, so as to induce me to hold a 
 very high opinion of some of his colleagues. 
 Like Ajax, Fox was left with his broad shield 
 and dauntless arm to avert every attack, 
 
 noble and amiable character has but to follow his own 
 clear and candid conceptions, to render him fully worthy 
 of his great and immortal relative.
 
 398 
 
 and still his value was not adequately recog- 
 nised. How often have I inwardly smiled at 
 full-blown vanity, and said, " is this a 
 worthy associate for Fox ? On the night of 
 the debate I allude to, Mr. Fox took me 
 home with him. He was quite placid and 
 cheerful, as he generally was; and though I 
 expressed my vexation at Mr. Canning's 
 acrimony, he seemed perfectly unruffled by 
 it, and very well pleased at his majority. 
 There was a degree of majesty and compo- 
 sure that I have often admired about Mr, 
 Fox, during his short ministry in 1806, but 
 never more than highly befitting the minister 
 of a great empire, on this occasion, when 
 another would have felt provoked at Mr. 
 Canning's intemperance, or at least displeased 
 that some of his younger friends had not 
 repelled the attack with energy, and even 
 resentment. I am quite willing to admit 
 the amiable qualities and very powerful 
 talents (the best, I think, of the Pitt school) 
 of Mr. Canning ; I should be wrong not to 
 acknowledge a generosity of disposition in 
 his raising him much above his ci-devant
 
 399 
 
 party, because I have experienced it ; but in 
 recording this incident concerning Mr. Fox, 
 I am sure he will join with me in admiring 
 the suavity of the man, and the calmness of 
 the minister. 
 
 Every application made to him by old 
 friends, or by any persons in middle life, to 
 whom promises had been made, he answered 
 with benignity and promptitude. Constancy 
 in friendship, and gratitude for services or as- 
 sistance, were, indeed, among his greatest vir- 
 tues, and rare ones, it mustbe allowed, inami- 
 nisterof state. Of this a gentleman at thelrish 
 bar, of much respectability and talents, lately 
 furnished me with a remarkable proof. This 
 gentleman had, when at the English bar, 
 been useful to Mr. Fox respecting some elec- 
 tion business. A great number of years 
 had elapsed. The gentleman went to Ireland, 
 and practised at the Irish bar. Upon Mr. 
 Fox's coming into power in 1806, he wrote 
 over directly, expressing himself in a very 
 handsome manner, and informing him that 
 he had recommended him to the Duke of 
 Bedford's notice.
 
 400 
 
 Certainly no responsibility lay upon Mr. 
 Fox in this gentleman's case. The Irish 
 Whig party, by the effects of the union, 
 had been absorbed into the parliament of 
 England, and was no more seen or heard of. 
 I have alluded to the deficiency as it ap- 
 peared, and still appears to me, in Messrs. 
 Grattan and Ponsonby in not making terms 
 for Ireland, previous to supporting the new 
 ministry. — It is there the neglect of Mr. Cur- 
 ran is to be charged. Mr. Grattan declined 
 accepting office himself — Mr. Ponsonby 
 made his own terms, and became Chancellor, 
 while Mr. Curran, who had laboured along 
 with them in the same vocation, so long, 
 and so powerfully in defence of Ireland's 
 rights, was left, by his own party, unnoticed, 
 and in no very enviable situation in the hall 
 of the four courts in Dublin. As I admired 
 Mr. Curran's talents, and thought him hardly 
 used, I spoke very warmly and strongly to 
 Mr. Fox, on my going over, respecting him : 
 representing that it was disgraceful to a Fox- 
 ite ministry, to pass by such a man, and 
 venturing to urge what my friendship for 
 Mr. Curran sincerely prompted. Mr. Fox
 
 401 
 
 heard me, as he always did, (and it was most 
 rarely I importuned him on any political 
 matter,) with attention and complacency — 
 was not displeased at my earnestness, and 
 said (though he by no means seemed to think 
 it to be quite an easy matter,) " Yes, yes, 
 Curra'n must be taken care of." — There is 
 nothing more obvious in an attentive exami- 
 nation of Mr. Fox's character, than that 
 singleness of heart, and decided line of con- 
 duct, which impelled him to do what was 
 right, without at all considering the preju- 
 dices of others. The Irish party of ci-devant 
 Whigs, had clearly left Mr. Curran out of 
 their calculations ; or, from their making no 
 previous stipulations, were unable to protect 
 his interests. Mr. Fox, guided by the recti- 
 tude and generosity of his mind, desired that 
 justice should be done, and as there was diffi- 
 culty and objections in Mr. Curran's case, 
 without Mr. Fox, his subsequent elevation 
 would have been uncertain. 
 
 While Mr. Fox thus appears contented 
 and moderate, constant and affectionate to 
 old friends, and attached to his books and 
 
 Dd
 
 402 
 
 the country, just as when he filled a private 
 station, he also evinced a noble disinterested- 
 ness about his family and connections ; he 
 sought neither place nor pension for them 
 on coming into office ; he secured no rever- 
 sions, or sinecures for himself or them, and 
 not a view or thought of his mind tended 
 to his own or family's aggrandizement. A 
 beloved and most deserving nephew, highly 
 gifted in point of talent ; liberal and of 
 congenial mind to himself, Lord Holland, 
 was without situation, and his uncle the 
 first minister, as well as genius in the empire. 
 Disinterestedness consists of two branches, 
 taking nothing for selfish purposes, and 
 sacrificing personal feelings for the good of 
 others. Mr. Fox evinced disinterestedness 
 in both respects, and it was quite impossi- 
 sible to conceive any thing more devoid of 
 selfish or ambitious ideas, than the feelings 
 of that great man's mind. 
 
 On returning from St. Anne's Hill, he 
 resumed his occupations at the office with 
 greater alacrity and steadiness. He re t-.ved 
 the foreign ministers with dignity and afFa-
 
 403 
 
 bility, and they found the asperities of the 
 preceding ministry soften into a wise sys- 
 tem of conciliation, whilst the genuine 
 energy of genius began to create new senti- 
 ments of respect in their courts for England . 
 Mildness of temper had taken place of 
 domineering; and foreign courts, which had 
 revolted at the imperious tone of a bully, 
 suffered themselves to be persuaded like 
 friends, and argued with as equals. 
 
 At the English foreign office, I found 
 myself in a very different situation from that 
 at the Bureau des Affaires Etrangeres, at 
 Paris. There we reviewed past transactions 
 in the extraordinary time of the Stuarts and 
 LouisXIV., and contemplated the final result 
 in the just humiliation of Louis, under 
 William and Anne, with unfeigned pleas* 
 sure. Here I could only review a series of 
 blunders, as I cast my eye over the map of 
 Europe, and on the list of foreign courts, 
 to which England had once sent Am* 
 bassadors. In one case, a despot had 
 been gloriously repressed ; and when all 
 the rational purposes of war had been ful- 
 
 d d2
 
 404 
 
 filled, peace had given repose to Europe : — 
 in the latter, a frantic attempt had been 
 made to dismember, and new model a great 
 nation, whose efforts for self-preservation, 
 sublime but terrible, had re-acted upon 
 Europe, and fatally injured her just balance 
 and distribution of power. How different 
 were the results, when William the Third, 
 comprehensive and magnanimous, directed 
 the affairs of Great Britain, from those 
 attending the ministry of Mr. William Pitt !
 
 ( 405 ) 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 |JNDER the auspices of Mr. Fox, Eng- 
 land had her best chance of a favourable 
 and honourable peace. It would be need- 
 Jess to investigate whether the incident 
 which gave rise to the overtures was con- 
 trived by the French government, or was 
 one of those affairs familiar to governments, 
 of which Mr. Fox made a noble and judi- 
 cious use. When two great nations need 
 repose, neither is degraded by making the 
 first proposal, or by seeking to adjust their 
 differences, and lay down their arms. Mr. 
 Fox saw precious moments passing away, 
 and the states of Europe becoming daily 
 more enfeebled, by their contests with France. 
 He knew that the natural resources of Eng-
 
 406 
 
 land enabled her to defy every danger in 
 time of peace, and as it was part of his 
 character not to fear remote possibilities, 
 he thought the present and positive good, 
 resulting from diminished expenditure, the 
 correction of abuses at home, and a grand 
 system of liberal European politics upon 
 the continent, would counterbalance the 
 increasing power of France, and that, in 
 fact, it was by war she had grown great, 
 and by war she would grow greater. 
 
 The negotiation which ensued was a sin- 
 gular spectacle for Europe. Fox and Tal- 
 leyrand— the most able men in their re- 
 spective countries, in foreign affairs — were 
 matched in the grand struggle to procure 
 advantages for their countries, and to 
 make a peace honourable to both. It is the 
 common mistake in England, that the French 
 are insincere, and of this Mr. Pitt had pro- 
 fitted successfully in his coalition wars : it is, 
 therefore, usual, even with English govern- 
 ments, to doubt of the sincerity of France, 
 and to cast the imputation of insincerity on 
 her, at the end of every unsuccesssful negp-
 
 407 
 
 tiation. I am of opinion, that even in common 
 life an overweening degree of suspicion is of 
 injurious consequence, that it irritates and 
 alienates to a great degree, and places par- 
 ties in a state of repulsion, hostile to their 
 peace and good understanding. It is still 
 more dangerous, as the mischief is more 
 extensive when this disposition separates 
 nations. 
 
 I believe the French government was sin- 
 cere, in 1806, in their wish for peace, as all 
 my observations in the year 1802, in France, 
 confirmed me in the idea, that not only the 
 people but the government were sincerely 
 inclined to preserve a good understanding 
 with Great Britain, until the First Consul 
 became irritated at the constant attacks upon 
 him in the English journals. 
 
 But when Mr. Pitt was no more, he, 
 whose measures had so plainly been directed 
 not merely against the rank and consequence, 
 but against their very existence of the 
 French people, a great cause of alienation 
 from Great Britain was removed, and those
 
 40S 
 
 angry feelings, which are excited against an 
 arrogant persecutor, were buried in his tomb. 
 Besides, Mr. Fox, whose generous and sin- 
 cere nature, acknowledged love of peace, and 
 great capacity, were well known to the 
 French nation and government, was placed 
 at the helm, and they had reason to expect 
 manly and dignified discussion, instead of 
 captious or imperious cavilling in a negotia- 
 tion. Lord Grenville unfortunately was 
 joined with Mr. Fox, indeed, but even the 
 co-operation of that minister, so memorably 
 unconciliating in the department for foreign 
 affairs at the commencement of the war with 
 France, was forgotten, under the idea that 
 he had acted a subordinate part to Mr. Pitt, 
 and that the happier temper of Fox w 7 ould 
 produce better feelings. 
 
 As the negotiation proceeded, Mr. Fox 
 shewed great anxiety, not that of a politician 
 anxious to gaincredit for successful measures, 
 but of a man deeply impressed with a regard 
 for the interests of suffering humanity. I do 
 not say that he expected, as it advanced, that 
 it would arrive at a happy termination. Mr.
 
 409 
 
 Pitt, whose unfortunate and old system had 
 been revived after the truce of 1802, had 
 rendered pacification nearly impossible. He 
 had so much further involved and injured the 
 continent, particularly Russia, by persever- 
 ing in his plans, which no experience could 
 correct, no time or irrevocable events 
 could enlighten, that England, in 1806, 
 with M r. Fox at the head of her councils, 
 saw herself incapable of including the inte- 
 rests of the continent, as was desirable, along 
 with her own. The losses of Russia hurried 
 her into a hasty treaty. No other formidable 
 power remained unbroken, that could join 
 with her, and, by its additional weight, make 
 the scale preponderate against, or balance 
 that of France. 
 
 Mr. Fox's exalted name was beneficial 
 indeed to England : he knew the character of 
 the French emperor, too, and was himself 
 personally respected and esteemed by the 
 government of France ; but this was a feeble 
 substitute for the weight of an allied power. 
 England and France were thus brought to 
 the work of Peace single-handed. The acute,
 
 410 
 
 ingenious, and penetrating mind of Talley- 
 rand, was supported by the vast advantages 
 gained by France, and confirmed by the dan- 
 gerous prolongation of war — the mild, argu- 
 mentative, and commanding energy of Fox, 
 was unabashed by such superiority ; yet the 
 great nation, whose interests he guarded, re- 
 quired high terms to satisfy it, and with Ro- 
 man magnanimity, was willing, involved, as 
 she had been, by a rash and inexperienced 
 minister, to perish, rather than compromise 
 her dignity, or descend from her rank. 
 
 As the negotiation went on, Mr. Fox 
 evinced less hope. He was, however, doing 
 his duty, and a fortunate opportunity, at least, 
 was afforded him of presenting to England 
 and Europe his character in all its grandeur, 
 purity, and benevolence, on a scale adequate 
 to admit of its full expansion. Who can 
 read his expressions to Talleyrand, ending one 
 of his early dispatches, unmoved. " Let 
 us" said this incomparable minister, " en- 
 deavour to do what ive can for the glory and 
 interests of our countries, and for the happi- 
 ness of the human race f It is here that the
 
 411 
 
 genius of Fox bursts out with a splendour 
 at once brilliant and warm. His great heart 
 yearning for the good of his tellow creatures, 
 swelled as he wrote; and, pregnant with every 
 sentiment worthy of a statesman, a citizen, 
 and a christian-, inspired his pen with lines 
 that, if j ascribed on his tomb, would alone 
 entitle him to immortal renown, the grati- 
 tude of his country, and the veneration of 
 Europe. But a fatal change was at hand ! 
 
 Oh, readers ! when I anticipate the mourn- 
 ful scenes which followed — the cold shud- 
 dering which seizes me, — cbe stealing tear 
 which falls — univ me for my task ! — If the 
 minister is forgotten in the friend, — those 
 who value the endearing ties of domestic 
 life, and the mild virtues which adorn it, 
 will pardon an expression of anguish, when 
 I recollect what Fox was, — and that he is 
 now no more !
 
 ( 412 ) 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 ^BOUT the end of May Mrs. Fox men- 
 tioned slightly to me that Mr. Fox was 
 unwell ; but at this time there was no alarm 
 or apprehension. In the beginning of June 
 I received a message from her, requesting me 
 to come to Mr. Fox, as he had expressed a 
 wish for me to read to him, if I was disen- 
 gaged. It w r as in the evening, and I found 
 him reclining upon a couch, uneasy and 
 languid. It seemed to me so sudden an at- 
 tack, that I was surprized and shocked. He 
 requested me to read some of the iEnied to 
 him, and desired me to turn to the fourth 
 book : this was his favourite part. The tone 
 of melancholy with which that inimitable 
 book commences, was pleasing to his mind : 
 he enjoyed the reading much. Dido was his
 
 413 
 
 most admired character in the JEneid. I 
 have often heard him repeat with animation, 
 
 " Nee tibi diva parens, generis nee Dardanus auctor, 
 Perfide : sed duris genuit te cautibus horrens 
 Caucasus, Hyrcanaeque admorunt ubera tigres. 
 Nam quid dissimulo, aut qiue me ad majora reservo ? 
 Num fletu ingemuit nostro ? mini lumina flexit ? 
 Num lacrvmas vietus dedit, aut miseratus amantem est?" 
 
 The same sort of indignant burst he admired 
 in this character, pourtrayed by Metastasio 
 so happily ; and I have heard him also dwell 
 upon, and repeat, that part of Dido's speech, 
 
 (i 
 
 Eceo, la foglia," &c. &c. 
 
 with the same feeling. I read this evening 
 to him the chief part of the fourth book. 
 He appeared relieved, and to forget his unea- 
 siness and pains ; but I felt this recurrence to 
 Virgil as a mournful omen of a great attack 
 upon his system, and that he was already 
 looking to abtract himself from noise and 
 tumult, and politics. — Henceforth his illness
 
 414 
 
 rapidly increased, and was pronounced a 
 dropsy ! 1 have reason to think that he 
 turned his thoughts very soon to retirement 
 at St. Anne's Hill, as he found the pres- 
 sure of business insupportably harassing, 
 and I have ever had in mind those lines, as 
 very applicable to him at this time : 
 
 " And as an hare, whom hounds and horns pursue. 
 Pants to the goal, from whence at first she flew, 
 I still had hones — my long vexations past, 
 Here to return, and die at last." 
 
 Another of those symptoms of melan- 
 choly foreboding, I thought,was shewn in his 
 manner at Holland house. Mrs. Fox, he, and 
 I, drove there several times before his illness 
 confined him, and w hen exercise wasstrongly 
 urged. He looked around him the last day 
 he was there with a farewell tenderness that 
 struck me very much. It was the place 
 where he had spent his youthful days. Every 
 lawn, garden, tree, and walk, were viewed by 
 him with peculiar affection. He pointed out 
 its beauties to me, and in particular shewed 
 me a green lane or avenue, which his ns b ?r,
 
 415 
 
 the late lady Holland, had made by shutting 
 up a road. He was a very exquisite judge of 
 the picturesque, and had mentioned to me 
 how beautiful this road had become, since 
 converted into an alley. He raised his eyes 
 in the house, looked around, and was earnest 
 in pointing out every thing he liked and re- 
 membered. 
 
 Soon, however, his illness very alarmingly 
 increased: he suffered dreadful pains, and 
 often rose from dinner with intolerable suf- 
 fering. His temper never changed, and was 
 always serene and sweet : it was amazing to 
 behold so much distressing anguish, and so 
 great equanimity. His friends, alarmed, 
 crowded round him, as well as those relatives 
 who, in a peculiar degree, knew his value 
 and afFectionate nature. His colleagues fre- 
 quently consulted with him. The garden of 
 the house at Stable Yard, (since the Duke of 
 York's) was daily filled with anxious en- 
 quirers. The foreign ambassadors, or minis- 
 ters, or private friends of Mr. Fox, walked 
 there, eager to know his state of health, and to
 
 416 
 
 catch at the hope of amendment. As he 
 grew worse, he ceased to go out in his 
 carriage, and was drawn in a garden chair at 
 times round the walks. I have myself drawn 
 him whilst the Austrian ambassador, Prince 
 Staremburgh, conversed with him ; his man- 
 ner was as easy, and his mind as penetrating 
 and vigorous as ever ; and he transacted busi- 
 ness in this way, though heavily oppressed 
 by his disorder, with perfect facility. 
 
