friends, there is one respecting General Washington, that he told me, which must not be lost. When Mr. Mullett first visited the United States of America, it was at the close of the war, when he was introduced to Gen. Washington. With this great and good man he passed some time at his seat, Mount Vernon. Beside other flattering marks of attention, Gen. Washington, when alone with him in his library, asked him, if he had seen any individual in that country who was competent to the task of writing a history of that unhappy contest? Mr. Mullett, with his usual presence of mind, replied, "I know of one, and one only, competent to the task." The General eagerly asked, "Who, Sir, can that individual be?" Mr. Mullett Temarked, Cæsar wrote his own Commentaries!" The General bowed, and replied, "Cæsar could write his Commentaries; but, Sir, I know the atrocities committed on both sides have been so great and many, that they cannot be faithfully recorded, and had better be buried in oblivion !"

66

It is a circumstance worthy of mention, that he was the last of the twelve persons who were engaged in inviting the celebrated Edmund Burke to be the Representative of the City of Bristol, than whom no one, both without and within the walls of the Senate, reprobated more eloquently the deleterious consequences with which the American contest was attended. Few understood better than did Mr. Mullett the rights of the subject; none advocated with more manly firmness the principles of civil and of religious liberty, which he knew included in all their ramifications the prosperity of mankind. His intellectual powers were of a superior cast, and he had an intimate knowledge of mankind. There was a clearness in his perceptions, and a calmness in his deliberations, favourable to accuracy of judgment. He was aware of the perturbed emotions by which the human breast is swayed, and he guarded against those inveterate prejudices by which obliquity of judgment is generated. His information on most subjects was correct, and he exercised the utmost caution in

making up his mind. His sentiments, once formed, were seldom altered, and his measures, determined upon, were invariably carried into execution. Indeed, his leading characteristics were firmness of opinion and consistency of conduct. Having taken a comprehensive view of what was offered to his consideration, his mind was not harassed by any puerile vacillations; but, conscious of the firmness of the ground on which he stood, he prosecuted his object till it was accomplished. Hence it is that he was looked up to by a number of respectable characters, and not

unfrequently occupied in matters of arbitration between his fellow-citizens in the commercial world. He had, for some time past, withdrawn himself from the bustle of political life, yet he has been more than once consulted on Transatlantic affairs, especially by an enlightened Member of the Legislature of the present day. This patriot and philanthropist he visited, and used to pass a few days with him at his house in the country. No individual was more strenuous in his exertions to persuade the Government that the late obnoxious Orders in Council would be the cause of a war, to be deplored, eventually, by Britons. Ever the advocate of Peace, he in these latter, as well as former hostilities, viewed alike the measures adopted towards America as destructive of public tranquillity. How far he was correct in predicting the evil consequences of the present contest, time alone can determine. But I am warranted in declaring, that, had he survived its issue, he would have ardently hailed the return of the blessings of Peace with a Country to which, by origin, connexions, and language, we are so closely allied. He rejoiced that the ravages of war bad, in a measure, ceased; and he fondly hoped that, ere long, human beings would discern the folly and wickedness of an appeal to arms, instead of having recourse to a wise adjustment of the opposite and jarring interests of mankind.

With respect to his religion, having been educated in the principles of the Friends, he retained a partiality for their views, especially as they are detailed in the writings of Barclay and Penn, who held them in their purity. I have, more than once, not only heard him declare how incontestible were the great leading facts of the Christian religion, but also express his admiration of the unparalleled moral excellence, which beams forth with a pure and effulgent glory in the character of Jesus Christ. Often, however, did he lament, with other pious and liberal individuals, of different denominations, that the mild and pacific spirit of the Sa-' viour was not more conspicuous amongst the professors of Christianity.

