We know not that any more striking instances of political sagacity have ever been exhibited, than some which might be collected from the interesting letters before us. Had Horner lived to later times, he would indeed in many instances have only seen what he foresaw.' Referring to the state of opinion, and the political bias of the court, in the reigns of George III. and of his successor, he says of the Whig party:

they would have to act, with the Court hostile 'In the precarious, unsure footing on which and deceiving them, and, on the other side, an ill-disposed public, incapable of seeing their merit and public virtues, they could prosecute no systematic measures for the public good. It is not very probable, under any circumstances, according to my view of these matters, that they king they are likely to serve. In a certain event, can retain for a length of time the favor of any I expect they will hold him just long enough to carry through one or two large measures, such as the Catholic question, and an arrangement in respect to Irish Tithes, which, like the abolition of the slave trade, and the limitation of milthose who will appreciate their conduct more itary service, will mark them out hereafter to truly than their contemporaries are capable of doing. Not that I have not some faint hopes, in which you will probably think me both sanguine and partial, that a time may come, in which they will acquire the confidence of the better part of ion may be revived in this country for the qualthe public; that is, a time when a taste and fashities and principles which entitle them to that confidence.-(Vol. ii. p. 4.)

in grain; and that, notwithstanding this, | event of the restoration of our circulating tillage had never increased so much, or medium, it is the name and image of Franprices been so regular.' He described as cis Horner which such a medal ought to the inevitable consequences of the measure bear. then proposed, great misery among the manufacturing classes as well as among laborers in husbandry, an alteration in the proportion between agricultural and manufacturing population and capital, which the freedom of both has adjusted, and would maintain better than all the wisdom of all the squires in the island, and all the political arithmeticians to boot.' In reply to the argument of Malthus in favor of high cultivation at home, as the consequence of high duties and restrictions, he observes, It would be a palpable sacrifice of the end to the means, if, for the sake of extending our most finished husbandry to every sterile ridge, we impose on the whole body of the people extravagant prices for the necessaries of life. What other result would there be if Dartmoor and Blackstone Edge were laid out in terraces and garden ground, than a population always in peril of being starved, if their rulers will not let them eat the superfluity of their neighbors.' On the subject of fluctuation of price, his opinion is equally distinct. 'My theory is, upon the whole, that nothing will contribute so much to make prices steady, as leaving our own corn-factors unfettered by restrictions of our own making, and at liberty to make their own arrangements for bringing corn from the various large and independent markets of the world.'-(Vol. ii. p. 233.) These are opinions, it should be remarked, not hazarded in debate, but communicated in amicable controversy between himself and one of his ablest and most intimate friends. These doctrines might be expected to produce some salutary effects on the minds of opponents, if the results of the controversy had not brought us pretty nearly to agree in an assertion made by Horner, that it is almost as absurd to expect men to be reasonable about corn as to be reasonable about religion.' On this question he had the strong hope which is the result of firm conviction; and he exclaimed with the same confidence which we now feel,' Magna quidem, magna est veritas, et prevalebit.' But when will this truth prevail? and in the meanwhile, what ills may come !

The leading part taken by Horner on the Bullion Question, seconded by the experience of Huskisson, and by the eloquence of Canning, needs no notice on our part. If a coin were now to be struck, as in the reign of Elizabeth, perpetuating the great

Horner might have prophesied that the rise and progress of the middle classes, which he saw and rejoiced in, must contribute to this result. This subject is so very important, and the anticipations of Horner have been so accurately realized, where they are not still in visible progress towards their accomplishment, that we are sure our readers will indulge us in one or two further extracts and remarks. So early as in 1806, he observes-'It does strike me very forcibly, that the great number among whom wealth is diffused in considerable yet equal portions, the tolerably good education that accompanies it, the strength of physical and moral influences that are thus combined in a population to which both order and freedom are necessary, form a new case very different from any former example; and it is from this aspect of our condition that I take my hope.'-(Vol. i. p. 375.) In 1810, he carries his prognostics further. It is by a perverse coincidence