 General Fitzpatrick, Lord Robert Spencer, 
 and Lord Fitzwilliam, almost constantly 
 dined and spent the evening with him. 
 Among all his chosen friends, none was more 
 attached to him, or more cherished in return 
 by Mr. Fox, than Lord Fitzwilliam. This 
 nobleman, in many points of character, ap- 
 proximated to Mr. Fox : mild and benevo- 
 ] en t — dignified and unassuming — with no- 
 thing of the effeminacy of nobility about 
 him : a warm and unshaken friend — redeem- 
 ing his abberration in politics by a noble re- 
 turn to the great man, whose opinions on the 
 French war had proved to be so correct — 
 Lord Fitzwilliam, though less noticed, has
 
 417 
 
 more of the genuine statesman, than Lords 
 Grenville or Grey, and in mind and manner 
 resembled Mr. Fox more than any other of 
 his colleagues. His unremitting and tender 
 solicitude for Mr. Fox's health was that of a 
 brother. 
 
 The Prince of Wales at this time shewed 
 all the marks of a feeling heart, and of great 
 constancy in friendship, more honouiable to 
 him than the high station he adorned. Al- 
 most every day he called and saw Mr. Fox. 
 There was no affectation in his visits; — the 
 countenance full of good-natured concern — 
 the manner expressive of lively interest — ■ 
 the softened voice evinced that not all the 
 splendour, the flattery, or pleasures of a 
 court, had changed the brightest feature in 
 the human character — attention to a sick and 
 drooping J riend. — Posterity, I trust, will re- 
 ceive his public character as a great king — 
 the lover of his people — the protector of 
 liberty, and defender of the laws — as bright, 
 if not brighter, than that of any of his prede- 
 cessors; but if his affectionate solicitude about 
 the great statesman then struggling under a 
 
 e e
 
 4I& 
 
 cruel disease, and the constancy of his friend- 
 ship to Fox, even till the last glimmering 
 spark of life was extinct, were the only traits 
 recorded or him, posterity will say this was 
 a great prince, a faithful friend, and possessed 
 of a feeling, uncorrupted heart ! When the 
 Prince was out of town, as also when Mr. 
 Fox removed, and he saw him no more, I 
 wrote daily to his Royal Highness, at his 
 own desire, giving minute and constant 
 accounts of the invalid's health, till the 
 melancholy scene was closed ! 
 
 The whole Royal Family manifested re- 
 spect and sympathy for this great patriot, 
 and the Dukes of Clarence and York called 
 in person to enquire in regard to his health. 
 But as his illness grew more violent, he saw 
 fewer visitors. Lord Holland, with filial 
 affection and attention, seldom left his uncle. 
 Miss Fox, his Lordship's sister, who was 
 much beloved by Mr. Fox, and whose candid 
 and amiable mind, superior accomplish- 
 ments, and sincere attachment to the cause of 
 humanity and liberty, rendered her worthy of 
 the love of such a relative, was unremitting 
 in her attendance.
 
 419 
 
 Mrs- Fox, whose unwearied attentions 
 were the chief comfort of the sufferer and 
 myself, read aloud a great deal to him. 
 Crabb's poems in manuscript pleased him a 
 great deal, in particular, the little episode of 
 Phoebe Dawson. He did not, however, hear 
 them all read, and there are parts in which 
 he would have suggested alterations. We 
 thus read, relieving each other, a great num- 
 number of novels to him. 
 
 He now saw very few persons. At one 
 singular interview I was at this time present. 
 Mr. Sheridan wished to see Mr. Fox, to 
 which the latter reluctantly consented, re- 
 questing Lord Grey to remain in the room. 
 The meeting was short and unsatisfactory. 
 Mr. Fox, with more coldness than I ever saw 
 him assume to any one, spoke but a few 
 words. Mr. Sheridan was embarrassed, and 
 little passed, but mere words of course I 
 have related this circumstance in order to 
 shew the sinceritv of Mr. Fox's naMu'e, and 
 to disprove the false idea that latterly any 
 particular intimacy subsisted between Mr. 
 Fox, and that celebrated orator. 
 
 e e 2
 
 420 
 
 A few days after, he received Mr. Grattan 
 in a very different manner, — warm and 
 friendly to a 4 great degree. — Mr. G. was 
 leaving England, and never saw Mr. Fox 
 again. . I am sure, had Mr. Grattan known 
 him better, — had he been fully aware of the 
 noble independence of his character, — how 
 thoroughly he loved liberty, — and how truly 
 he despised party, that he would himself 
 have held, subsequently, a different course, 
 and either have retired from parliament 
 (without Fox it being to him a hopeless scene) 
 or have stood aloof from the Grenville and 
 Grey party. In either case that great and 
 amiable man would have shewn himself 
 far more worthy the friendship of Mr. Fox, 
 and would have stood much higher in the 
 pages of history. 
 
 As his disorder increased, the operation of 
 tapping was performed, which he bore with 
 great calmness and resolution. In the mean 
 time the negotiation with France was pro- 
 ceeding : in the commencement of his illness 
 he had dictated the dispatches, but he was 
 no longer equal to the conduct of it, and the
 
 421 
 
 appointment of Lord Lauderdale was one of 
 the last of his acts in that affair. This 
 negotiation, as is well known, assumed a 
 different aspect, when the genius of Fox 
 no longer directed it : it may be allowed 
 to be said, that to conduct such an affair 
 to a successful result, much temper, 
 much conciliation, and an oblivion of un- 
 happy and irremediable events in Europe, 
 were all required, in order to meet the 
 French negotiators upon proper ground. 
 All these Mr. Fox possessed ; it is to be 
 feared his virtual successor, Lord Grenville, 
 wanted them ! He was, in many respects, 
 an unfortunate person to succeed Mr. Fox, 
 in negotiating with France. Lord Grenville 
 may be deemed an able debater, a man of 
 sound sense, and correct and indefatigable in 
 business ; but the grand qualities of 
 genius — that sensibility, which appreciates 
 the feelings and wants of others, and meets 
 the just demands of humanity half way, that 
 intuitive glance which comprehends time 
 and place, and regulates a complicated affair 
 by a stroke of the pen, were not his ! 
 Besides, he had been concerned id almost
 
 422 
 
 all the unsuccessful wars and negotiations of 
 Mr. Pitt ! The French nation, under an 
 Emperor, could not soon forget the insults 
 offered to the republic. A negotiation 
 which was exceedingly complicated in the 
 hands of Mr. Fox, in those of Lord Grenville 
 was sure to fail! That great man himself 
 began to entertain feeble hopes of its success ; 
 but I apprehend, had he lived, he would 
 have surmounted every difficulty, and he was 
 not himself aware of half the respect and 
 veneration entertained for his character 
 upon the continent. No one will deny that 
 the best probability of peace was destroyed, 
 when Mr. Fox became unable to direct the 
 negotiation. 
 
 On recovering the first operation of 
 tapping he began to wish much to leave 
 town. In truth, he had now every reason 
 to do so, — visitors fatigued and oppressed 
 him. — He languished for St. Anne's Hill, 
 and there all his hopes and wishes centred : 
 he thought of a private life, and of resigning 
 his office, and we had hopes that he might 
 be restored sufficiently to enjoy health by
 
 423 
 
 abstaining from business. The Duke of 
 Devonshire offered him the use of Chiswick 
 House as a resting place, from whence if he 
 gained strength enough, he might proceed 
 to St. Anne's. Preparations for his depar- 
 ture began, therefore, to be made, which he 
 saw with visible and unfeigned pleasure. 
 
 Two or three days before he was removed 
 to Chiswick House, Mr. Fox sent for me, 
 and with marked hesitation and anxiety, 
 as if he much wished it, and vet was un- 
 willing to ask it, informed me of his 
 plan of going to Chiswick House, request- 
 ing me to form one of the family there. 
 There was no occasion to request me; 
 duty, affection, and gratitude, would have 
 carried me wherever he went. About 
 the end of July, Mrs. Fox and he went 
 there, and on the following day I joined 
 them. 
 
 I was nearly as much struck on entering 
 the beautiful and classic villa of the Duke of 
 Devonshire, at Mr. Fox's appearance, as I 
 I had been when I saw him first at St.
 
 421 
 
 Anne's Hill. The change of air and scene 
 had already benefited him. I found him 
 walking about and looking at the pictures ; 
 he wore a morning gown, his air was 
 peculiarly noble and august, — it was the 
 Roman Consul or senator retired from the 
 tymult of a busy city, and enjoying the 
 charms of rural retirement, surrounded by 
 the. choicest productions of art. All care 
 seemed removed from his mi ad, — his soul 
 exp d on something sublime, and Mr. 
 
 Fox stood before me in a new, and I may 
 triily say awful, point of view,—- as a 
 christian philosopher, abstracted from the 
 wirld, having taken a long farewell of it; 
 serene, composed, cheerful, and willing, as 
 long as he remained, to be pleased with life, 
 participating in social converse with the 
 same ease as if his latter moments were far 
 distant. Never could Cicero, that great and 
 Worthy man retired to his Tusculan villa, and 
 deploring the situation of an almost ruined re- 
 public, appearmore interesting or more grand. 
 The scenery around, where every thing 
 looker/ classic and Roman, conspired much 
 to render Mr. Fox more interesting at this
 
 425 
 
 period than any of his life. He received 
 me with great complacency and kindness, 
 and seemed to desire nothing but the society 
 of Mrs. Fox and myself. 
 
 The days and evenings were now devoted 
 to reading aloud, Palamon and Arcite, 
 improved by Dryden, — Johnson's lives of the 
 poets, — the JEneid, — and Swift's poetry. — 
 He found, also, great pleasure in shewing me 
 the pictures of Belisarius, &c. which adorn 
 the delightful villa at Chiswick, and also 
 the gardens and grounds. There was a 
 benevolence in this I well understood ; 
 Mr. Fox knew mankind well, and whilst 
 the busy stir of politics were alluring, and 
 inciting others to pursue new plans, and to 
 look to new patrons and friends, he desired 
 that I should find every thing pleasant in our 
 new abode to compensate for seclusion, and 
 attendance on an invalid. In fact, the 
 delicacy and tenderness of his mind were 
 unparalleled, and, in one peculiar respect, 
 I always observed him to be, at all times, 
 above what are called great men, inasmuch 
 as friendship with him levelled all distinc-
 
 426 
 
 tions, and constantly led him to consult the 
 wants and feelings of his friend on the equal 
 ground of human rights. 
 
 As I drew him round Chiswick garden, 
 alternately with a servant, his conversation 
 was pleasant and always instructive ; chiefly 
 directed to objects of natural history, botany, 
 &c. &c. A shade of melancholv sometimes 
 stole across his countenance, when objects 
 reminded him of the late Duchess of Devon- 
 shire. At times, Mrs. Fox, or Miss Fox, 
 walked along with the chair : his character 
 was, as at St Anne's Hill, ever amiable and 
 domestic. One day, when he was fatigued, 
 we entered the small study on the g ound- 
 floor at Chiswick House, where he called for 
 a volume of Swift, out of which he re- 
 quested me to read one of his inimitably 
 playful and humorous pieces of poetry. I 
 yet see him in this small room smiling at 
 the ludicrous images and keen touches of 
 Swift ! 
 
 He now ceased entirely to look at, or to 
 desire to hear, newspapers read, and took
 
 427 
 
 little interest in a negotiation, which, 
 before he left town, he considered as rather 
 hopeless. Lord Lauderdale was now in 
 Paris, but he was no longer guided by 
 Fox. I do not impute to his Lordship 
 either want of talent or inclination to bring 
 things to a happy issue, but rather infer, 
 that unless England abandons the Pittite 
 style in diplomatic matters, all her negotia- 
 tions will be difficult or fruitless. Happily 
 an accomplished gentleman, as well as 
 dignified prince, now at the helm of affairs, 
 givti, room to think that the spirit and 
 conciliating manners of Fox will return, 
 to inspire and regulate ambassadors and 
 ministers. As this is a consideration of 
 great moment, and appertains to no party, 
 it is well deserving the attention of the 
 English government ; for the time must 
 arrive when negotiation will take place, — 
 ambassadors be appointed, and treaties be 
 made with France. Nor will the sovereign, 
 who carefully superintends a negotiation 
 himself, who weighs everv difficulty, 
 and, where he can, softens asperities, 
 discharge a light or unimportant duty to the
 
 428 
 
 people placed under his care ! Happily, too, 
 it is no longer the system of foreign 
 aggression and insult followed by Mr. Pitt, 
 but one which, whatever may have been 
 the fault of ministers, the English nation 
 have been plunged into without error on 
 their part, and must now, perhaps, continue 
 as well they can.
 
 ( 429 ) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 jVTR. FOX began to long for St. Anne's 
 Hill, and preparations were making there 
 for his reception, when we perceived, with 
 sorrow, that his disorder was returning with 
 redoubled violence. We had indulged in 
 that delusion into which hope lead her vota- 
 ries in the most desperate cases; and in pro- 
 portion to the increased love, esteem, and 
 admiration, which Mr. Fox inspired, we 
 clung more anxiously to the pleasing symp- 
 toms, which threw a gleam of joy over the 
 prospect, and we endeavoured to closeoureyes 
 upon what was threatening and unpleasant. 
 An alarming drowsiness crept frequently 
 upon him, and he again evidently increased 
 in size. At this period, I well recollect his 
 again recurring to the ^Eneid; and I then read, 
 at his desire, the fourth book two or three 
 times : on these evenings he occasionally
 
 430 
 
 do?? bu I continued my reading, happy, 
 bv the sound of mv voice, to contribute to 
 a longer oblivion of his pains and uneasi- 
 ness, uhich again became very great. As 
 he would awake, h;s attention caught the 
 parti read ; by his great memory, he easily, 
 supplied what he had lost, and he never 
 desired me to return ,md read any passage 
 again. The admirable picture of a distressed 
 mind with which that book opens, seemed 
 to describe, in some manner, his own restless 
 uneasiness ; and in hearing of the woes and 
 death of the unfortunate Dido, he forgot, 
 for a little, the cruel pains which afflict- 
 ed bimself. That beautiful and affecting 
 picture of a lingering and painful illness, 
 was but too faithful a portrait of his own 
 situation. 
 
 " Ilia gravis oculos conata adtollere, rursus 
 Deficit. Infixum stridit sub pectore volnus. 
 Ter sese adtollens, cubitoque adnixa levavit : 
 Ter revoluta toro est, oculisque errantibus alto 
 Qusesivit cselo lucem, ingemuitque reperta." 
 
 He no longer was equal to getting into
 
 431 
 
 the garden chair, and all our little social ex- 
 cursions round the grounds of this seat were 
 stopped. He soon also became unable to go 
 out in the carriage, and the gathering 
 gloom, which darkened all our hopes, daily 
 increased. 
 
 The multitude of letters from individuals 
 in England, Scotland, and Ireland, which 
 daily poured in, and many even from the 
 lowest classes, giving information of dif- 
 ferent remedies for the dropsy, were ama- 
 zing. I answered them, as long as it was in 
 my power, but the number was so great, 
 that, consistent with the attention requisite to 
 Mr. Fox, I found it impossible to do so. The 
 interest excited was quite of a sincere and 
 affectionate kind, and proved to me that 
 as no man had merited it better, so no one 
 had ever possessed the love and confidence of 
 the people in the same degree as Mr. Fox. 
 He was gratified by this sincere and unaf- 
 fected mark of regard, and wished, as far as 
 was possible, the letters to be acknowledged 
 with thanks. Here, in truth, was the states-
 
 432 
 
 man's true reward — the approbation and 
 gratitude of the people — here was honour 
 which wealth could not purchase, or rank, or 
 power ! — here was the tribute due, and paid, 
 to the inestimable character the world was 
 soon to lose ! Every minister and statesman 
 has adherents and friends ; because he has, 
 or has had, means of serving and promoting 
 the interests of many ; but it has rarely oc- 
 curred, that three nations would pour in 
 around the bed of a dying statesman, their 
 anxious solicitudes, their hopes, and their ad- 
 vice for his health. — Why was it so ? — Fox 
 was the friend of mankind, and soared as 
 much above common ministers and states-^ 
 men, in benevolence and every christian vir- 
 tue, as he did in genius and knowledge. 
 
 Many letters of a political nature, proved 
 the independence of the character of 
 Britons, and also the great political esti- 
 mation of Mr. Fox, founded on the sound- 
 dess of his principles, which pervaded every 
 class, and strongly contrasted him with 
 the despotic minister he had so long opposed. 
 Around the bed of the Patriot minister, the
 
 433 
 
 blessings and prayers of three nations were 
 offered, while he continued to exist — on his 
 couch, no curses of the oppressed, no 
 
 .i 
 
 groans not loud but deep" 
 
 assailed him to trouble his intervals of rest, 
 or heighten his moments of anguish. His 
 long career had been marked by exertions for 
 the happiness of mankind : he had cared 
 little for the ordinary objects of men —he had 
 not panted for power, for the sole pleasure of 
 dictating to others — he had had but one object 
 ever in view — it was simple and grand — the 
 happiness of nations ! The Protestants, Dis- 
 senters, and Catholics — the black inhabitants 
 of distant climes — all held a place in his 
 heart as men. What could disturb the 
 last moments of such a mind ? What was 
 to revive one anxious, doubting thought ? 
 Had he not followed all the precepts of 
 Christianity, and carried its divine doctrine3 
 into the very cabinet and the closet of his 
 sovereign ? Had he not consecrated his 
 boundless talents to struggles for liberty and 
 peace, and in worshipping his God with a 
 
 F f
 
 434 
 
 pure heart, had he not all the merit of a sub- 
 lime charity, which expanded over every na- 
 tion, and acted powerfully for his own, to 
 offer at the throne of an immortal and be- 
 nignant Deity ? — No torturer had shaken his 
 lash, and prepared his torments under his mi- 
 nistry — no system of intolerance, debarring 
 man of his right of religious liberty, had 
 cramped society under his auspices — no 
 persecution of the press — no banishment or 
 imprisonment, or trial for life of any citizen 
 for freedom of political opinions, — no un- 
 christian and unwise attacks upon an agita- 
 ted and suffering nation, which sought but 
 liberty and peace — no despotic pride, which 
 trampled the people and elbowed the sove- 
 reign — had distinguished his ministry ! He 
 was departing as he had lived, the unshaken 
 friend of all the just rights of man — no 
 calumny had deterred — no weak fears had 
 ever prevented him from defending them. — 
 What was to disturb the last hours of such 
 a man ? 
 