Mr. Mullett married Mary, the daughter of the Rev. and venerable Hugh Evans, and sister to the Rev. Dr. Caleb Evans, president of the Baptist academy at Bristol. I scarcely need add, that his fatherin-law had an unfeigned regard for him, and his brother-in-law was, to the day of his death, most sincerely attached to him. He had a high opinion of his good sense, consulting him on every important occasion, and relying upon his judgment with no inconsiderable satisfaction, His excellent partner proved, in the best sense of the word, an help-mate, participating of

bis

Her

bis joys and dividing his sorrows through out his variegated career of life. piety, her benevolence, and her invariable kindness, endeared her to all who knew her. She bore her husband eleven children, four of whom only, a son and three daughters, survive, on whose minds her truly-maternal affection has left an inde/lible impression. Beloved and regretted, she died, 1800, in the 56th year of her age. The surviving progeny of both these estimable parents knew their worth, and rendered their lives comfortable and happy. They now revere and bless their memory.

Mr. Mullett enjoyed, for a long series of years, a considerable portion of health and strength, which, indeed, carried him through the very many avocations in which he was engaged. Latterly, a complaint in the head seized him, which was relieved by the advice of the faculty, though by no means altogether removed. But within these last twelve months the energies of nature declined, and the powers of life were seen hastening to a termination. Excursions to the sea-side, which had generally been found efficacious, yielded him no effectual relief. He returned home from Hastings, as well as from a previous visit to his favourite Isle of Wight, with alarming symptoms of the dropsy. These indications of extreme debility increased, and medical aid (the best that human judgment could suggest) became, as it will, alas! soon become to us all, unavailable. His severe and accumulated sufferings he bore with the fortitude of a man, and with the resignation of the Christian. He expired, at length, without a struggle or a groan, in the 69th year of

MEMOIR OF MR.

Jan. 5. On this day, which completed his 56th year, died Mr. John Tailby, of Slawston, co. Leicester; whose proper description is, that of an independent English yeoman, farming a small paternal estate. His father, John Tailby, dying June 25, 1781, æt. 53, "bequeathed to his son a good name," and the family property; both of which the son assiduously cultivated. The Writer of this heartfelt tribute to his memory well knew and justly appreciated his merits. Their acquaintance commenced at an early period of a laborious survey of the County of Leicester, for the purpose of publishing its "History and Antiquities;" in which the assistance afforded by Mr. Tailby would scarcely be credited by those who were not perfectly acquainted with him. The paius he took, and the journeys he made, to contribute all that was in his power to the correctness. and improvement of that Work may be

his age. He, indeed, never feared the approach of death. Latterly, he conversed freely, and even cheerfully, about his approaching dissolution. He possessed a calmness and a firmness, even when speaking of his expected decease, that, whilst it gratified those around him, emboldened them to converse with him concerning it. Such a conduct imparted consolation to his relatives and friends; his character, indeed, through life and in death, is thus endeared to them by a thousand different recollections. Even deliberate orders for his funeral were given by him; and, amongst other requests, he expressed a particular wish that I should pay this last sad tribute of respect to his memory.—It is not quite two years ago since I was called to the painful task of interring my bighly-respected relative, and his beloved son-inlaw, Mr. Joseph Jefferies Evans, in this cemetery. And little did I then imagine that I should be so soon called to engage on a similar melancholy occasion. The members of this once large and numerous family have, within these few years, by' death, been greatly reduced in numbers ;' but, when the links of a chain are lost and disappear, the circle is lessened, and' the remaining few ought to be drawn the closer together in ties of affection and sympathy. We are born to die, and we die to live for ever. Under the present gracious dispensation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his Resurrection hath brought life and immortality to light-the good man is empowered to exclaim, amidst the ever-shifting scenes of life, and under the severest paroxysms of dissolution-it is well for time, and it shall be well for eternity.

JOHN TAILBY.

His

extensively traced in the parishes more particularly surrounding Slawston. patience of investigation was, indeed, unwearied. Though a plain, unlettered man, he wrote an excellent hand; and soon acquired the habit of delineating coat-armour in the churches which he visited, and several of which he re-visited, for the express purpose of comparing the proofsheets on the spot. In November 1799,' as an apology for not having been more expeditious in returning some proof-sheets, he says: "The weather has, until the last week, been in general very wet; the waters frequently out, and deep; the roads (particularly our clayey cross-roads) intolerably bad, more so than ever I knew before; days short; wheat-seed time late, and, when commenced, lingering, slow, and tedious. But, notwithstanding these impediments, I have, after three separate days ride, visited Skeffington, Tilton, Twy

ford,

ford, Tugby, and East Norton Churches; and trust that I have made the necessary corrections and additions in each Parish."

A few of his articles it may be sufficient to specify. His Description of Burrowhill is printed in vol. II. p. 525; of a Cross on a stone in the wall of his relation Mr. Warner's house at Cranoe, p. 554; his Statistical Account of Medbourn, p. 716; of Slawston, p. 797; his Account of Gartre Bush, p. 791; of Tilton, vol. III. p. 469; of an Oak Chair at Lubbenham, p. 539; of Kirkby Ruins, vol. IV. p. 625 ; of the Bridge and Monument of Mrs. Edwards and her father at Welham, p. 1047.

The Pedigree of the Family of Kendall of Thornton (vol. IV. p. 385)—a Family which includes in one of its branches the Mother of Dean Swift -was materially improved by Mr. Tailby, whose paternal grandfather is therein described "as a worthy yeoman ;" and where, in a note, the Historian particularly notices his friend John Tailby;" and adds, "to whose diligence and attention I have been considerably indebted in the progress of these volumes. And I cheerfully embrace this opportunity of expressing my admiration at the skill which this self-taught Genius has acquired, in decyphering old Registers, in transcribing obscure Epitaphs, and blazoning Coat Armour; and of thanking him thus publicly for the readiness which he has at all times shewn in assisting my researches."

Unfortunately, the latter years of Mr. Tailby were embittered by disease: but in the paroxysms of bodily disorder his mind continued firm; and be consoled himself by the perusal of such books as his own library, or the kindness of the neighbouring Clergy (many of whom knew and esteemed him), could supply.

January 13, 1810, he thus describes himself: "For the last six weeks I have been quite laid up, so as not to be able, for the first month thereof, to walk across the house without personal assistance; and my left hand has been violently in pain, and so swelled, and entirely useless, that I could not cut my food, dress or undress myself or mend or make a pen, even to this day. It is now nearly free from pain, but quite helpless ;" and adds, "Though I have felt a deal of very acute pain during this long-continued fit, yet, I thank God, my right hand has never been so bad but that I could use my pen, which I consider as a very great blessing; and have (except the first three or four days) enjoyed very good health during the whole six weeks; and my appetite has through the whole time been good (except as before). I have called in no medical advice, as in my former fits of the gout I found scarcely any benefit therefrom. I have had an exceedingly good nurse, Mrs.

Tailby, who has spared no pains in waiting upon and assisting me, in and with all things that were in her power; and to her very kind attendance, the efforts of Nature, assisted by the merciful blessing of God, do I attribute my present convalescence; and to a continuance of those mercies do I speedily hope for a total removal of pain and swelling from my limbs, and an entire re-establishment of strength. Another blessing I must not forget to mention: to pass the inactive and painful hours away with some degree of ease, I have been kindly supplied with pleasing and valuable books (especially Paley's Works) by the goodness of the Rev. Mr. Dance, of Medbourn, and the Rev. Mr. Fenwicke, of Hallaton."

In July 1810: "I have been highly gratified with the Gothic specimens from Lavenham, which you was so good as to lend me; and have lately had, from a neighbouring Clergyman, the reading of two volumes of Chalmers's History of the University of Oxford :' it was quite a treat to me. It pleased me much to see 'Nichols's History of Leicestershire,' &c. so frequently referred to. I think the whole a pleasing and instructive book on the subject. In a few days I am to have, from the same gentleman, "Dugdale's Monasticon," the receipt of which I anticipate with pleasure as a double treat."

In October 1810, he says: "I am now reading Dugdale's Monasticon:' it is a pleasing and instructive book to all lovers of Antiquity. I have just read Mr. Miller's Account of Ely Cathedral and Monastic Buildings;' from which I gained some farther knowledge of Antient Architecture, and derived much satisfaction.—— I have lately also had the favour of the reading of the last edition of 'Milner's Winchester;' from which I have obtained much information and amusement, during my confinement to the chimney-corner."