 General Fitzpatrick, whose constant atten- 
 tion spoke the true and unchanged friend, t« 

 
 435 
 
 the last moment of Mr. Fox's life : Lord 
 Holland, whose affectionate attentions were 
 those of a son, and Miss Fox, who to all 
 the amiability of her sex joined the supe- 
 rior and philosophic mind of her uncle. 
 Lord Robert Spencer, sincere and affec- 
 tionate, and enlivening to his departing 
 friend — Mrs. Fox, of whose unwearied and 
 almost heroic exertions — of whose tender 
 heart, which throbbed in unison with his, 
 and vibrated at every pang he felt, who 
 never left his bed-side, but to snatch a little 
 repose to enable her to renew her cares, and 
 of whom the pen which writes can not 
 describe the excellence, the duty, and at- 
 tachment, manifested in the awful moments 
 preceding Mr. Fox's dissolution — myself, — 
 not more than beginning to discover all the 
 brightness and beauty of his character, but 
 anxious to pay debts of gratitude and 
 affection, — now, were the only persons ad- 
 mitted to his apartments, — friendship, and 
 all its endearing offices, was what Mr. Fox 
 above all men was entitled to, at this af- 
 flicting period. His whole life had been 
 remarkable for his constancy, and warmth of 
 
 F f 2
 
 436 
 
 attachment to those he selected as his friends; 
 the late Duke of Devonshire, as well as the 
 Duchess Dowager, were most unremitting 
 and kind in every care and attention, that 
 a noble hospitality, and sincere affection, 
 could bestow. The Duke, whose friendship 
 was warm for Mr. Fox, was among the 
 last who were admitted to see him. 
 
 London and Chiswick House now pre- 
 sented most strongly - contrasted scenes ; 
 a new ministry was raising its head in the 
 metropolis, of which Lords Grenville and 
 Grev were the leaders. I do not know that 
 Mr. Fox's opinion was ever taken upon the 
 formation of another ministry, and of its 
 future measures, and I fully incline to think 
 that it was not. The dispatches had long 
 ceased to be laid before him, and the last 
 political news intimated to him, was the 
 refusal of Alexander to ratify the treaty 
 concluded at Paris by his minister. As his 
 disorder had become entirely confirmed, and 
 little or no hope existed of his recovery, 
 the cabinet ceased to look to him for advice ; 
 and, before his great mind was harassed by
 
 437 
 
 the second inroad made bv the disorder, 
 they seemed to hold his retreat to Chiswick, 
 as a virtual resignation of office. 
 
 Lord Grenville never came there; Lord Grey, 
 I think, rarely : as the world was receding 
 from the view of the illustrious character 
 who had given the ministry all its lustre, 
 1 contemplated with calm indifference the 
 busy movements of men, and inwardly 
 smiled at the sanguine, and I may say, pre- 
 sumptuous ideas of those who thought that 
 a ministry, in opposition to a tory party, 
 without Fox, could maintain a strong posi- 
 tion between the court and the people; 
 above all, who imagined that on the 
 rupture of the negotiation, success would 
 follow the revival of the old plans upon 
 the continent. I knew how very grand and 
 original were Mr. Fox's ideas, in case of 
 the continuation of hostilities, and I ex- 
 pected not that the new ministry, which 
 was growing out of his secession from 
 politics and business, would imitate his 
 benevolence towards the people, or that they 
 could invent or prepare those plans which,
 
 438 
 
 like the bolt of Jove, might fall, sudden 
 and irresistible, and change the face of war, 
 or inspire new and strange feelings in a 
 triumphant and insolent enemy. 
 
 There was, as everv one must allow, the 
 conduct of active and attentive politicians 
 in this ; but still it was but the manner of 
 ordinary men ! Had I seen them hovering 
 round the couch of departing genius, and 
 catching from his lips those admonitions, 
 which those who are leaving the world 
 give with peculiar effect, I should have 
 augured better of the coming time. Had 
 that deference, to so great a political cha- 
 racter, brought them to seek his last 
 ideas, as illuminating principles to guide 
 and inform them, I should have said, . 
 England's star is not yet obscured ; and if 
 the spirit of Fox lives in their councils, she 
 may escape every threatening evil. It 
 would be improper and unjust to say, that 
 the cabinet felt relieved by Mr. Fox's 
 removal, as that of a superior mind eclipsing 
 every other ; but it is allowable to say, 
 that they did not evince that anxiety for
 
 439 
 
 his health, which often induces men to cling, 
 to the last, to a friend and adviser, to 
 extract from him those sentiments, or that 
 council, which may, in some measure, 
 supply his place. That Mr. Fox would not 
 have refused such aid to his country, 
 even while he hovered on the brink of a 
 better world, his whole life and conduct 
 prove; and that he was capable of doing 
 so, with a mind in full vigour to his last 
 hour, I myself can, beyond contradiction, 
 testify. But the busy ways of politicians 
 admit not of delay, — their plans are rarely 
 regulated by those sublime rules which 
 make the safety of the commonwealth the 
 paramount, and anxiously sought for, 
 object. None of that wisdom and patriot- 
 ism, which sought out Timoleon, even 
 blind and old, to gather from him his 
 opinions, and to listen to his admonitions, 
 presided in London at this period. Public 
 affairs were to go on, and the progress of 
 the state machine was more thought of 
 than its happy arrival at some grand and 
 desirable goal.
 
 440 
 
 On the other hand, at Chiswick House, 
 the great man, who had so often and so 
 vainly struggled to save his country from 
 the errors into which she had fallen, and 
 wh< cam too late into his Majesty's councils 
 to be ai>W k to remedy them, was fast 
 declining, an ; saw before that country a 
 afea'ry prospect, and interminable war. 
 Totally unruffled, by what the fretful pos- 
 sessor of power might construe into neglect, 
 he preserved the same unabated serenity, 
 the same magnanimity, as he had ever 
 done. If he inwardly mourned for his 
 distracted country, no complaints escaped 
 him, no impatient censure of any one was 
 heard. Nor was his pure and noble mind 
 less distinguished at this time, by a lofty 
 disregard of all worldly concerns. His 
 family, every thing dear to him, stood 
 before him, but relying on the justice of his 
 country, and the honour of his friends, he 
 It ft it to them to protect those he loved, and 
 guard ail he held dear from penury or 
 distress He had now acted his part in the 
 world, — it was no longer for him to remind 
 any man of what was due to him Had
 
 441 
 
 the ministers requested to have his last 
 advice and commands, I am confident this 
 great man would have summoned all his 
 powers, and had death followed, given 
 them the free dictates, of his exalted mind. 
 Had he expired, pouring forth the anxious 
 wishes of his patriotic mind, for the happi- 
 ness of a beloved country, I am fully 
 convinced his last look would have been a 
 smile, his last word a prayer. 
 
 I shortly beheld Mr. Fox in a light which 
 fully justifies, what to some may appear 
 the enthusiasm of affection, or the blindness 
 of admiration. He grew daily worse, — his 
 size became verv inconvenient, and it was 
 determined by his physicians, that he ought 
 again to undergo the operation of tapping. 
 The day was appointed, — the physicians 
 arrived, — preparations were made, — Mrs. 
 Fox, Lord Holland, every one left the 
 room ; when, through a feeling both strong 
 and uncontrollable, I determined to remain. 
 My anxiety and sorrow for Mr. Fox were 
 so great, that I feared, in case of weakness, 
 no one might watch him with sufficient
 
 442 
 
 attention, in case of any tendency to 
 fainting. What followed raised my opinion 
 of this incomparable man, far beyond what 
 it had yet been. When every thing was 
 ready, Mr. Fox was led from his chamber 
 to the outer room, and placed in a great 
 chair. Great God ! what anguish thrilled 
 through me, when he was undressed, and 
 the awful preparation was making to pierce 
 
 his side. But he cheerful, friendly, and 
 
 benignant, was something quite above mor- 
 tality, giving no trouble, — the same sweet- 
 ness of temper, — the same courage which 
 looked down on pain, — the same philosophy 
 which made the best of every thing, and the 
 same wish to give his friends or attendants 
 as little trouble as possible, shone forth this 
 day, bright and cheering as the evening glow 
 which rests upon a placid lake. He, who 
 from respect to suffering humanity, might 
 have desired to retire, or close his eyes, was 
 soon recalled from their momentary weak- 
 ness, by looking on the sublime object before 
 him. Mr. Fox, during the whole operation, 
 conversed with the physicians, with all his 
 usual force, accuracy, and pleasant natural
 
 443 
 
 manners ; he mentioned to them his opinion, 
 that in all difficult cases, his own, or any 
 other, it would be advisable for each to 
 write down his opinion, seal it up, and that 
 it should not be examined till the deceased 
 person had been opened, and then the erro- 
 neous conclusions drawn would appear. 
 The physicians, astonished, looked at each 
 other, and were at a loss how to answer. Dur- 
 ing the whole of the operation, even when 
 faintness succeeded to pain, he was cheerful, 
 and seemed desirous, by his own disregard 
 of his situation, to lessen the concern of 
 others. There was much resemblance in 
 his manner, to that of a philosophic and 
 accomplished Roman, described by Tacitus, 
 in his last moments. 
 
 " Audiebatque rcferentes, nihil de immor- 
 talitate animee et Sapientium placiiis, scd 
 levia car miii a, et facites versus ; servorum 
 alios largitione, qaos de verberibus aff.ecit. 
 Iniit et vias, somno indulsit, ut qnanquam 
 coacta mors,jortuitce similis esset." A simi- 
 lar self-possession distinguished Mr. Fox at 
 this moment, which was of such danger,
 
 444 
 
 that immediate death might have followed, 
 and of that danger, he was well aware. 
 When the operation was concluded, his 
 great anxiety was to send intelligence to 
 Mrs. Fox, that he had undergone it safely ; 
 for as he had heroism enough to rise, in the 
 most trying and agonising moments, above 
 self, he was also ever solicitous to obviate 
 injury to the feelings of others, by destroy- 
 ing doubt, and communicating what was 
 pleasant. 
 
 As he felt much relieved, though dread- 
 fully exhausted, the evening of this day 
 proved a happy one ; we again ventured to 
 indulge in pleasing ideas ; hope again 
 allured us, fondly wishing that some great 
 change might be wrought by nature, we 
 breathed freely ; trusting to providence, we 
 looked yet to recovery as probable.
 
 ( 445 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 HPHE operation by no means answered the 
 expectations so credulously and anxi- 
 ously formed. Mr. Fox was relieved but 
 for a short time ; and I began, at length, to 
 dread that the event of his dissolution was not 
 far distant. His uneasiness became very great, 
 and it was necessary to raise him in the bed, 
 and assist him to rise frequently. I thank 
 God, no mercenary hand approached him, 
 Mrs. Fox hung over him every day with 
 vigilant and tender affection : when exhaust- 
 ed I took her place ; and at night, as his dis- 
 order grew greviously oppressive, a confi- 
 dential servant and myself shared the watch- 
 ing and labours between us. I took the 
 first part, because I read to him, as well as 
 gave him medicine or nourishment.
 
 446 
 
 We continued our reading of Johnson's 
 Lives of the poets. How often, at midnight, 
 has he listened with avidity, made the remarks 
 that occurred, then apologized to me for 
 keeping me from my rest ; but still delighted 
 with our reading, — would say, " well, you 
 may go on a little more," as I assured him 
 that I liked the reading aloud. At these 
 times he would defend Johnson, when I 
 blamed his severity and unwillingness to 
 allow, — and incapacity to appreciate, poe- 
 tical merit, — would refer me to his life of 
 Savage, and plainly shewed much partiality 
 for Johnson. Of Dryden, he was a warm, 
 and almost enthusiastic admirer. He con- 
 versed a great deal about that great English 
 poet ; and, indeed, 1 never perceived, at any 
 time, in him a stronger relish for, or admi- 
 ration of the poets than at this afflicting 
 period. I generally read to him till three or 
 four in the morning, and then retired for a 
 few hours: he shewed always great uneasi- 
 ness at my sitting up, but evidently was 
 soothed and gratified bv my being with 
 him. At first he apologized for my prepa- 
 ring the nourishment, which he required to
 
 447 
 
 be warmed in the night ; but seeing how 
 sincerely I was devoted to him, he ceased to 
 make any remark. Once he asked me, at 
 midnight, when preparing chicken panade 
 for him, " Does this amuse you ? I hope it 
 does." Fie was so far from exacting atten- 
 dance, that he received every little good office, 
 — every proper and necessary attention, as a 
 favour and kindness done him. So unvitiated 
 by commerce with mankind, so tender, so 
 alive to all the charms of friendship, was 
 this excellent man's heart ! His anxiety, 
 also, lest Mrs. Fox's health should suffer, 
 was uniformly great till the day he 
 expired. 
 
 Lord Holland and General Fitzpatrick, 
 as he grew worse, came and resided at 
 Chiswick House entirely. Miss Fox also 
 remained there. Thus he had around him, 
 every day, all he loved most ; and the over- 
 whelming pressure of his disorder was as 
 much as possible relieved by the converse 
 and sight of cherished relatives and friends. 
 Lord Holland shewed how T much he valued 
 such an uncle ! He never left him ; — the
 
 448 
 
 hopes of power, or common allurements of 
 ambition, had no effect upon him. His 
 affectionate attention to Mr. Fox, and his 
 kindness to all who assisted that great man, 
 were endearing in a high degree. It is true, 
 the habits of nobility, which render men 
 less able to assist themselves or others, 
 precluded very active co-operation in the 
 cares necessary for Mr. Fox's repose ; but he 
 was always watchful to preclude disturbance, 
 and always alive to every wish and look of 
 his noble relative. Miss Fox, — calm and 
 resigned, — grieving, — without uttering a 
 word, — would sit at the foot of his bed, — 
 and often reminded me of the fine heads of 
 females, done by masterly hands, to express 
 sorrow, dignity, and faith in God. There 
 was no ostentation in the simple and grace- 
 ful manners of Miss Fox : the affecting 
 object of all our cares alone occupied her, 
 and if her feelings did not appear so violent 
 as those of others, they were more concen- 
 trated and more intense. In her serenity 
 there was much of Fox ; — and her conver- 
 sation, and the candour of her soul, were 
 grateful to him, till pain and uneasiness 
 almost overwhelmed him.
 
 449 
 
 As he grew worse, his situation be- 
 came peculiarly distressing ; — the orifice of 
 the puncture did not close, and the water 
 accumulating obliged him frequently to rise, 
 and allow it to discharge. Piis restlessness 
 became very great, and his time was divided 
 between his arm chair and the bed. Mrs. 
 Fox retired early at night, to enable her 10 
 rise with the dawn, and renew her unceasing 
 cares. The midnight reading was now 
 affecting and awful to me. — J thought that 
 Mr. Fox could not l^ng survive, and I 
 trembled, lest he might suddenly expire, 
 whi supported in my arms. 
 
 My limbs, at times, tottered under 
 the weight I sustained ; but the goodness of 
 God, and the strength of my afFection for 
 Mr. Fox, enabled me to pass through those 
 trying hours, without sinking under fatigue 
 or sorrow. What a melancholy task to 
 watch by the bedside in the solemn hour of 
 night of an incomparable dying triend ; 
 yet it was soothing to uncle :- it all, — to 
 read, till troubled natue snatched a little 
 repose ; and to piepare the nourishment,
 
 450 
 
 which was often required to sustain him. On 
 One occasion, as the increase and renewed 
 violence of the complaint had caused him 
 to rise at night, whilst I assisted him, and 
 with a napkin dried up the water from the 
 orifice, which incommoded him, — he said, 
 in a low voice, and quite to himself, " this 
 is true friendship." 
 
 There was now a plaintiveness in his 
 manner very interesting, but no way dero- 
 gating from his fortitude and calmness. He 
 did not affect the stoic. He bore his pains 
 as a christian and a man. Till the last day, 
 however, I do not think he conceived him- 
 self in danger. A fevv days before the 
 termination of his mortal career, he said to 
 me at night, " Holland thinks me worse 
 than I am ;" and, in fact, the appearances 
 were singularly delusive, not a week before 
 he expired. In the day he arose, and walked 
 a little ; and his luoks were not ghastly or 
 alarming by any means. Often did he 
 latterly walk to his window to gaze on 
 the berries of the mountain ash, which 
 hung clustering on a young tree at Chiswick
 
 451 
 
 House : every morning he returned to look 
 at it; — he would praise it, as the morning 
 breeze rustling shook the berries and leaves ; 
 but then the golden sun, which played 
 upon them, and the fresh air which comes 
 with the dawn, were to me almost heart- 
 sickening, though once so delightful: he, 
 whom 1 so much cherished and esteemed, 
 whose kindness had been ever unremitting 
 and unostentatious, — he whose society was 
 to me happiness and peace, was not long to 
 enjoy this sun and morning air. — His last 
 look on that mountain ash was his farewell 
 to nature! 
 
 I continued to read aloud every night, 
 and as he occasionally dropt asleep, I was 
 then left to the awful meditations incident 
 to such a situation ; no person was awake 
 besides myself; the lofty rooms and hall of 
 Chiswick House were silent, and the world 
 reposed. In one of those melancholy pauses, 
 I walked about for a few minutes, and found 
 myself involuntarily and accidently in the 
 late Duchess of Devonshire's dressing 
 room, — every thing was a3 that amiable and 
 
 g g 2
 
 452 
 
 accomplished lady had left it. The musick 
 book still open ; — the books not restored to 
 their places, — a chair, as if she had but just 
 left it, and every mark of a recent inhabi- 
 tant in this elegant apartment. — The 
 Duchess had died in May, and Mr. Fox had 
 very severely felt her loss. Half opened 
 notes lay scattered about. The night was 
 solemn and still ; and at that moment, had 
 some floating sound of music vibrated 
 through the air, I cannot tell to what my 
 feelings would have been wrought. Never 
 had 1 experienced so strong a sensation of the 
 transitory nature of life, of the vanity of 
 a fleeting world. I stood scarce breathing, 
 — heard nothing, — listened, — death and 
 disease in all their terrific forms marshalled 
 themselves before me ; — the tomb vawned, 
 — and, oh, God ! what a pang was it, that 
 it was opening for him whom I had hoped to 
 see enjoying many happy years, and declin- 
 ing in the fulness of his glory into the vale 
 of years. — Scarcely knowing how I left the 
 dressing room I returned ; — all was still. — 
 Mr. Fox slept quietly. I was deluded into a 
 tranquil joy, to find him still alive, and
 
 453 
 
 breathing without difficulty. His counte- 
 nance was always serene in sleep ; no 
 troubled dreams ever agitated or distorted 
 it, — it was the transcript of his guiltless 
 mind. 
 