On the last day of the year 1813, he says, "I am just recovering from a severe fit of the rheumatic gout, which again attacked me at the beginning of this month so violently in the right hand, knee, and foot, that I could not walk across the house without personal support and assistance, nor feed myself, nor write a word, for ten days; and, though in part recovered, am still lame, and fingers swelled, stiff and clumsy. In short, I am quite an invalid (although, thank God, I enjoy through his mercy tolerably good health). Always at home; except now and then taking a ride on my pony an hour or so round my closes, which are all contiguous to my dwelling, I have not been so far from home as Harborough (six miles) but once this nearly three years. Sometimes, in fine weather, Iventure to a neighbouring village, a mile distant; for the frequency

nerally produces a Pharisaic spirit and belief.

Although Mr. Jesse was peculiarly earnest in exalting the doctrine of grace, and excluding from the discovery of that scheme, or the attainment of its object, any effort of human learning, yet to human learning, in its due province, he paid great respect; and was wont to observe, that declamations against it come with justice and disinterestedness only from those who know what it is.-Considering the age at which it pleased the Almighty Disposer to call this exemplary servant to his reward, it is not to be wondered at, that, for some time previous to the event, his mind was peculiarly occupied with the change which could not be long in coming. This was the fact; and, for a considerable period before his death, his mind became increasingly abstracted from the world and worldly things, incapable of being interested in any occupation which had nothing to do with the journey he was about to undertake, and busy in the contemplation of spiritual and eternal things. His friend retains a feeling recollection of his last visit, when this venerable pastor, repeating a portion of one of his Sermons, in which compassion for the souls of sinners was the principal subject, was more than once interrupted from proceeding by tears. This, it is known, was neither the first nor the last time they were shed on the same subject; and happy will it be for his flock, if they are so mindful of his tears that they may be filled with joy.

2

The illness which was fatal, was short. On the Sunday previous to his death, which was likewise the anniversary of the Incarnation of the Redeemer - a double golemnity-he took his place in the House of God, and officiated there with more than usual vigour. On Wednesday night, the 28th of December, he was violently seized with a complaint to which he had long been subject. He lived through Thursday, part of the day in great pain, but perfectly sensible; and, after falling into a quiet sleep at night, he expired the next morning, at about two o'clock, uniting rest in sleep with the sleep of death, the beginning of the eternal rest. From the first, he was sensible that he had received the stroke of death, and was henceforth anxious only to set his house in order, with respect both to temporal and spiritual things; and in patience, heavenlymindedness, and a good hope, he continued to prepare for the great change, occupied by no earthly care, but for his future widow.

The state of his mind was manifest from the pious ejaculations which he repeatedly uttered, and especially from the frequency with which he fell on his knees,

DEATH S.

1814. AT Sea, on his voyage from May 23. England to the East Indies, Capt. Court, commander of the Mangles.

June 25. At Calcutta, Col. Reade, of the Bengal establishment.

July 11. At Agra, in the East Indies, in her 23d year, Anne, wife of Lieut. Joseph Taylor, of the Bengal Engineers, and eldest daughter of the late Rev. Jonathan Boucher, of Epsom. To great soundness of understanding, and quickness of apprehension, this amiable young lady united a sweetness of disposition, animation, and chearfulness, which made her a general favourite with all who knew her. The weakness occasioned by a violent bilious fever, from which, however, she was recovering, brought on the premature delivery of her third child, and she was hastily torn from the arms of her affectionate husband, who, with two infant children, lives to deplore the loss of one not more beloved in life than lamented in her death.

Nov. 7. Mrs. Maria Litchfield Pedersen (born Scott), wife of Peter Pedersen, esq. his Danish Majesty's Charge d'Affaires and Consul General to the United States. She was a native of North America.

Dec. 24. In his 74th year, Rev. John Wynter, rector of Tyringham cum Filgrave, Bucks, and of Exhall, co. Warwick. During the course of a long and an unimpeached life, his mind was directed by unsullied uprightness, and his conduct guided by the most rigid integrity. The

truly