 During the whole time of my attendance 
 at night on Mr. Fox, not one impatient 
 word escaped him, not one expression of 
 regret or remorse wandered from his lips. 
 Mr. Addison's words, ..." See ! how a chris- 
 tian can die," might have been throughout 
 more happily applied at Chiswick House, 
 by adding a little to them, — " Behold how a 
 patriot and christian can meet his last hour!" 
 Could the youth of Britain but have seen 
 the great friend to liberty, and the advocate 
 of peace, in his latter days, what a lesson 
 would not his calm and dignified deportment 
 have afforded. It is not the minister who 
 carries on the public affairs for a series of 
 years, with little benefit, or perhaps serious 
 detriment to his country, who can, in the 
 close of his days, look around, and say, " I 
 have injured no one; — I have laboured 
 for the happiness of millions; — I have
 
 454 
 
 never allowed anger, or pride, or the spirit 
 of domination, make me forget the 
 interests and feelings of others ; I have 
 not professed myself a christian, and em-* 
 broiled the human race ;"— but it is the 
 dying patriot, who can loudly proclaim, 
 that he has done all the good to his country 
 and mankind that was possible ; and, in the 
 restrospect of a life dedicated to the defence 
 of the rights of mankind, he finds no groans 
 come across his ears from incarcerated 
 victims,— no shades of oppressed and mur- 
 dered citizens rise in his dim and feeble view, 
 to chase repose from his couch, and tell him 
 that though despotic, he was not happy, 
 — though descending into the tomb, he 
 could not escape the cries of the injured, or 
 the stings of conscience.
 
 NUMBER 13,258,] 
 
 TSLAND of SICILY— Now Open-, in Hexky 
 
 A Aston Barker's Pano ram a, Leicester-square, a View 
 of Me beautiful City of MESSINA, and surrounding romantic 
 Country, exhibiting Scylla and Charybdis, with the CoAst of 
 Calabria, and French L icampment. The present state 6f Si- 
 cily makes this View particularly interesting, as it represents 
 that part of the Island where the British Troops h*ve the. 
 Krongest positions.— The-SiEca of Flushing confiBuyfes open 
 ; Admittance to each Painting, One Shilling. Ooen from ten tili 
 dusk. 
 
 PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY. St. George'CfTkIdI 
 His Royal Highness the Duke of YORK, Pniident 
 
 QUNDAY NEXT 
 
 :ti th'm Chapel begin"! every Sunday morning, at a quarter past 
 nJeven, and in the evening at seven. 
 * JOHN GUI N DL A Y, Sec. 
 
 I "D OYAL HUMANE SOCIETY for the RE- 
 
 i 4-V COVFRY of PKRSONS APPARENTLY DEAD— 
 
 A General Courr of the Civ.- nors of this Institution will be 
 held TO-MORROW EVENING, the 6th instant, at the 
 London Coffee-house, LuJg.ite.hi!!. The Chair will be taken 
 at seven o'clock precisely. J. BEAUMONT, It--, and Sec. 
 . No. 9, ViHiers-strael, Strand. 
 
 This Society, (which wts founded to preserve from de*ith per- 
 sons apparently dead from Crowning, Lightning, Cold, Ac. and 
 >'>-, s'mccfhe year 1774 ^ 1 ''-" i ^ : > l ° liv ^, 'rewarded upwards »f 
 ift.ooo claimants, and established similar soeicth ■ in many coun- 
 ties in England, and in all parrs of the world) is supported by 
 voluntary eontrifcutJonB.r— One g d i ia per annum constitutes an 
 Annual Governor, and Ten Guineas' a Life Governor. 
 
 PROPOSED Jill I Ix M^YATEir TnZcSEA- 
 A TON CANATi — Notice is hereby given that a General 
 Meeting of the Subscribers Wi'll he held at the London Coffe& 
 bouse, Ludgate-hfll, on Tuesday*, the nth day of November 
 next, at twelve o'clock at noon precisely, to receive the Report 
 of the Committee, anl to adopt such resolutions thereon as may 
 then be deemed expedient. 
 
 I3y order of the Committee, 
 
 J. R. CLARKE. 
 
 LOCK HOSPITAL, hear HyJe Park-corner.— 
 The Lock Hospital being much in need of assistance to 
 carry on it ; benevolent designs, the Governors beg leave to sub- 
 mit to the Public the following account of the Institution, in 
 hopes that it will the observation of many charitable per- 
 
 sons who may lie disposed to contribute toward-, its support. 
 
 The Lock Hospital was instituted in th« year 1746, for the 
 reception ot persons of both sexes afRictsd with the Y-: 
 Disease, since which period THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND 
 Patients hav\. b sen dismissed' perfectly cured, the greater par 
 of who. n would otherwise have lingered out their lives by 
 diffusing tb *r miser;- in the most rapid progression. Les: 
 wall-disposed person' should suppose thu th.*, Institution does 
 inany respect countenance vice, they ire requested to lonsidsr 
 that pi a . of the pitiable objefts of this Charity ar* free from 
 eri'.nin '.iky — women of irreproachable character become vic- 
 tims to tin.: proHig icy of tfi«r ba ihan U ; nay. infants derive the 
 malady from theirparcnts and nurses; when the vice.; of such 
 relatives c mmonly $0 impoverish their fimili i as. to nreclude 
 them from relief, except by charity. Iti if the In- 
 
 stitution, f 'i it aopers >n is admitted a second time after ha 
 been oner cured". 
 
 Pat! mt? with this disease are not admitted into every II >spr- 
 tai; uud.wh.'ie they aro received, Che deposit r .mired often 
 operates to th • e: - • ■ '• i'ue Chaplain ol 
 
 the Lock Hospital artt. '■' the wards, 
 
 and many of them 1 Jid brought to n proper
 
 MR. FOX. 
 
 We are authorized to publish the following Corres 
 
 pondiincti. : — 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR HENRY HALFOR , BART. 
 TO LOUD HOLLAND, DATED CUlZON-STItEET, IvOVEAl 
 BER 3D, l8 XI. 
 
 " MY LORD, 
 
 " I have read Mr. Trotter's Account of the last daysi^ 
 of the late Mr. Secretary Fox's Life with much sur- 
 prize- and regret. His observations on the medki 
 treatment of the case are quite unfounded, and must* 
 occasion pain to Mr. Fox's friends, while they do greats 
 injustice to the Physicians who attended him. I assure*^. 
 you, my Lord, Mr. Fox never tcok a particle of the digi- 
 talis during his illness ; because neither Dr. Piterdrn 
 Dr. Moscley, nor myself, .thought it would be of u*e t 
 him ; nor w r as any other potent medicine u? Jo jb;>ru 
 efficacy -administered to him, by which his dissolution' 
 could possibly be accelerated. In fa&E during the I 
 fortnight of Mr. Fox's life, he took cordial medicines 
 only, such as were likely to sustain the constitution as 
 long as possible. I have written to Dr. Mose'ey, andw 
 to Mr. Tegart, and inclose, for your Lordship's perusal, 
 both my letters and their answers, by \vhi:h the state^ 
 ment 1 have had the honour to make your Lordshifl 
 above is confirmed. 
 
 " I am, with much respecl, my Lord, 
 
 " Your Lordship's faithful Servant, 
 
 (Sighed) " IIEMIY iIA',1 CRD. 
 
 " Curzoii-.treet, Nov. 3, 1811." 
 To the Lord Holland. 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR HENRY llALFORD, BART. 
 TO DR. MOSELEV, DATED CURZOX^TRELT, OCTOBER 
 29TII, l8l I. 
 
 «'' MY DEAR DOCTOR, 
 " There are some observations in Mr, Trotter's 
 book, in which he gives an account of the last period 
 of Mr. Fox's illness, calculated to give the late Se- 
 cretary's friends great pain, and to do injury to the 
 characters of the physicians who attended him. Mr. 
 Trotter states, at least he more than insinuates, that 
 Mr. Fox's death was hastened by the use of dip-italis. 
 Now I believe that the digitalis was never adminisK 
 ed at all in Mr. Fox's case— for I well remember, when 
 the propriety of administering it in Mr. box's case was 
 discussed in conversation, remarking that I 'had n< 
 seen it do good in ascites, though I had frequently 
 thought it of use in water of the chest ; and I think 
 you stated also, as well as Dr. Pitcairn, that this was 
 the result of your experience — In consequence, I be* 
 lieve, it was never given.
 
 ( 455 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 J^js Mr. Fox's situation, though not threat- 
 ening immediate danger, in the opinion of 
 his physicians, was, however, hopeless, as to 
 ultimate cure, and very distressing to him- 
 self, a consultation was held, as to thepropriety 
 of recurring to some strong remedy, which 
 might afford the best chance of effecting a 
 favourable alteration in the patient. It was 
 finally decided, and I understood with Lord 
 Holland's concurrence, that an attempt 
 should be made to counteract the violence 
 of the disorder, through the medium of the 
 most powerful medicine, which science and 
 experience sanctioned as most efficacious in 
 desperate cases. It was decided that this 
 (which I concluded was digitalis, or Fox- 
 glove, prepared in a liquid state) should be 
 administered to Mr. Fox. I heard of this 
 determination with a dissatisfaction and
 
 455 
 
 sorrow I could not well account for. Those 
 who know what it is to linger round a de- 
 parting friend, whether it be that he under- 
 takes a long journey, or goes on some peril- 
 ous service, or secludes himself in distant 
 retirement from the world, may conceive 
 the painful and confused state of my mind 
 at this time. Mv ideas were not well deve- 
 loped, even to myself. I wished life to be 
 preserved as long as possible — that grati- 
 tude and friendship should have watched for 
 years, (if a few could yet be gained,) round 
 the couch of the great man whose domestic 
 virtues had all shone brighter through the 
 clouds of pain and anguish, and the most 
 harassing suffering. I thought that alle- 
 viation of the disease, rather than an imprac- 
 ticable attempt to cope with the tremen- 
 duous enemy which had seized upon him, 
 -was more desirable. Mrs. Fox and myself 
 were so much exhausted, and worn out with 
 constant cares, that we scarcely knew the 
 nature of the decision. We heard a 
 change of medicine was resolved on, but 
 did not then know its powerful and extra- 
 ordinary effects. It is true only a few
 
 fesass^j5«iS?SSS 
 
 (ever 
 
 fieavi 
 
 ■»t ' ii .V BW «ef Messrs. Drummona ana 
 -, H ausom, .Vfonand and Co. Ball 
 I 5 th Mati'on, who resktes?in tne H-ospital 
 
 KdoiatSo! fi t, p .^w, :U one tim,, confutes a Gov,n,o: 
 ife, and Jive gmnsas, a^An^K^vernoi^ ^ 
 
 ~~ CONTRACTS FOR FLQUR- „ 
 
 UDYVL MILITARY ASYLUM, Chkj.sk.-> Oc ;. a*. 
 QUCH persons a, are willing to supply Ag^Wgg 
 
 £!K "me to tune be deeded ^^S^ 
 
 riting without hgures. _____ . . . , 
 
 ARMY CONTRACTS. 
 COMMISSARY IN' CHIEFS OFFICE, 
 COM1U Great George-street, 28th October, ityz. 
 xtOTTCE i* *«•«*« ff»w?»/o all Persons desirous 
 
 %flE -Vlft-This Majesty's Land Forcesln CaStbnrnents, Quar- 
 
 SK? "Sift ^^Norfolk/ Northutruwland, 
 No "ngha n Pembroke, Radnor Stafford, Sufcbik, Surrey, 
 Warwick \V >stm,.reland, Wilts, Worcester, Yor«. 
 
 (SS«; to his Majesty's Cavalry in Caat -^.tts and Q 
 ten in th» ui leri n entioued Counties ^-Bedford, ...J., Dur.- 
 £1 n Hereford, Huntingdon, Lincoln ^otthumby; had, *d*p. 
 
 FORVGE viz.-OAT3, IlAvandSr-.AW,-.. his Majesty* 
 C^r/in ferr.cks; ..nd! Oats in Cantonment,; ■. t Quarre* 
 in th^uiJ krnerrtioWl Counties in South ihataui :-!<•,, . 
 Dor-' Ks-v Kent, Lancaster, Middlesex, Nott«»gh*m S11 - 
 Slk. Surrey', War.vick. And in the several Countu-s in Nortu 
 
 B Thit'the Deliveries are to commence on and for the Mtti ' 
 tf^cemler next; that Propyl, in * nun ? se yuij 
 
 marked " Tender for Amy Supph 'S, y-'>>- » . \ a J 
 
 5d Office on or before Tuesday *e*9*d*y '■ Nflwabw 
 fc nolwm be received after twelve o'clock -. tl 
 and if sent by l'ost, the postage must be paiu. , . 
 
 Kaeptforthe Aunties prising no; rh and S >m. ;; 
 
 Of -which must be- included m one rend - ' ' n ; A , l ' 
 
 several Counties in North Bntam; and oaA P 
 
 have the Letter which is annexed to the i . nc. I | o r > 
 
 Med up, by two Persons of. known pro, . 
 
 b-om- bound with the party tendering, a Eta o*nt 
 
 Sm the printed partkMlars for the duenerfd . 
 C,:nr,a;and no Proposd wil I 
 sauted Tender, and the Price* expressed in 
 Eh and should it so happen that during the coritinu in 
 
 IA Contra V d ai no W?s should be stashed or ni| 
 I • instance by the Contractor, to be refunded to him .... tta. 
 r. ■.im!:sm'w Chief.
 
 m 
 iua 
 
 " As far as my recolle&ion goes, we abandon-HS 
 hopes of a cure when we found the fluid accumulate 
 so rapidly after the first operation ; and after Mr 
 had been-tapped a second time, we prescribed no 
 remedies than cordials, to sustain his frame as lorn 
 possible. Will you be so good as to tell me what 
 remember on these points. I am, my dear Doct.j, 
 " Sincerely your's, 
 (Signed) " HFA'RY IIALFOItl 
 
 COPY 6P A LETTER FROM SIR HPKRV IIA),KORD, B 
 TO -ARTHUR TEGART, ESQ. DATED CURZOX-8X& 
 
 oct. 29, 18 r i. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, 
 " I shall be obliged to yea if you will examine 
 great care the several prescriptions which were written 
 for the late Mr. Secretary Fox. in his last illnesa.—I 
 find some erroneous observations in Mr. Trotter's book 
 which do great injustice to his Physicians, and 
 1 give Mr. Fox's friends pain. He more than insin 
 I that the digitalis was given in dozes by which 
 Fox's death was hastened. I do not believe the di- 
 gitaliswas ever prescribed ;t alh I remember stating 
 it in consultation, when the propriety of administering 
 that remedy was discussed, that I had never seen it dq 
 good in the dropsy of the belly, though. I had oft 
 found it give temporary relief in cases of water in 
 chest ; and I am pretty sure that ^rs. Moseley and 
 Pitcairn both stated this to be the result of their expe- 
 rience also, and that in consequence it was never pre- 
 scribed. 
 
 " I think Mr. Fox took nothing hut cordials after 
 the last operation of tapping. When we fo.nl that 
 the fluid accumulated again rapidly after the second 
 ! puncturing, then, I believe, we "all abandoned hope pf 
 I doing good by further a&ive attempts to cure his dis- 
 ease, and determined to protract life as long as we 
 could by measures calculated to give him power and to 
 sustain his system. Bu.t you have the means of knowing 
 this better than any body by refei ring to the presci : 
 tions which were sent to you from day to day, a 
 will do me a kindness if you will shew them to me, a 
 tell me particularly whether the digitalis was given 
 ! any period of Mr. Fox's illness. 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, with sincere esteem, your faithful 
 servant, 
 
 (Signed) » II. IIALFORD. 
 
 " To Arthur Tegart.Esq. Pall-mali.
 
 457 
 
 months might have been gained, perhaps 
 six or eight ; perhaps less. But I always 
 wished that he should be removed to St. 
 Anne's Hill, and in this idea Mr. and Mrs. 
 Fox both concurred. I do not think his 
 own opinion was taken, but it was a case 
 upon which he could not well form one. 
 Lord Holland, too, suffered so much at this 
 period, that he himself could not decide 
 with the calmness requisite for so very dif- 
 ficult and painful a question. 
 
 In retiring to St. Anne's Hill a good deal 
 might have been accomplished : the his- 
 tory, whose scattered leaves lay uncorrected, 
 and unregulated by their author, might have 
 received a final revision, and his own direc- 
 tions have been taken respecting it. In the 
 intervals of temporary ease, his great and 
 prophetic mind might have dictated a poli- 
 tical testament; and as the negotiation was 
 subsequently soon terminated, his view of 
 future continental operations might have 
 been obtained, and have proved of in- 
 calculable value, and this, to the existing mi- 
 nistry, would have been no inconsiderable
 
 ,ir ■??.{: - lh \ sof t;v: OwttnwJU may he had upoa application at 
 th»dm^, between the hour; of ehven and five; ft the 
 
 ?{J ; ^ l i r W Com ™ J " a: '>' <***"' Lindsay, BHin&Ub ; »< 
 OSiifi of -Deputy Commimry Ofeheral Lutvou;, (L ; ,.f,\ s . ... 
 at the OiSce of Assistant Ud^missary Gen ^ La^L' T '. 
 
 A CURE for tl^ToOTH-.^CHEr&ZIIc' . 
 
 7L F LrX ' S SP ^V iF *„ C is s,n immediate safe, andwrtalti 
 Lure for every species bt the Tooth- Ache, S,v,;ic.! Facas, an.-! 
 all Rheumatic Complaints in the Face, without inJurne the 
 Wims, or destroying t h 5 Nerve. The daily exWieVe of ts 
 ehhcaey prompts the Proprietor to off- this valuable Medicine 
 as beitg worthy their attention. Sold in botch* of is - * by E ' ' 
 wardXlomplin, therrriot, 41, fehWopsgiUe Wi^i.h,^pV^icfithi 
 Bull hm. ; a^byl31ak--,j6, Piccadilly; Tutt, ttoUlWdSnS 
 aate; U.irke.afi?, Borough; Wade, 6.,, qSrobill; Bacon and 
 •ea 150, Oxford-street; Ward, Holborn: and Withers 221 
 Strand. ' ' " 
 
 JOSEPH SPARROWs CREDITOJ^S^ThT 
 
 J Cii&topt ftfjOSCPi-I SPARROW, lato ofthaEastla, 
 
 •!! Chambers, Leadenrmll-treet, wins merchant and broker 
 vLiohiv* not already sv.nt in their Claim-?, are hercbv .^i^i 
 to •tend to my OZice, on or before the ao\h day of NR>ver 
 '-^am, the particulars thereof, and of any securities they m 
 h >idf~r the ranu, in order that such claims may be examine 
 tv.. .*,,-„„ «ff?,^_T?«nt,» intending- to divide the prooertv'.'n 
 
 ts, 
 ind- 
 eed 
 port? 
 : Qn, 
 
 '()--■ 
 
 by 
 aae 
 
 nv- 
 
 lea 
 
 etti 
 
 irs, 
 
 m- 
 
 te- 
 
 the 
 
 of 
 
 at 
 
 ay- 
 
 111- 
 
 at 
 
 ilt- 
 
 ar- 
 
 id- 
 ■es, 
 Jut 
 ro- 
 on 
 ire, 
 
 ian 
 )de 
 ii- 
 
 ! S, 
 es, 
 le, 
 in 
 es 
 
 SALES BY AUCTION. ■ 
 
 Freehold Building Ground, Mile End, md Marsh Land, West 
 Hani and B ,w.— By M-ssrs. DRlVSR, at the Au&ion 
 Mart, on Thursday, 14th instant, in 27 Lots, .n* • __ 
 Particularly- valuable FREEH 3LD ESTATE, 
 bitu-te at Mate End, a lj Auin* Vhite florseJane, leading 
 to Stepney, co inri;in,' a J,v .1H : j-il «a,e, Stables; and other 
 numerous a. : exttmsiv-e ■ > .ad lings, to- -;her with about 24 acres 
 of U ui U 1. Groani, wait'i, for n; ,-o 1 /-ni.-nce of parcnasers, 
 will bVdiv! le I into 24 1. m ; al-;j V, acres of remarkably rich 
 and valuable M.\K.;h Li-id, at >st eligibly situate ii the Parishes 
 oi \:>.v and Sn*tf.>rd, abqrtt three n [es from Lo > don, whi-n 
 will be divid-ed into three [Jots. Tie whole of -this v.ila able- 
 »i > >cr£y is now in the becupajao ! of Mr. Capon, who.will give 
 oossessfafl at (Jurist mas a \t. — Pri ited particul rs, With plans 
 annexed, may b ■ ha ' on the Premises, at Mile Bmi; a'jSpt 
 Messrs. Driver, Smcveyors '.'il Lmd Agents, Kent-road; or at 
 
 their O.Iices in the Au&io 1 M irt. "• _ , 
 
 Leas-hold i)wel!'m T ; I'l-.a^-' v.; I Shop, Brunswick Place, Kent 
 Road.— 11/ Messrs. DIUV-SR, vu the Au5bion Mir* v en 
 Thursday, 14th inst. at 12, unless previously disposed o: by- 
 Private Gontni'ft, 
 
 A VALUABLE LEASEHOLD DWELLING- 
 
 rl 1IOG.S'': and $HQP, desirably situate |n H-anr.vick- 
 .place, Kent-road, held for an Unexpired term of about 63 years 
 'and I, at a groauid rent of 3I. 14s. per nnia n, and now irt J ic 
 occupation of Mr. Robert Burroughs, yearly ten mt, at the rip* 
 annual re-nt o "33!. Printed Particulars may be had on the 
 mises, and of Messrs. Driver, Surveyors and Land 
 Kent-read ; or at their Offices in the Audli >i» Mart. 
 LiTtlTjTfnes-street, Lisson-green^-By Mp7 ROBIN'S, at Ga»- 
 
 rawiy's Goliee-house, 'Change-alley, Cornhill, on Thurs lay, 
 
 I4fh instant, at 12, 
 
 r pHE LEASE of a neat Brick-built TENE- 
 JL MEN'!*, containing a kitchen and room over, a large 
 
 }ard behind, enclosed with brick wall, situate No <;, Little 
 arnes-str.eet, Lissjn green, Marv-le-bone.— Particulars on the 
 premises,"; at Garraway's ; and of Mr. Hobins, Warwick-street. 
 Freeiiold Dwelling IJousss, Long-alley and Ru 'duck's-buildings, 
 near Skinner-street, Fiasburv, — By Mr. ROBIN'S, at Garra- 
 way's, on Thursday, the iarh instant, at 12, in four Lots, 
 A N improvable FREEHOLD ESTATE; com- 
 -t\. prising a brick-built dwelling lj.vj-se, situate No. 4?, Long- 
 alley, iiear .'Jlunner-street, I' ins' vary-square; consisting of a 
 
 Agw
 
 459 
 
 which friendship and value for his politi- 
 cal character demanded, was in the country. 
 The other ministers, who were his friends, 
 and had been carried into power by his 
 weight, seemed unequal to the perplexing 
 difficulties of acting wth Lord Grenville, 
 and consulting the last wishes and sentiments 
 of Mr. Fox, as the rule for their conduct, in 
 all future emergencies of home, or foreign 
 politics. Doubtless, his councils might have 
 led to their loss of office ; but, had it been 
 so, they would have lost their situations with 
 infinitely greater credit with the public, and 
 satisfaction to themselves. 
 
 The night preceding the taking of the 
 fatal medicine, I sat up with him, and read as 
 usual through the chief part of it : he was 
 cheerful and easy, and I felt an extraordinary 
 degree of pleasure from his conversation. 
 We seemed in this intercourse at Chis- 
 wick, to have lived years together, — 
 the distance between us had vanished, — I 
 had become the friend upon whom at night 
 he could rest his head, and feel his pangs 
 diminished. — I had been his reader, and as
 
 460 
 
 the tound of my voice was agreeable to him, 
 and often lulled him to rest, when the prose 
 and poetry I read did not catch his atten- 
 tion. His generous and feeling heart had 
 beat with grateful throbs on finding himself 
 attended by no mercenary hand, and his gra- 
 titude to me was increased, as he knew that 
 Mrs. Fox could repose securely upon me, 
 and gain a little rest, so much required in 
 the midst of her heart-breaking cares, whilst 
 I watched round the bed of her afflicted 
 husband. When fond hope would whisper 
 of recovery, I used to think how pleasant 
 our future society would be at St. Anne's 
 Hill; that there, withdrawn from the harass- 
 ment of politics, and the drudgery of office, 
 a happier time might await him; and that 
 we who had laboured round his pillow, 
 would feel so proud and gratified by his 
 restoration to tolerable health, that nothing 
 higher of reward could be desired, — that 
 friendship would say, we have preserved him, 
 — what further can we wish ? The rapid 
 glance of fancy painted to my mir^d the 
 small circle at St Anne's, cemented by gra- 
 titude, affection, and every tie of friendship,
 
 461 
 
 Why do I write thus ? Hope had raised the 
 cup but to dash it to the ground ! On this 
 memorable night, I read Johnson's Lives 
 of the Poets, and Mr. Fox listened with 
 his usual relish, and made those natural and 
 pleasant remarks he was wont to do ; and, 
 as usual, he received from me the nourish- 
 ment prepared, with his friendly, and some- 
 times jocose manner. As the morning 
 dawned, I looked out ; the hour had arrived 
 for administering the medicine, — an unwil- 
 lingness of an unaccountable nature held 
 my hand, — I looked out at the reviving 
 face of the country, — the peeping sun sent 
 forth the first beams of day, brightening 
 the grounds and gardens of Chiswick House 
 with his coming glory, — the morning was 
 lovely, but to me most melancholy. — Mr. 
 Fox slept, — I took advantage of the incident 
 for delay, — his sleep, how calm and undis- 
 turbed ; — the golden light spread a glow 
 upon his face, — a tranquil majesty sat on 
 his brow, — the innocence of youth played 
 upon his cheek, — no trace of worldly care 
 was seen. I would not disturb such 
 moments, — I could not force myself to
 
 462 
 
 break his slumbers. When he awoke, 
 I still lingered ; nor till Mrs. Fox arose, and 
 three or four hours had passed beyond the 
 appointed time, did I administer the medicine. 
 
 For the first time since his illness had 
 commenced, Mr. and Mrs. Fox appeared to 
 think me neglectful. Alas ! I trembled with 
 the apprehension that we should soon lose 
 him for ever : I dreaded, with strange for-* 
 bodings, the termination of all our cares, in 
 the dissolution of the painful, yet pleasing) 
 state of society, in which, if there was labour 
 and anxiety, and sorrow, yet Mr. Fox was 
 there, and sensible of and alive to the atten* 
 tions of friendship. 
 
 After receiving the medicine several times; 
 he grew alarmingly worse ; he was, however* 
 composed, and did not complain. Mrs. Fox 
 was now truly an object of commiseration ; — - 
 her anguish w T as so great, that I felt the 
 miseries of the moment increased, by wit- 
 nessing her sorrows. The distresses of Ge- 
 neral Fitzpatrick, Lord Holland, and Miss 
 Fox, were silent, deep, and affecting. For
 
 463 
 
 myself, the world seemed blackening before 
 me, — the dreary path was long and lonely, 
 — what were ministers and courts, and 
 palaces, if Fox ceased to live ? — the empty 
 gratifications they could confer, — what, com- 
 pared to the intercourse of friendship with 
 such a man ? It was evident that nature was 
 overwhelmed, and that the remaining struggle 
 could not be long. Mr. Bouverie, a young 
 clergyman, then in the house, was brought 
 in. Prayers were read. Mr. Fox was quiet 
 and resigned, but evidently disliked speaking. 
 
 A solemn and awful silence prevailed. He 
 now rapidly grew worse. The night which 
 succeeded was one of horror. The worst 
 every moment expected, but an invincible 
 degree of fortitude and resignation mani- 
 fested by Mr. Fox : no murmurs, no impa- 
 tience, at his sufferings, but an anxiety for 
 Mrs. Fox's health, was predominant over 
 every thing. She had nobly endured the 
 long and distressing fatigues of this melan- 
 choly time: he was sensible of the exer- 
 tions she had made ; he knew they were 
 beyond her strength ; and., in pitying her lie
 
 464 
 
 forgot all the agonies, all the misery, of his 
 bodily state. Late at night he sent for 
 Lord Holland, and asked, " if there was any 
 hope." Lord Holland did not flatter him with 
 any, and his answer was received with all 
 that quiet magnanimity which distinguished 
 Mr. Fox's character, and had pervaded 
 his whole life, low aids morning, his 
 breathing was visibly affected. All hope 
 was at an end. Nothing remained but to 
 wait the event. Nature did not struggle 
 much. Mrs. Fox, Miss Fox, Surgeon Haw- 
 kins, myself, and one domestic, were alone 
 present. 
 
 The scene which followed was worthy 
 of the illustrious name of Fox. — As his 
 breathing became painfully difficult, he no 
 longer spoke, but his looks — his counte- 
 nance, gradually assumed a sublime, yet 
 tender, air. He seemed to regret leaving 
 Mrs. Fox solitary and friendless, and as he 
 fixed his eyes repeatedly upon her, threw 
 into them such an expression of consolation 
 as looked supernatural : there was, also, in 
 it a tender gratitude, which breathed un-
 
 465 
 
 utterable thanks, and to the last, the disin- 
 terested and affectionate, the dyin£ husband, 
 mourned tor another's sufferings, and strove 
 to make his own appear light. — There was 
 the pious resignation of the christian, who 
 fearlessly abandons his fleeting spirit to a 
 merciful Deity, visible throughout the day : 
 the unbeliever who " came to scoff," must 
 have remained to pray. It was now Mr. 
 Fox gathered the fruits of his glorious life ; 
 his departure was unruffled by remorse, he 
 had sacrificed every thing that was personal 
 to his country's good, and found his last 
 moments blest by the reflection, that his last 
 effort had been conformable to the divine 
 religion he professed, to give peace to an 
 afflicted world. The hovering angel, who 
 waited to receive his spirit, saw that he had 
 tarried long enough upon earth ; the e\ en- 
 ing advanced, and sinking nature announced 
 that his end approached. " / die happy " 
 said he, fixing, again and again, his eyes 
 upon Mrs. Fox. 
 
 He endeavoured to speak further — but we 
 could not understand his words — he re- 
 
 h h
 
 466 
 
 peated the attempt — I affected to under- 
 stand him, in order to relieve his 
 anxiety ; — " Trotter will tell you," turning 
 to Mrs. Fox, were his last words ! His coun- 
 tenance grew serene and elevated. His arms 
 were a little raised to meet Mrs. Fox's em- 
 brace. His eyes, full of a celestial lustre, 
 continued bright and unclosed ; — and, as the 
 setting sun withdrew, without distortion or 
 struggle, but with the same unchanged looks 
 of benignity, resignation, and love, which ani- 
 mated his face throughout this mournful 
 day, he expired, leaving our sorrow almost 
 obliterated by admiration at his exemplary 
 and happy end !
 
 467 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS 
 
 FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 jVJR. Fox expired between five and six in 
 the afternoon of the 13th of September, 
 1806. The Tower guns were firing for the 
 capture of Buenos Ayres, as he w T as breath- 
 ing his last. The evening was serene, and 
 of that interesting kind which distinguishes 
 the beginning of Autumn. It seemed as 
 if circumstances and nature had combined 
 to render the moment peculiarly solemn and 
 affecting : fresh victories were announcing, 
 as this great Statesman was departing, and 
 the mild beams of the declining sun illumi- 
 nated his chamber with a softened glow. 
 What a void, when I beheld the body in- 
 animate and cold ! — The countenance re- 
 mained serene, and full of a sublime and 
 tender expression. It is remarkable, too, that 
 
 h h 2
 
 468 
 
 it continued so for nearly a week, till it 
 became necessary to put the body into a 
 shell. As it was suggested to me, two or 
 three days after his death, that a cast might 
 still be taken from the face, a messenger was 
 dispatched to Mr. Nollekens and the attempt 
 was made : it, however, failed, the features 
 had changed, and fallen in a considerable 
 degree, and the plan was thus defeated. 
 
 I understood the result was unfavourable, 
 
 - 
 
 but could not prevail upon myself to look 
 at the mask. During the week that the 
 corpse remained at Chiswick, I every day 
 frequently contemplated the countenance 
 of the illustrious departed. 
 
 The same serenity, magnanimity, and feel- 
 ing, which distinguished him alive, were, 
 if possible, more forcibly pourtrayed than 
 ever upon his countenance : there was also 
 an air of indescribable grandeur spread over 
 it. I felt a strange sensation when alone in 
 the apartment with the mortal remains of 
 Charles James Fox. 
 
 Perhaps there was more of the moral
 
 •169 
 
 sublime in this than falls commonly to the 
 lot of man to witness and experience. The 
 melancholy and solitary feelings I then en- 
 dured, those who have lost beloved friends 
 and relatives, will be well able to appreciate : 
 besides, the departure of so towering a genius 
 imparted various, solemn, and awful reflec- 
 tions. 
 
 I then faintly conceived the idea, — and 
 I have since frequently wished, that the art 
 of embalming had been employed to pre- 
 serve so very grand a subject for the con- 
 templation of the present race, and of the 
 future generation. This great and patriotic 
 minister mi^lit thus have inspired virtue in 
 the young; patriot, or controlled the profli- 
 gate betrayer of his country, by his looks : — - 
 all who viewed his noble countenance, 
 might have drawn lessons of benevolence, 
 and disinterestedness from thence, and in 
 departing, would have carried away an im- 
 pression, favorable to humanity, justice, and 
 liberty. 
 
 A recent work on Education contains this
 
 470 
 
 question : " Has not Parr been condemned 
 for praising the virtues and talents of Fox, be^ 
 cause in revealing the whole man, he stated 
 that Fox disbelieved the miracles and mvs- 
 teries of Religion ?" I have not seen, nor 
 am I now able to procure any work of 
 Dr. Parr s relating to Mr. Fox, but I am pre- 
 pared to say that any assertion of his upon 
 so important and delicate a question, does 
 not at all coincide with my opinion on this 
 head, if he attempted to state, in an unqua- 
 lified manner, Mr. Fox's disbelief of mira- 
 cles. That great man was too just a rea- 
 soner, and too great an enemy to dogmatic 
 assertion, to reject the powerful testimony 
 by which miracles are supported. A casual 
 expression is never to be taken for a fixed 
 and serious opinion, without subsequent and 
 considerable corroboration. I recollect be- 
 ng present at a conversation in Stable Yard, 
 when Mr. Robertson and, I think, Lord 
 Grey were in the room, when the immorta- 
 lity of the soul was touched upon. Mr. 
 Fox, then very ill, spoke upon it with that 
 seriousness, and earnestness for demonstra^ 
 tion, which marked him on all weighty sub-
 
 471 
 
 jects. I perceived no disposition to express 
 any arrogant doubts, but, on the contrary, 
 that humble and modest tone, which, upon 
 so awful a topic, becomes all men. 
 
 Resignation to Providence was a very 
 marked feature in Mr. Fox's character. He 
 never meddled with abstruse and mysterious 
 points in religion; in death, he resigned him- 
 self to his Creator, with unparalleled calmness 
 and magnanimity. Such a man was very 
 little likely to express disbelief on a sub- 
 ject vitally connected with Christianity. I 
 had the satisfaction and happiness of en- 
 joying his most intimate society for a great 
 part of the last eight years of his life, and 
 I never heard an expression — I never ob- 
 served the slightest inclination tending to 
 such doubt or disbelief. On the contrary, 
 it will be found that as all his political con- 
 duct was consonant to the purest and most 
 benevolent conception of Christianity, so, 
 even in death, he maintained the same tenour 
 and tone of mind. 
 
 Mrs. Fox, I am satisfied, is quite competent
 
 472 
 
 to corroborate every word I have written, 
 and I much regret that indiscreet, and inju- 
 dicious friendship should have disturbed his 
 ashes, by bringing forward a vague opinion, 
 which, if even once entertained, I can 
 testify, was not latterly adhered to. I have, 
 however, given strong grounds for drawl- 
 ing deductions quite contradictory to those 
 of Dr. Parr. Mr. Fox, in his whole 
 manners, conduct, and last moments, gave 
 me the clearest, and most pleasing idea of a 
 sincere and true Christian, that I had ever 
 imbibed. 
 
 It is but little known that Mr. Fox's 
 body was opened after his death. The 
 result was, that the liver was found greatly 
 diseased, and what is termed scirrhous : all 
 other vital and noble parts, I was informed 
 by Surgeon Hawkins, were sound and 
 unimpaired, so as to have ensured a long and 
 vigorous old age. It will be recollected 
 that Mr. Fox himself suggested to the phy- 
 sicians, the pLn of writing and sealing up 
 medical opinions, and opening them after the 
 disease and inspection of the subject upon
 
 473 
 
 which they had been pronounced. This 
 suggestion was not followed, in his own 
 case, and I regret that it was not: it 
 evinced as much wisdom and penetration as 
 it did magnanimity and love for his fellow 
 creatures : he seemed desirous that science 
 might be improved by correcting uncer- 
 tainty as much as possible, and seemed to 
 offer himself as a subject to begin with, 
 for the general good. Why is anatomy 
 incontestably of the utmost service to the 
 human race ? For exactly the same reason 
 which appeared to have influenced Mr. 
 Fox's mind, when tapped the second time 
 at Chiswick House. His mind always 
 sought for demonstration, and, even beyond 
 the tomb, he seems to have pointed the way 
 to improvements in medicine, and to physi- 
 cians correcting their own errors. As his 
 liver was found irretrievably diseased, 1 am 
 incli led to think that the most violent 
 medicine was improper ; because prolonga- 
 tion of existence might have been attained, 
 and perfect recovery could not. It has 
 happened to me since, to administer a great 
 deal of digitalis (under the direction of a
 
 474 
 
 physician) to a young man attacked by 
 Ague, and threatened by impending con- 
 sumption. We thought him dying, but he 
 recovered ; he was, however, young, and 
 not materially affected in any vital part. 
 In ordinary cases, it may be right for 
 physicians to try the most powerful medi- 
 cines, if a case seem hopeless, because it 
 may be a beneficial experiment, and be little 
 prejudicial to any one, — but in this instance 
 of Mr. Fox, the prolongation of his inva- 
 luable existence, w T as so incalculably impor- 
 tant, that the welfare of the community, 
 in a political view, should have superseded 
 medical experiments and its chances. 
 
 As the facts ascertained, by opening the 
 body, proved, that a radical cure was quite 
 hopeless, I request that I may not be con- 
 sidered as unnecessarily stirring this topic. 
 I write for mankind and posterity. Other 
 great characters may be similarly circum- 
 stanced with Mr. Fox ; a moral and me- 
 dical view of circumstances may clash. 
 Let physicians, therefore, remember the 
 statesman, and prefer the greater to the
 
 475 
 
 smaller object. As Mr Fox's age was not 
 more than fifty-seven, and his constitution 
 a very vigorous one, there is some reason 
 to think he might have enjoyed a melio- 
 rated, and not very distressing, state of 
 health for a considerable time, if the 
 palliative, rather than experimental course, 
 had been pursued. The question certainly 
 admits of doubt, but, in my view, I am sure 
 the friend or the statesman would prefer the 
 former. 
 
 I cannot be presumed to know the 
 
 quantity of digitalis administered, nor is it 
 
 at all necessary to state it. That powerful 
 
 medicine is given usually, I believe, in drops 
 
 proportioned to the strength, - age, and 
 
 state, of the patient. Mr. Fox's disorder 
 
 had made its first appearance about three 
 
 years before his death, or between two and 
 
 three years, as I am well informed. That 
 
 was the time to have applied powerful 
 
 remedies with good hopes of ultimate 
 
 success; but he himself was not then 
 
 (or any of his family or friends) aware of 
 
 his situation. When the disorder finally
 
 476 
 
 forced him to notice it, by the pain and 
 uneasy sensations attending its latter stages, 
 it came like a deluge upon him. I appre- 
 hend it had proceeded too far, and that his 
 period of life was too advanced to admit of 
 radical cure. It is surprizing that he had 
 not himself consulted some physician of 
 eminence, on the slightest symptom of so 
 alarming a disorder, as that which carried 
 him to the grave ; but he was nothing 
 timorous, nothing selfish, and disregarded 
 what would have alarmed others. 
 
 For persons who were eye witnesses of 
 the last melancholy ceremonies bestowed 
 on the mortal remains of Mr. Fox, little is 
 necessary to be recorded : — but for those 
 who live in the distant parts of the empire, 
 and those who may hereafter peruse with 
 interest every thing relative to that great 
 man, some information may be desi- 
 rable. I have, therefore, thought it not 
 right to omit particulars which, though 
 peculiarly painful to myself to revive, must 
 be matter of natural curiosity and enquiry, 
 now and hereafter. I am quite convinced
 
 477 
 
 that the last words, or I may say, efforts, 
 of Mr. Fox, were directed to the object 
 of depositing his remains at Chertsey. He 
 would, from his character, and from his 
 peculiar way of thinking on those subjects, 
 I am certain, have desired, in his own 
 instance, to have avoided all ostentation and 
 pomp as to a funeral or burying place. The 
 vicinity of Chertsey to his beloved St. 
 Anne's Hill, and the fond wish that Mrs. 
 Fox's remains might one day be laid beside 
 his, would have been strong motives with 
 him for expressing a wish to be interred at 
 Chertsey. I know of no other idea that he 
 would have been so likely to cherish in his 
 departing moments. His earnestness, and 
 expressive manner, have left a lasting 
 impression upon me, but I was too agitated 
 and oppressed with sorrow to reflect suffici- 
 ently upon what was, most probably, his 
 thoughts at such an awful moment. 
 
 He addressed himself exclusively to 
 Mrs. Fox, and his countenance evidently 
 spoke something tender and domestic; 
 something connected with his awful and
 
 478 
 
 melancholy state, and with her future 
 gratification. I dread even now distressing 
 the feelings of his relict, but every thing 
 which throws light on a character so noble as 
 that of Mr. Fox, is too valuable and inte- 
 resting to be withheld. There is no circum- 
 stance which pourtrays the simplicity and 
 amiable cast of it more than this ; — that, at 
 the last hour, he should desire his remains 
 to be withdrawn from the pomp, and crowds 
 of the metropolis, — from the reveren- 
 tial honours of a great nation, — and wish 
 them to be conducted with silence and 
 modesty, to those rural abodes he had so 
 long and so warmly admired ; to be placed 
 near St. Anne's Hill, and in imagination to 
 watch over the cares and sorrows of her 
 he had truly adored, — to wait with fond 
 impatience till the remains of both were 
 united in the grave. Here was Mr. Fox's 
 genuine character eminently displayed — and 
 at the very moment preceding his last sigh. 
 
 If the beautiful scripture expression 
 — " Lord let me die the death of the righ- 
 teous, and let my last end \>e like his," was
 
 479 
 
 ever more strongly exemplified in one 
 instance than in another, it was in the last 
 moments of Mr. Fox ; resignation, mag- 
 nanimity, and faithful conjugal affection, 
 marked them in so happily, and beautifully 
 blended combination, that I can imagine no 
 finer subject for the painter and the poet, 
 than a just delineation of that affecting 
 hour, when Mr. Fox took his farewell of 
 this earthly scene ; the dying look which 
 turned towards home, and all its past endear- 
 ments, and which said, " lay me near our 
 dear and long-cherished retreat," is beyond 
 the power of ordinary words, or even of 
 the magic sister arts to convey ! * * 
 
 As it was decided by Mr. Fox's friends, 
 and was the general wish that his funeral 
 should be a public one, and as his own 
 wishes were not, or could not be known 
 respecting it, interment in Westminster 
 Abbey was determined upon. The body 
 was removed to the house recently occu- 
 pied by him in Stable Yard, and since the 
 residence of the Duke of York and the
 
 480 
 
 Prince Regent, and it remained there three 
 weeks, until all due preparations had been 
 made, under the direction of Mr. She- 
 ridan, for the funeral This gloomy and 
 cheerless period was less distressing than the 
 final parting with all that remained, of 
 what .1 had cherished and revered in life; 
 above all things, I had a melancholy gratifica- 
 tion in having my bed in the adjoining room, 
 and in eating my meals in it. T e sound 
 of carriages rolling to cabinet dinners was 
 often a subject for contemplation in this 
 period, and I was often induced to remark 
 how soon the great and good are forgotten 
 by man, when power deserts them, or life 
 *s extinct. Lord Holland, by calling fre- 
 quently, manifested an affectionate disposi- 
 tion towards his revered uncle, and due 
 regard to his memory, as well as gratitude to 
 those attached to him. 
 
 The morning of the fr neral brought 
 crowds, so alarming in point of numbers, that 
 we feared the gardens and the house might be 
 suddenly filled. Every precaution was taken 
 to prevent this, and with complete success*
 
 481 
 
 I received a melancholy satisfaction from 
 beholding the assemblage, which filled every 
 apartment of the house, the court-vard, and 
 the garden. The nobles of the land, — distin- 
 guished commoners, — men of genius and 
 talent from all quarters, — great landed pro- 
 prietors — all the genuine lovers of liberty, — 
 all the friends to science, — and vast numbers 
 of individuals, of the most respectable situa- 
 tions, were gathered together, to pay the last 
 tribute of veneration and affection to the 
 illustrious deceased. 
 
 Sorrow sat on every countenance, — 
 silence and order reigned every where; and 
 no regulation was wanting for men, who, 
 in walking, almost dreaded to create noise. 
 Friendship, genuine friendship, poured her 
 unaffected tears over the mightv dead ; 
 never was a scene more solemn and more 
 affecting ! It was understood, that the heir 
 apparent to the throne, faithful in his friend- 
 ship to the latest hour, and filled withthedeep- 
 est sorrow, would have attended the bier to 
 the grave, would indispensable etiquette have 
 allowed him. As the body was raised upon 
 
 i i
 
 the lofty car, almost awful from its size and 
 simplicity, the sorrowing multitude received 
 it with affection and grief united; but the lan- 
 guage of the heart was all that was spoken. 
 
 The followers of Fox to the grave were 
 the collected, and unbought men of rank, 
 genius, and virtue, from all parts of the empire : 
 England was foremost ; she estimated him 
 truly, but too late for her own happiness ; 
 and Scotland gave her tribute of respect : — 
 and Ireland, unhappy Ireland, sent her 
 drooping sons to mourn around, to follow 
 the bier of the great English patriot, — 
 the magnanimous champion of civil and 
 religious liberty. 
 
 Slowly the vast procession passed; the 
 streets, the windows, the tops of the houses, 
 the avenues, were crowded with sympathizing 
 spectators. Three nations mourned with 
 sincere sorrow, for the great minister and 
 statesman who was borne along. Not a 
 word was heard, — persons of rank and for- 
 tune walked in the procession, — peers and 
 commoners, and relatives of the deceased, 
 alone went in carnages. All was decorous ;
 
 483 
 
 and one sentiment governed, pervaded, and 
 softened this immense multitude. Fox was 
 lost, and mankind mourned. Never was 
 the solemn march of a vast concourse of 
 people more sublime and interesting. 
 
 As the great bell of the Abbey tolled, the 
 procession entered the yard ; it moved softly 
 up the aisle ; — the grave appeared ! — Oh ! 
 best and most valuable of men, what was 
 the anguish of sincere and grieving friend- 
 ship at that sight ! All suspense was now 
 at an end ; the last link was to be broken ; 
 the earth was to hide from the view the 
 remains which every relative and friend still 
 fondly hung over ! The service, solemn and 
 impressive, gave a short delay ; all the 
 amiable, all the admirable qualities of the 
 departed, rushed upon every mind : youth 
 had viewed him as a father and a friend, — 
 adult and mature age, as a guide, protector, 
 and instructor ; — liberty sighed over his 
 grave, and religion bent over the ashes of him 
 who had ever revered her truths, had never 
 infringed her sacred rights, or trampled on 
 her usages and laws. 
 
 i i 2
 
 484 
 
 The grave closed, the crumbling earth hid 
 from anxious eyes the remains of Fox ! 
 An exhausted, and languid concourse returned 
 to their homes, pondering on the melan- 
 choly void left in the world ; and feeling, 
 that every one had lost, in this great man, a 
 
 guardian and a friend. * * * 
 
 ******* 
 ***** * ? 
 
 THE £Nl>
 
 PART III. 
 
 ORIGINAL LETTERS.

 
 487 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 I do assure you, your letter of the 
 28th ultimo, gave both Mrs. F. and myself 
 the highest satisfaction, as it was a long 
 time since we had heard from you, and had 
 learned from Bob that you had been very 
 ill. He is not now here, but the next time 
 I see him, I will tell him how shabby it is 
 of him not to write to you. 
 
 I am sorry to hear your account of the 
 people of the North, and I think they are 
 bad politicians not to see that the support 
 of the Anti-unionists would infallibly lead to 
 the procuring of the substance, instead of 
 the name, of a parliament. The Anti-union- 
 ists must feel (and this was my opinion 
 before their defeat on Lord Corry's motion) 
 that they are far too weak to struggle against 
 our minister, without the assistance of the 
 people; and, consequently, they mustacc&j?
 
 488 
 
 to reform of parliament, catholic emancipa* 
 tion, and, in one word, to a real and substan* 
 tial representation of the people, which 
 must produce a government as popular and 
 democratic, as any government ought to 
 be. As things are, I am afraid they will 
 fail for want of support, and that even the 
 union itself may be forced upon you ; and 
 then the consequences, either way, will be 
 dreadful indeed. 
 
 We are very glad you think of being in 
 England in April, when I hope you will 
 come and hear our nigthingales. We have 
 had a great deal of bad weather, but it is 
 growing better, and the crocuses, snow* 
 drops, &c. are giving us, every day, beau- 
 tiful indications of approaching spring. 
 Mrs. F. desires to be kindly remembered to 
 
 you. 
 
 I am, my dear Sir, 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Annes Hill, 
 
 2.1st Feb. 99. 
 
 John B. Trotter Esq. Vianstotcn 3 
 near Downpatrick, Ireland,
 
 189 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I received by Tuesday's coach 
 your Pamphlet upon the Union, and your 
 verses, for which Mrs. F. particularly desires 
 me to thank you ; we both like them very 
 much. I think you put your objections to 
 the Union entirely upon the right grounds ; 
 whether there is spirit in Ireland to act up 
 to your principles, is another question. I 
 do not know whether you ever heard that 
 it is a common observation, that Irish orators 
 are generally too figurative in their language 
 for the English taste ; perhaps I think 
 parts of your Pamphlet no exception to 
 this observation ; but this is a fault (if it be 
 a fault) easily mended. 
 
 As to Italian, I am sure, from what you 
 said, that you are quite far advanced enough, 
 to make a master an unnecessary trouble and
 
 490 I 
 
 expence ; and therefore it is no excuse for 
 your not coming, especially, as it is a study 
 in which I can give you, and would certainly 
 give you with pleasure, any assistance you 
 could wish. In German, the case is, to be 
 sure, quite different, as I do not know a 
 word of it, nor have any German books ; 
 of Italian, you know we have plenty. 
 
 I am sure I need not tell you, that when* 
 ever you do come, you will be welcome. 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Anne's Hill, 
 Thursday*
 
 491 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 I know of no better, nor, indeed, scarce 
 of any other life of Cicero, than Middleton's. 
 He is certainly very partial to him, but, upon 
 the whole, I think Cicero was a good man. 
 The salutary effect of the burning of his 
 houses, which you mention, is, indeed, too 
 evident ; I do not think quite so ill of his 
 poem upon Caesar as you do ; because I 
 presume he only flattered him upon the 
 points where he really deserved praise ;• — 
 and as to his flatteries of him after he was 
 dictator, in his speeches for Ligarius and 
 Marcellus, I not only excuse, but justify, 
 and even commend them, as they were 
 employed for the best of purposes, in favour 
 of old friends, both to himself and to the 
 republic. Nay, I even think that his man- 
 ner of recommending to Caesar (in the pro 
 Marcello) the restoration of the republic, is 
 even bold and spirited. — After all, he cer-
 
 492 
 
 tainly was a man liable to be warped from 
 what was right either by fear or vanity ; 
 but his faults seem so clearly to have been 
 infirmities, rather than bad principles, or bad 
 passions, that I cannot but like him, and, 
 in a great measure, esteem him too. — The 
 openness with which, in his private letters, 
 he confesses himself to be ashamed of part 
 of his conduct, has been taken great advan- 
 tage of by detractors, as an aggravation, 
 whereas I think it a great extenuation of his 
 faults. — I ought to caution against trusting 
 to the translations in Middleton ; they are all 
 vile, and many of them unfaithful. 
 
 If your sister does not understand Latin, 
 you should translate them for her yourself. 
 I do assure you, my dear Sir, it always 
 gives Mrs. F. and me great pleasure to hear 
 from you, and especially when it is to 
 inform us that you are well and happy. 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. F.
 
 493 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 I was much gratified, my dear Sir, with 
 your letter, as your taste seems so exactly to 
 agree with mine ; and am very glad, for your 
 sake, that you have taken to Greek, as it 
 will now be very easy to you, and if I may 
 judge from myself, will be one of the great- 
 est sources of amusement to vou. — Homer 
 and Ariosto have always been my favourites ; 
 there is something so delightful in their 
 wonderful facility, and the apparent absence 
 of all study, in their expression, which is 
 almost peculiar to them. I think you must 
 be very partial, however, to find but two 
 faults in the twelve books of the Iliad. — 
 The passage in the 9th book, about Aeur ti 
 appears to me, as it does to you, both poor 
 and forced; but I have no great objection to 
 that about the wall in the 12th, though, to 
 be sure, it is not very necessary. The tenth 
 book has always been a particular favourite
 
 491 
 
 with me, not so much on account of Dio- 
 mede's and Ulysses's exploits, (though that 
 part is excellent too) as on account of the 
 beginning, which describes so forcibly the 
 anxious state of the generals, with an enemy 
 so near, and having bad rather the worst of 
 the former day. I do not know any descrip- 
 tion any where that sets the thing so clearly 
 before one ; and then the brotherly feelings 
 of Agamemnon towards Menelaus, and the 
 modesty and amiableness of Menelaus's cha- 
 racter (whom Homer, by the way, seems to 
 be particularly fond of) are very affecting. 
 Ariosto has certainly taken his night expedi- 
 tion either from Homer's or from Virgil's 
 Nisus and Euryalus. I scarcely know which 
 I prefer of the three ; I rather think Virgil's ; 
 but Ariosto has one merit beyond the others, 
 from the important consequences which arise 
 from it to the story. Tasso (for he, too, 
 must have whatever is in the Iliad or JEneid) 
 is a very poor imitation, as far as I recollect. 
 
 I suppose, a soon as you have done 
 the Iliad, you will read the Odyssey ; which, 
 though certainly not so fine a poem,
 
 495 
 
 is, to my taste, still pleasanter to read. 
 Pray let me know what parts of it strike you 
 most, and believe me you cannot oblige me 
 more than by corresponding on such subjects. 
 Of the other Greek poets, Hesiod, Pindar, 
 Eschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Apollonius 
 Rhodius, and Theocritus, are the most worth 
 reading. Of the tragedians, I like Euripides 
 the best ; but Sophocles is, I believe, more 
 generally preferred, and is certainly more 
 finished, and has fewer gross faults. Theo- 
 critus, in his way, is perfect; — the two first 
 Idylls, particularly, are excellent. I suppose 
 the ode you like is Ah„ t i Kwfiugn, which is 
 pretty enough, but not such as to give 
 you any adequate idea of Theocritus. There 
 is an elegy upon Adonis, by Bion, which is 
 in parts very beautiful, and particularly 
 some lines of it upon the common-place of 
 Death, which have been imitated over and 
 over again, but have never been equalled. In 
 Hesiod, the account of Pandora, of the 
 golden Age,&c. and some other parts, are very 
 good ; but there is much that is tiresome. 
 Perhaps the work, which is most generally 
 considered as not his, I mean the &<?**, is the
 
 496 
 
 one that has most poetry in it. It is very 
 good, and to say that it is inferior to Homer's 
 and Virgil's shields, is not saying much 
 against it. Pindar is too often obscure, and 
 sometimes much more spun out and wordy 
 than suits my taste; but there are passages 
 in him quite divine. I have not read 
 above half his works. Apollonius Rho- 
 dius is, I think, very well worth reading. 
 The beginning of Medaea's love is, I believe, 
 original, and though often copied since, never 
 equalled. There are many other fine parts 
 in his poem, besides some of which Virgil 
 has improved, others scarce equalled. There 
 is, however, in the greater part of the poem 
 an appearance of labour, and a hardness, that 
 makes it tiresome. He seems to me to be 
 an author of about the same degree of 
 genius with Tasso ; and if there is more in 
 the latter to be liked, there is nothing, I 
 think, to be liked in him so well as the parts 
 of Apollonius to which I have alluded. I 
 have said nothing of Aristophanes, because 
 I never read him. Callimachus and Moschus 
 are worth reading ; but there is litttle of 
 them. By the way, I now recollect that the
 
 -197 
 
 passage about death, which I said was in 
 Bion's elegy upon Adonis, is in Moschus's 
 upon Bion. Now you have all my know- 
 ledge about Greek poetry. I am quite 
 pleased at your liking Ariosto so much ; 
 though indeed I foresaw you would, from 
 the great delight you expressed at Spenser, 
 who is certainly inferior to him, though very 
 excellent too. — Tasso, I think below both of 
 them, but many count him the first among 
 those three; and evenMetastasio, who ought 
 to be a better judge of Italian poetry than 
 you or I, gives him upon the whole the prefe- 
 rence to Ariosto. 
 
 You will, of course, have been rejoiced at 
 the peace, as we all are. Mrs. F. desires to 
 be remembered to you kindly. She is very 
 busy just now, but will write to you soon. 
 I think this place has looked more beautiful 
 than ever this year, both in Spring and 
 Summer, and so it does now in Autumn. 
 I have been very idle about my History, but 
 I will make up for it by and bye ; though I 
 believe I must go to Paris, to look at some 
 papers there, before I can finish the first 
 
 k k
 
 498 
 
 volume. I think in the last half of the Iliad 
 you will admire the 16th, 20th, 22d, and 
 24th, books particularly. 1 believe the general 
 opinion is, that Homer did write near the 
 shore, and he certainly does, as you observe, 
 particularly delight in illustrations taken from 
 the sea, waves, &c. Perhaps a lion is rather 
 too frequent a simile with him. I dare say 
 you were delighted with Helen and Priam on 
 the walls in the 3d book ; and I suspect 
 you will be proportionably disgusted with 
 Tasso's servile and ill-placed imitation of it. 
 Do not imagine, however, that I am not sen- 
 sible to many beauties in Tasso, especially 
 the parts imitated by Spenser, Erminia's flight 
 and adventure, the description of the pes- 
 tilence, and many others. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Most truly, 
 Your's ever, 
 C. J. FOX. 
 St. Anne's Hilly 
 Monday. 
 
 (Post Mark, Oct. 20, 180] .J
 
 499 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I am quite scandalized at hav- 
 ing so long delayed answering your letters, 
 but I put it off, as I am apt to do every 
 thing, from day to day, till Christmas ; and 
 on that day, Mrs. F. was taken very seri- 
 ously ill with a fever, and sore throat of the 
 inflammatory kind. — The violence of the 
 disorder was over this day se'nnight, but 
 though she has been mending ever since, 
 she is still weak. However, she may now 
 be called, comparativclys peaking, quite well; 
 and I did not like to write till I could tell 
 you that she was so. I hope you go on with 
 your Greek, and long to know whether you 
 are as fond of the Odyssey as I am, as also 
 what progress you have made in the other 
 poets. The Plutar chits, w r hom you ask after, 
 is, I believe, the same Plutarch who wrote 
 the lives, and who certainly was of Chaeronea. 
 
 k k 2
 
 500 
 
 At least, I never heard of any other author of 
 that name, and he wrote many philosophical 
 works. I think when you say you despise 
 Tasso, you go further than I can do, — and 
 though there is servility in his mariner of 
 imitation, which is disgusting, yet it is hardly 
 fair to be angry with him for translating 
 a simile of Homer's, a plunder, if it be one, 
 of which nearly every poet has been guilty. 
 If there be one who has not, I suspect it is 
 he whom you say you are going to read, I 
 mean Dante. I have only read part of Dante, 
 and admire him very much. I think the 
 brilliant passages are thicker set in his works, 
 than in those of almost any other poet; but 
 the want of connection and interest makes 
 him heavy ; and, besides, the difficulty of his 
 language, which I do not think much of, the 
 obscurity of that part of history to which he 
 refers, is much against him. His allusions \ 
 in which he deals not a little, are, in conse- 
 quence, most of them lost. 
 
 I agree in liking Armida, but cannot help 
 thinking Rinaldo's detention in his gardens 
 very inferior to Ruggiero's.
 
 501 
 
 Or fino n^ll occhi ben nuota nel golfo 
 Delle delizie e delle cose belle. 
 
 may seem to some an expression rather too 
 familiar, and nearly foolish ; but it is much 
 better for describing the sort of situation in 
 which the two heroes are supposed to be, 
 than the Romito Amante of Tasso ; not to 
 mention the garden of Armida being all on 
 the inside of the palace, and walled round 
 by it, instead of the beautiful country de- 
 scribed by Ariosto. Do you not think, too, 
 that Spenser has much improved upon Tasso, 
 by giving the song in praise of pleasure to a 
 nymph rather than to a parrot ? Pray, if 
 you want any information about Greek poets 
 or others, that I can give you, do not spare 
 me, for it is a great delight to me to be 
 employed upon such subjects, with one who 
 has a true relish for them. 
 
 I do not wonder at your passionate admi- 
 ration of the Iliad, and agree with you as 
 to the peculiar beauty of most of the parts 
 vou mention. The interview of Priam and 
 Achilles is, I think, the finest of all. I
 
 502 
 
 rather think, that in Andromache's first 
 lamentation, she dwells too much upon her 
 child, and too little upon Hector, but may 
 be I am wrong. By your referring to the 
 4th book only for Agamemnon's brotherly 
 kindness, I should almost suspect that you 
 had not sufficiently noticed the extreme 
 delicacy and kindness with which he speaks 
 of him in the 10th, v. 120, &c. 
 
 We have not at all fixed our time for go- 
 ing to Paris yet. Mrs. F. desires to be most 
 kindly remembered to you. 
 I am very truly, 
 
 My dear Sir, your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 P. S. I do not know which is the best 
 translation of Don Quixote ; I have only read 
 Jarvis's, which I think very indifferent. I 
 liked Feijoo very much when I read him, 
 but I have not his works.
 
 503 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 You made Mrs. F. and me very 
 happy by letting us know you had had so 
 pleasant a tour, and that your sister and 
 yourself were so well after your fatigues ; 
 though we both think your walks on some 
 days must have been too long. I am not 
 sorry that Mrs. F. who is very busy to-day, 
 has commissioned me to answer your letter 
 for her, as it gives me an opportunity of 
 mentioning something to you which I have 
 had in my head some time. We are, as you 
 k,now, going abroad soon, chiefly on account 
 of some state papers which are at Paris, and 
 which it is necessary for me, with a view to 
 my History, to inspect carefully ; but we 
 also think of taking in our way a tour 
 through Flanders to Spa. It has sometimes 
 occurred to me, that this would not be a bad
 
 504: 
 
 opportunity for you to gratify a curiosity, 
 which you can scarcely be without, of 
 seeing something on the continent, and 
 Paris particularly. We have a place in our 
 carriage, and of course you would be our 
 guest when at Spa, Paris, &c. I am sure 
 it will be an additional motive with you 
 to know that, besides the pleasure of your 
 company, your assistance in examining 
 and extracting from the papers at Paris, 
 would be materially useful to me ; but I 
 would by no means have this consideration 
 weigh with you, unless the plan is otherwise 
 suitable and agreeable to you. I cannot 
 yet determine our precise time of setting 
 out, as it depends upon some business, not 
 altogether in my own power ; but I should 
 think, not sooner than the 15th, nor later 
 than the 30th of next month, and I hope to 
 be back about Michaelmas. I need not say 
 that, if you do think of coming with us, 
 With respect to a week or two we would 
 adapt our time to your's ; only it is so great 
 an object with me to be at home very early 
 in October, if not in September, that I can- 
 not put off our departure long.
 
 505 
 
 If I hear any thing within these few days 
 (which is not unlikely) which may make me 
 more able to fix what time will be most con- 
 venient to me, I will let you know without 
 waiting for your answer. I think you were in 
 great luck to have had fine weather on your 
 journeys, for we have had a great deal of 
 bad here, though not very lately. You never 
 told me how you liked the last half of the 
 Odyssey ; I think the simplicity of all the 
 part with the Swine Herd, &c. is delightful, 
 though some persons account it too low.— 
 Did you observe in one passage, that the 
 suitors have exactly the Scotch second sight? 
 
 Your's ever, 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Anne's Hill. 
 Thursday. 
 
 (Post Mark, July 5th, 1S02.J
 
 506 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 Mr Dear Sir, 
 
 I received yesterday your letter 
 of the 28th, which seems to have been a 
 good while upon the road. We are very 
 happy at the thoughts of your accom- 
 panying us, and I make no doubt but we 
 shall have a pleasant tour. Do not by any 
 means hurry yourself, as I think the 18th 
 or 79th of the month will be the earliest 
 day on which we possibly can set out, but 
 I will write again on Tuesday (the day of 
 my election) from London, by which time 
 I may be able to tell you something more 
 certain, and at any rate you will not be too 
 late by waiting for that letter. Mrs. F. 
 desires to be kindly remembered. 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Amies Hill 
 A tit July,
 
 507 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 I had intended to write yesterday, 
 thinking I should have no opposition here, 
 and that of course I could tell you, with 
 some certainty, the day of our setting out ; 
 but there is an opposition, which, though 
 foolish and contemptible to the last degree, 
 may occasion the poll to be protracted, 
 which leaves me in great uncertainty. At 
 all events, the 21st is the earliest day I can 
 think of, even upon the supposition that this 
 business is over this week ; if it lasts, our 
 journey cannot take place till the 29th or 
 30th; however, I will write to you again 
 to-morrow, or next day. Write a line, 
 directed to St. Anne's Hill ; or set out, and 
 make up your mind to the chance of being
 
 508 
 
 kept some days in this vile place; at St. 
 Anne's, I know you would not mind it. 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 Shakespeare Tavern, 
 Covent Garden, 7th July. 
 
 Numbers. Fox, 504. 
 
 Gardner, 401. 
 Grahanij 193.
 
 509 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 Shakespeare, 
 Covent Garden, 9th July. 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 Though this vile election is not 
 over, nor will be, I believe, for some time, 
 yet I can now fix the time of our departure, 
 with a reasonable certainty, for the 23rd or 
 24th of this month. I have no time to 
 write more. 
 
 Your's ever, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 Numbers. 
 
 Fox, 1194. 
 Gardner, 1081. 
 Graham, 533. 
 
 1 shall go to St. Anne's Hill to-morrow, 
 and only come here occasionally, next week.
 
 510 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 Paris, October l 27th. 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 Mrs. Fox has had two letters from 
 you, one from Dover, which was longer 
 coming than any letter ever was, and one 
 from Chester, and desires me to thank you 
 for her, though she has no excuse, that I 
 know of, except idleness, for not doing so 
 herself. She has had another bad cold, with 
 rheumatism, but is, thank God, nearly well. 
 We do not wonder at your finding the 
 difference between French and English 
 manners, in casual acquaintance, very great; 
 and I doubt much, whether we have any 
 great superiority in more intimate connec- 
 tions, to compensate our inferiority in this 
 respect ; you remember, no doubt, Cowper's 
 character of us in the Task ; it is excellent. 
 
 I do not think we have seen any thing
 
 511 
 
 worth mentioning since you went, or rather 
 since Mrs. F. wrote to you after her presen- 
 tation; only we were one day at Rainey, for- 
 merly the Duke of Orleans's, which, though 
 in a state of neglect, is still very beautiful. 
 We have seen Madame Duchesnois again, in 
 Roxane, in Bajazet, and either the part suited 
 her better than the others, or she is very 
 much improved. My work is finished, and 
 we stay now only in expectation of my bro- 
 ther, who writes word that he will be here 
 the 2d of November ; we shall, of course, 
 stay some days with him, and set out, I 
 think, the 7th. I have made visits to your 
 friends the consuls, and dined with Le Brun; 
 he seems heavv, but if he is the author, as 
 they say he is, of the Chancellor Maupeoux's 
 addresses to the parliament at the end of 
 Louis XVIth's reign, it must be his situa- 
 tion that has stupified him, for they are very 
 good indeed. As you had a curiosity about 
 an over-turn, it is very well it was satisfied 
 at so cheap a rate. We shall be very glad 
 to hear that your mode of travelling has 
 been attended with no worse consequences.
 
 512 
 
 I suppose you will now go in earnest to 
 law.— I do not know much of the matter, 
 but I suspect that a regular attendance (and 
 with attention) to the courts, is still more 
 important than any reading whatever ; you, 
 of course, read Blackstone over and over 
 again ; and if so, pray tell me whether you 
 agree with me in thinking his style of Eng- 
 lish the very best among our modern writers ; 
 always easy and intelligible; far more correct 
 than Hume, and less studied and made up 
 than Robertson. It is a pity you did not 
 see, while you were here, Villerson, the great 
 Grecian, if it were only for the purpose of 
 knowing how fast it is possible for the 
 human voice to go without indistinctness. 
 I believe he could recite the whole Iliad 
 in four hours. He has a great deal of know- 
 ledge of all kinds, and it is well he has, for, 
 at his rate, he would run out a moderate 
 stock in half an hour. I hope soon to hear 
 you are got safe to Dublin ; direct your 
 next to St. Anne's Hill, where we hope to 
 be by the 13th of next month. I find the 
 baronet and Grattan are both in England, so 
 1 have no message to send to your country.
 
 513 
 
 we have just begun the Roman comique, 
 and have already found the originals of seve- 
 ral of Fielding's bloody noses, &c. which 
 made you so angry. We are just going to 
 pay a visit to the museum. 
 
 Your affectionate friends, 
 
 Hotel de Richelieu, 28/// Oct. 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 E. FOX. 
 
 L I
 
 514 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 Pray do not think you trouble 
 me, but quite the contrary, by writing to 
 me, and especially on the subject of your 
 poetical studies. What I do not like in your 
 letter is, your account of yourself; and I 
 am afraid a winter in Dublin, which may be 
 so useful to you in other respects, may not 
 be quite so well for your health ; which, 
 ' after all, is the grand article. Mrs. F. has 
 not written lately, because you had not told 
 her how to direct ; and as she had not heard 
 of your receiving the last letter she directed 
 to Glasnevin, she feared that might not do. 
 She desires me to say every thing that is kind 
 to you. 
 
 I am very glad you prefer Euripides to 
 Sophocles, because it is my taste ; though I
 
 515 
 
 am not sure that it is not thought a heresy. 
 — He (Eur.) appears to me to have much 
 more of facility and nature in his way of 
 writing, than the other. The speech you 
 mention of Electra is, indeed, beautiful ; 
 but when you have read some more of 
 Euripides, perhaps you will not think it 
 quite unrivalled. Of all Sophocles's plays, I 
 like Electra clearly the best, and I think 
 your epithet to Ocd. Tyrs. a very just 
 one ; it is really to me a disagreeable play ; 
 and yet there are many who not only prefer 
 it to Electra, but reckon it the finest specimen 
 of the Greek theatre. I like his other two 
 plays upon the Theban story both better, i.e. 
 the Oed. Col. and the Antigone. In the 
 latter there is a passage *in her answer to 
 Cicero that is, perhaps, the sublimest in 
 the world ; and, in many parts of the play 
 there is a spirit almost miraculous, if, as it 
 is said, Sophocles was past eighty when he 
 composed it. Cicero has made great use of 
 the passage I allude to, in his oration for 
 Mile. I suppose you selected Hipp, and 
 Iph. in Aiilis, on account of Racine ; and 
 I hope you have observed with what extreme 
 
 l 12
 
 516 
 
 judgment he has imitated them. In the 
 character of Hipp, only, I think he has 
 fallen short of his original. The scene of 
 Phedra's discovery of her love to her nurse, 
 he has imitated pretty closely ; and if he has 
 not surpassed it, it is only because that was 
 impossible. His Clytemnestra, too, is excel- 
 lent, but would have been better if he had 
 ventured to bring on the young Orestes as 
 Eur. does. The change which you men- 
 tion in the Greek Iphigenia, I like extremely ; 
 but it is censured by Aristotle as a change of 
 character, — not, 1 think, justly. Perhaps 
 the sudden change in Menelaus, which he 
 also censures, is less defensible. Now, 
 though the two plays of Eur. which you 
 have read, are undoubtedly among his best, 
 I will venture to assure you, that there are 
 four others you will like full as well ; Medea, 
 Phcenissa% Heraclidae, and Alcestis ; with 
 the last of which, if I know any thing of 
 your taste, you will be enchanted. Many 
 faults are found with it, but those faults lead 
 to the greatest beauties. For instance, it 
 Hercules's levity is a little improper in a 
 tragedy, his shame afterwards, and the
 
 517 
 
 immediate consequence of that shame being 
 a more than human exertion, afford the 
 finest picture of an heroic mind that exists. 
 The speech beginning « •*&*« txkr* xx^la. &c. is 
 divine. Besides the two you have read, and 
 the four I have recommended, Hercules 
 Furens, Iph. in Tauris, Hecuba, Bacchae, 
 and Troacles, are all very excellent. Then 
 come Ion, Supplices, Elect ra and Helen ; 
 Orestes and Andromache are, in myjudgment, 
 the worst. I have not mentioned Rhesus and 
 Cyclops, because the former is not thought 
 to be really Euripides' s, and the latter is 
 entirely comic, or rather a very coarse 
 farce; excellent, however, in its way, and 
 the conception of the characters not unlike 
 that of Shakespeare in Caliban. I should 
 never finish, if I were to let myself go upon 
 Euripides. In two very material points, 
 however, he is certainly far excelled by 
 Sophocles : 1st, in the introduction of proper 
 subjects in the songs of the chorus ; and, 
 2dly, in the management of his plot. The 
 extreme absurdity of the chorusj in Medea 
 suffering her to kill her children, and of 
 that in Phaedra letting her hang herself,
 
 518 
 
 without the least attempt to prevent it, has 
 been often and justly ridiculed ; but what 
 signify faults, where there are such excessive 
 beauties ? Pray write soon, and let me 
 know, if you have read more of Ihese plays, 
 what you think of them. 
 
 If you do not go to Dublin before my 
 brother returns, you had better commission 
 somebody to call at the Royal Hospital, 
 for some books of which Mrs. H. Fox took 
 the charge for you, but which, as she 
 writes, she does not know where to send. 
 I think my brother's return a very bad 
 symptom of the intentions of government 
 with regard to poor Ireland ; but that is a 
 subject as fruitful, though not so pleasant, 
 as that of Euripides. 
 
 Your's, ever most truly, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Annes Hill, Friday. 
 
 P. S. When you have read the two fare- 
 well speeches of Medea and Alcestis to their 
 children, I do not think you will say that 
 Electra's is quite unrivalled, though most 
 excellent undoubtedly it is. 

 
 519 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 I inclose you a letter for Mr. G. 
 Ponsonby, to whom also I mentioned you 
 in a letter I wrote him a few days since, 
 upon another subject. We are very happy, 
 indeed, to hear so much better account of 
 your health, than that which you gave in 
 your former letters. Now that you are settled 
 in Dublin, and hard at it with the law, 
 I ought not, according to common notions, 
 to answer your questions about JEschylus, 
 &c. but I am of opinion, that the study of 
 good authors, and especially poets, ought 
 never to be intermitted by any man who is 
 to speak or write for the public, or, indeed, 
 who has any occasion to tax his imagination, 
 whether it be for argument, for illustration, 
 for ornament, for sentiment, or any other 
 purpose. I said nothing of JEsctiylus, be- 
 cause I know but little of him ; I read two
 
 520 
 
 of his plays, the Septem apud Thebas, and 
 the Prometheus, at Oxford ; of which 1 do 
 not remember much, except that J liked the 
 last far the best. I have since read the 
 Eumenicles, in which there are, no doubt, 
 most sublime passages ; but in general the 
 figures are too forced and hard for my taste ; 
 and then there is too much of the grand and 
 terrific, and gigantic, without a mixture 
 of any thing, either tender or pleasant, or 
 elegant, which keeps the mind too much on 
 the stretch. This never suits my taste ; and 
 I feel the same objection to most parts of 
 the Paradise Lost, though in that poem there 
 are most splendid exceptions, Eve, Paradise, 
 &c. I have heard that the Agamemnon, 
 if you can conquer its obscurity, is the 
 finest of all iEschylus's plays, and I will 
 attempt it when I have a little time. I quite 
 long to hear how you are captivated with 
 Alcestis, for captivated, I am sure you will 
 be. 
 
 Mrs. Fox desires to be remembered kindly; 
 we have been a great deal from home these 
 last two months, twice at Lord Robert's, and
 
 521 
 
 at Woburn, and Mr. Whitbread's ; we are 
 nowhere, as I hope, to stay with little inter- 
 ruption ; and very happy we are to be here 
 quietly again, though our parties were very 
 pleasant ; and I think change of air at this 
 time of the year is always good for the colds 
 to which Mrs. Fox is so subject. 
 
 I was just going to end without noticing 
 Pindar ; I dare say the obscurities are chiefly 
 owing to our want of means of making out 
 the allusions ; his style is more full of allu- 
 sions than that of any other poet, except, 
 perhaps, Dante, who is on that account so 
 diincult, and as I think on that account 
 only. The fine passages in Pindar are equal 
 to, if not beyond, any thing; but the want 
 of interest in the subjects, and, if it is not 
 blasphemy to say so, the excessive profusion 
 of words, make him something bordering 
 upon tedious. There is a fire in the cele- 
 brated passage in the 2d Olympick, which 
 begins &<>? o? i iro?j.» n^? <pvx, that is quite une- 
 qualled in any poem whatever; and the sweet- 
 ness in the preceding part, describing the 
 bappy islands, is in its way almost as good.
 
 522 
 
 Pray let us hear from you soon, that you are 
 well, and happy ; if you read the Heraclidae 
 of Euripides, pray tell me if you are parti- 
 cularly struck by one passage inDemophoon's 
 part ; if you miss it, I will point it out to 
 you. 
 
 Your's sincerely 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 St. Anne's Hill, Monday. 
 
 P. S. Woodlarks are said to be very com- 
 mon in the West of England ; here we have 
 a few, and but few. The books which you 
 left were sent by my brother, but he not 
 being able to find your direction, brought 
 them back.
 
 523 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 I heard yesterday, for the first time, 
 a report that yon had been very unwell ; 
 pray lose no time in writing me a line, 
 either to contradict the report, or to say that 
 you are recovered. I know you will excuse 
 my having been so long without writing, on 
 the score of the constant business which I 
 had in London, and which you know me 
 enough to know is not very agreeable to 
 my nature. 
 
 I have now been here a little more than 
 three weeks, and hope soon to get again to 
 my Greek, and my History, but hitherto 
 have had too many visitants to have much 
 leisure. I have read Iphigenia in Aulis 
 since I last wrote, and think much more 
 highly of it than I did on the first reading. 
 The scene where the quarrel and recon-
 
 524 
 
 dilation between the brothers is, has always 
 been blamed, on account of the too quick 
 change of mind in Menelaus ; but I like it 
 very much, and there is something in the 
 manner of it that puts me in mind of Brutus 
 and Cassius, in Shakespeare. We have had 
 no yery good weather ; "but this place has 
 been in great beauty, greater, if possible, 
 than ever. Is there any chance of your 
 coming to England ? If there is, you know 
 we expect and insist that you come directly 
 hither. I hope that, with the exception of 
 a few occasional visits of two or three days, 
 I shall be here with little interruption, till 
 the meeting of parliament. Mrs. Fox desires 
 me to say every thing that is kind for her. 
 She, too, says she has been too busy to write ; 
 and the truth is, that the company we have 
 had here has entirely taken up her time. 
 Pray lose no time in writing. 
 
 Your's, ever affectionately, 
 
 C J. FOX. 
 St. Amies Hill, Tuesday. 
 
 P. S. I am sure it will give you pleasure 
 to hear that Grattan's success in the H. of
 
 525 
 
 C. was complete and acknowledged, even 
 by those who had entertained great hopes 
 of his failure. 
 
 I do not know what interest your relations 
 have in the county of Downe, nor what 
 you have with them ; but if their interest 
 could be got in favour of Mr. Meade, I 
 should be very happy ; if you should hear 
 how the election is going on, I should be 
 obliged to you if you would mention it.
 
 526 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 It gives Mrs. F. and me great 
 pleasure to hear that you think you are get- 
 ing better, and that, too, in spite of the 
 weather, which, if it has been with you 
 as with us, has been by no means favourable 
 to such a complaint as your's. The sooner 
 you can come the better ; and I cannot help 
 hoping that this air will do you good. Parts 
 of the 1st, and still more of the 2nd book 
 of the iEneid, are capital indeed ; the de- 
 scription of the night sack of a town, being 
 a subject not touched by Homer, hinders it 
 from having that appearance of too close 
 imitation which Virgil's other battles have ; 
 and the details, Priam's death, Helen's ap- 
 pearance, Hector's in the dream, and many 
 others, are enchanting. The Proem, too, to 
 iEneas's narration is perfection itself. The 
 part about Sinon and Laocoon does not so 
 much please me, though I have nothing to
 
 527 
 
 say against it. Perhaps it is too long, but 
 whatever be the cause, I feel it to be rather 
 cold. As to your friend's heresy, I can- 
 not much wonder at, or blame it, since I 
 used to be of the same opinion myself; but 
 I am now a convert ; and my chief reason 
 is, that, though the detached parts of the 
 j^neid appear to me to be equal to any thing, 
 the story and characters appear more faulty 
 every time I read it. My chief objection 
 (I mean that to the character of ^Eneas) is, 
 of course, not so much felt in the three 
 first books ; but, afterwards, he is always 
 either insipid or odious, sometimes excites 
 interest against him, and never for him. 
 
 The events of the war, too, are not strik- 
 ing ; and Pallas and Lausus, who most in- 
 terest you, are in effect exactly alike. But, 
 in parts, I admire Virgil more and more 
 every day, such as those I have alluded to 
 in the 2d book ; the finding of Andromache 
 in the third, every thing relating to Dido ; 
 the 6ih book ; the visit to Evander, in the 
 8th; Nisus and Euryalus, Mezentius's" 
 death, and many others. In point of pas- 
 sion I think Dido equal, if not superior, to
 
 52S 
 
 any thing in Homer, or Shakespeare, or 
 Euripides; for me, that is saying every 
 thing. 
 
 One thing which delights me in the 
 Iliad and Odyssey, and of which there is 
 nothing in Virgil, is the picture of manners, 
 which seem to be so truly delineated. The 
 times in which Homer lived undoubtedly . 
 gave him a great advantage in this respect ; 
 since, from his nearness to the times of 
 which he writes, what we always see to be 
 invention in Virgil, appears like the plain 
 truth in Homer. Upon this principle a 
 friend of mine observed, that the characters 
 in Shakespeare's historical plaj s always 
 appear more real than those in his others. 
 But, exclusive of this advantage, Homer 
 certainly attends to character more than his 
 imitator, I hope your friend, with all his 
 partiality, will not maintain that the simile 
 in the 1st iBneid, comparing Dido to Diana, 
 is equal to that in the Odyssey, comparing 
 Narcissa to her, either in propriety of 
 application, or in beauty of description. If 
 there is an Appollonius Rhodius where you 
 are, pray look at Medea's speech, Lib. iv. v.
 
 529 
 
 365, and you will perceive, that even in Dido's 
 finest speech, nee tibi diva parens, &c. lie 
 has imitated a good deal, and especially 
 those expressive and sudden turns, neqne te 
 teneo, &c. ; but then he has made wonderful 
 improvements, and, on the whole, it is, 
 perhaps the finest thing in all poetry. 
 
 Now, if you are not tired of all this criti- 
 cism, it is not my fault. The bad weather 
 has preserved a verdure here, which makes 
 it more beautiful than ever ; and Mrs. F. is 
 in nice good health, and so every thing goes 
 well with me, which I am sure you will 
 like to hear ; but I have not yet had a 
 moment for history. I sent you, some 
 weeks ago, though 1 forgot to mention it in 
 my letter, some books you had left in 
 England, by a gentleman whose name, I 
 think, is Croker. It was Rolleston who 
 undertook to give them him, directed to 
 you in Capel-street. I added to them a 
 duplicate I had of Miller, on the English 
 Constitution ; a book dedicated to me, and 
 which is written on the best and soundest 
 principles ; but I fear it is more instructive 
 
 m m
 
 530 
 
 than amusing, as, though a very sensible 
 man, he was not a lively one. 
 
 Yours, very affectionately, 
 
 C. J. FOX. 
 
 St. Amies Hill, Wednesday. 
 
 P. S. Even in the 1st book, /Eneas says, 
 " Sum plus JEneas, famd super cetliera 
 notus," Can you bear this ?
 
 531 
 
 LETTER XVIL 
 
 Pans, 21 Ventose, 12 Mars. 
 
 Assurement, Monsieur, je ne cederai 
 a personne, pas meme a mon fils le plaisir de 
 repondre aux temoignages de votre interet a 
 qui nous sont bien precieuxatous. Iln'estque 
 trop vrai que M. de la Fayette a eprouve un 
 effroyable accident il s'est casse l'os que Ton 
 appelle Vos du fcemeer fracture. Autrefois 
 inguerissable, une machine d'une admirable 
 invention, donne depuis quelques annees, 
 la certitude de n'etre pas estropie, apres cette 
 fracture en se soumettant d'abord a la tor- 
 ture de Fextension qu'elle opere, et qui cause 
 d'inexprimables douleurs, puis a la dure'e 
 d'une gene cruclle pendant deux mois dans 
 les entraves de cette machine, dont les points 
 de pression, cause une des ecorchures que 
 chaquejour rend plusprofondes, sansqu'ilsoit 
 possible de rien dcranger pour les panser. 
 
 La premiere epoque de ces supplices est
 
 532 
 
 passee,nous sommes,au29emejourde l'appli- 
 cation de la machine, et il ne reste que des 
 douleurs bien penibles, mais a present sup- 
 portables, et qui apres avoir exerce d'une raa- 
 niere nouvelle son courage, exercice a present 
 sa patience, 1'un et l'autre sont superieures a 
 ses souffrances, et cette Constance perseve- 
 rante au milieu de ses maux soutient les forces 
 de tout ce qui 1'environne, dont vous 
 jugez la douleur. Tous les details que je 
 prends la iiberte de vous donner, Mon- 
 sieur, vous prouveront assez qu'elle con- 
 iiance vous nous avez inspire dans vo- 
 tre interet pour notre cher malade. C'est 
 avec une vive sensibilite qu'il en a recu 1'ex- 
 pression, que contient votre bonne et amiable 
 lettre, nous conservons tous le souvenir, et 
 un souvenir bien reconnoissante des momens 
 que vous nous avez donner a La Grange, 
 nous desirons bien de vous y revoir, tous nos 
 enfans reunis aupres de leur pere s'unissent 
 a nos vceux comme a tous les sentimens que 
 vous avez droit d'inspirer, et avec lesquels 
 j'ai l'honneur d'etre, Monsieur, votre tres 
 humble et obeissante servante, 
 
 NOAILLES LA FAYETTE. I 
 
 Paris, 9, Rue Verte, No, 109.
 
 533 
 
 La sante de notre cher malade ne nous a 
 donne 1'inquietude d'aucune danger et son 
 etat done nous avons la confiance bien fondee 
 qu'il ne resultera aucune suite funeste, apres 
 70 jours environ il doit essayer de marcher, 
 mais il faudra au moins 4 ou 5 mois pour etre 
 ferme sur ses jambes. 
 
 Mr. Trotter, 
 Ireland.
 
 534 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 La Grange, 15 Vendemiaire, 1802. 
 
 Mr Dear Sir, 
 
 I affectionately thank you for 
 your kind letter, and the opportunity you 
 give me to express how happy I have been in 
 the pleasure of your company at La Grange. 
 I hope our acquaintance has been produc- 
 tive of mutual lasting friendship ; and I 
 wish it too much, not to have been sensible 
 of the reciprocity of your sentiments in my 
 behalf 
 
 Your correspondence, my dear Sir, 
 will be particularly agreeable. My wife 
 and family request their acknowledgments, 
 and best compliments, to be presented to 
 you. We shall ever be anxious to hear of 
 your welfare, and much gratified by the 
 expectation to receive you before long in 
 those rural retirements, to which you have 
 been pleased to feel a partiality. 
 
 I am, with the truest sentiments of esteem 
 and affection, my dear Sir, 
 
 Tour's, 
 Mr. Trotter. LA FAYETTE.
 
 535 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 La Grange, 1 Prairial, An. 10. 
 
 General, 
 
 Lorsq'un homme penetre de la 
 reconnoissance qu'il vous doit, et trop sensi- 
 ble a la gloire pour ne pas aimer la votre, a 
 mis des restrictions, a son suffrage, elles sont 
 d'autant moins suspectes que personne ne 
 jouira plus que lui de vous voir premier ma- 
 gistral a vie d'une republique libre. Le 18 
 Brumaire a sauve la France, et je me sentis 
 rappelle par les professions liberates aux- 
 quelles vous avez attache, votre honneur; on 
 vit dans le pouvoir consulaire cette dictature 
 reparatrice, qui sous les auspices de votre 
 genie a fait de si grandes choses, moins 
 grandes, cependant, que sera la restauration 
 delaliberte. II est impossible que, vous, 
 General, le premier dam; cette ordre d'hom- 
 mes, qui pour se comparer et se placer, em- 
 brassent, tous les siecles, vouliez, qu'une telle 
 revolution, tant de victoires, et de sang, de 
 douleur et de prodiges, n'aicnt pour le monde, 
 et pour vous d'autre resultat, q'un regime 
 arbitraire. Le Peuple Francois, a trop con- 
 nu ses droits pour les avoir oublies sans 
 retour, mais peutetre est il plus en etat
 
 i 
 
 
 536 
 
 aujourd'hui, que dans son effervesence de les 
 
 recouvrir utilement, et vous par le force de 
 
 votre caractere, et de la confiance publique, 
 
 pat- la superiorite de vos talens, de votre 
 
 existence, de votre fortune pouvez en reta- 
 
 blissent la liberte, maitriser tous les dangers, 
 
 rassurer toutes les inquietudes. Je n'ai done 
 
 que des motifs patriotiques, et personel pour 
 
 vous souhaiter dans ce compliment de votre 
 
 gloire une magistrature permanente. Mais 
 
 il convient aux principes, aux engagements, 
 
 aux actions de ma vie entiere d'attendrepour 
 
 lui donner ma voix qu'elle ait ete fonde'e, 
 
 sur des bases dignes de la nation et de vous. 
 
 J'espere que vous reconnoitrez ici, General, 
 com me vous l'avez deja fait, qu'a la perse- 
 verance de mes oph jns politiques se joig- 
 nent de voeux sincere pour votre person ne, 
 et un sentiment profond de mes obligations 
 
 envers vous. 
 
 Sal ut et respect, 
 
 LA FAYETTE. 
 
 N. P. Sera t'il Consul a vie. Je ne puis 
 voter une telle magistrature jus'que, a ce que 
 la liberte politique soit suffisament garantie, 
 Alors je donne ma voix pour N. B. 
 
 G. Sidney, Printer, 
 Northumberland-street, Strand, London. 
 
 ■>
 
 LOUD HOLL A .YD TO SIR. HENRY IIALFOR0. 
 
 " Holland House •, Nov. 3, 1811. 
 " DEAR SIR, . 
 
 " I hive just received your letter of this day, with 
 the inolo.un-es from Dr. Moseley and Mr. Tegart, ftnd 
 b?g you to accept my best thanks for the communi- 
 cation. 
 
 l! You and Dr. Moseley will do me the justice to 
 recoil-^ that at the melancholy period to which your 
 letter alludes, I Ht it due to the Physicians who had 
 had the care of Mr. Fox during; his last illne6S, to ex~- 
 ■press my sense of their unremitting attention, and my 
 persuasion, as far as I was able to form a judgment, 
 that their treatment of his case had been skilful and 
 judicious. Nothing has since occurred in the slightest 
 degree to alter the impression which I then received, 
 in common with all Mr. Fox's immediate connections. 
 As, however, the statement you have sent me may be 
 satisfactv- y to those who had not the same means of 
 information, I feel greatly obliged to you for the trou- 
 ble you have now taken, and I beg you will communi. 
 cate this letter, and repeat m^ >anks, to Dr. Moseley. 
 
 " You will further oblige me by conveying my ac- 
 knowledgments to Mr. Tegart, for the accuracy of his 
 ■statement, and for his uniform zeal and assiduity dur- 
 ing his attendance on Mr. Fox. 
 
 " I am, deaf Sir, with sincere regard and esteem, 
 " Your much obliged, 
 (SijncJ) " VA3SALL HOLLAND." 
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