in point of time,' he observes, that the truth and simplicity of his character, and greatest peril we have ever been exposed the warmth of his attachments, contributed to from foreign hostility, has fallen in one even more powerfully than his acquirements of those periods which are incident to our and rising fame. Perhaps his eager thirst constitution in its nature, when the evils of for information, and his respect for those the monarchical part prevail over its advan- who could communicate it, might have tages; but if we outlive this crisis, there equally contributed to this result; as it is are numerous symptoms which begin to those who most ardently seek knowledge manifest themselves in the three kingdoms, who are the most valued by those who especially in England, to start forward, have acquired it. The terms in which which cannot be repressed much longer, Horner speaks of the late Richard Sharp but which, on the next change of the indi- are very descriptive of this part of his vidual whose character most affects the character. 'Sharp is a very extraordinary condition of the country, will enforce max- man. I determine every day to see more ims of administration more adequate to the of him, and as much as I possibly can. His necessities of the times, and more corres- great object is criticism; what I have not ponding to the sentiments of the educated frequently observed in combination, he is part of the people.' No one was better both subtle and pleasing. I spent the whole calculated to appreciate or to be apprecia- afternoon with him; I trust beneficially, I ted by the middle classes of England than am sure most delightfully. If I had owed Francis Horner. Earnestness, simplicity, nothing to you (he is here addressing Sir strong sense, domestic affection, and pub. James Mackintosh) but the friendship of lic spirit, are the characteristics of the Sharp, I never could repay even that. I class, as they were of the statesman. Of am assiduous to make myself worthy of it, a cabinet to govern this great community, by bringing myself as frequently as I can in Horner was admirably suited to be the first contact with his strong and purified underminister. It was in the confidence that the standing.'—(Vol. i. p. 283.) We are glad voice of the middle classes would yet make that, in making this extract, we are enabled itself heard, and its power felt, that he con- to pay a tribute to the memory of a very templated the building up in this country superior man, whose friendliness of nature, of a vast party, cordially united on public as well as whose soundness of judgment, principles, who, supported by the intelli- deserve to be remembered even more than gence and activity of the middle orders, that power of conversation to which he will wait, with cool determination, for the owed his main distinction. Though well first opportunity when they can demand, meriting the name of 'Conversation Sharp,' with decisive voice, the establishment of given him by common consent, he had a those laws and maxims of administration, better title to the regard of society than which are required by the necessities as any which is derived from one of its most well as by the improvement of the times.' delightful but transient distinctions. Of This voice spoke, and this power was felt Sir James Mackintosh he writes, as might at the time of the Reform Bill. We are justly be anticipated, in still stronger terms. convinced that it will speak yet more loud-To him my obligations are of a far higher ly, and make itself felt hereafter. order than those of the kindest hospitality.

We could have wished, had our space He has been an intellectual master to me, permitted it, to have accompanied Horner and has enlarged my prospects into the into the private society of London, which wide regions of moral speculation, more he was so well qualified to improve. His than any other tutor I have ever had in the success was immediate and complete. All art of thinking. I never left his conversathose who were most distinguished in poli- tion, but I felt a mixed consciousness as it tics, in literature, and in powers of conver- were of inferiority and capability; and I sation, gave him a welcome reception. Of have now and then flattered myself with the personal friends by whom he was known this feeling, as if it promised that I might and cherished, many of the most distin- make something of myself.'-(Vol. i. p. guished are now, unhappily, removed from 244.) We have made these extracts with the scene-Mackintosh, Romilly, Whishaw, a view of showing, on the authority of such Sharp, William Stewart Rose, Malthus, and, a man as Horner, in what spirit it is necesvery lately, John Allen, whose knowledge, sary to hold intercourse with superior men, alike deep, accurate, and extensive, was not if we are indeed desirous of profiting more admirable and constant than his kind- either by their conversation or their exness of heart, and his undeviating courage ample. and integrity. To Horner's success, the

It was in the society of those we have

making an extract from one of Lady Holland's letters, regretting that we have not space for the whole of those written on this occasion.

Holland House, 1st Oct. 1816.

Such books and papers as you may require can easily be brought from your own house. These three rooms open into each other, and are perfectly warm; your servant will sleep close to you, and your sister will have a room adjoining place compliments of giving trouble, and taking the apartment. Pray, spare me all the commonup too many rooms. What you know I feel towards you, ought to exempt me from any such trash. From henceforward till June, when I look forward to a thorough amendment, you must lay your account to have me, heart, soul, and time, devoted to your welfare and comfort; is right. I am afraid your sister may think it a and I am satisfied in this, because Allen says it had exchange from living solely with you to come among strangers; but tell her I already feel warmly towards her, for her affectionate intention of nursing you, and that I will try and render her residence as little irksome as possible. Do, my dear friend, yield to my entreaties.'

named, and of the most brilliant of our still living contemporaries, that the literary and social tastes of Horner expanded and acquired completeness and accuracy. Like most other considerable men, his enjoyment of natural pleasures never seems to 'I am glad my doctors send you from the have deadened. To the beauties of nature, keen air of your native mountains, but they will the change of the seasons, the song of the not mend the matter by sending you to London. birds, his sensibility was possibly more I accordingly trust to your docility and your lively, than if he had passed the whole of sister's good-nature, in expecting you to drive his days by the side of mountain streams from Barnet straight here, where you will occuand lakes. Whether in youth he visits they three south rooms, regulated as Allen shall direct, and have your hours, and company, and Isle of Wight, or in maturer life the valleys occupations, entirely at your own disposal. of Wales, his pleasure in the varied aspects of nature is undiminished. His power of describing as well as relishing them is very great. Nor was he contented with visiting beautiful scenery as a mere source of physical pleasure. From this, as from every thing else, he seems to have possessed an intimate and peculiar power of extracting moral enjoyment. Surely the stir and smoke of a town life, so far from deadening our sensibility to country beauties, render our pleasures in them of a still higher relish; at least I assure myself it is so with me; and I am no less certain, that frequent retreat into the country is necessary for keeping one's mind in tone for the pursuits of an active life, and for refreshing, in our imagination, those larger and distant views, which render such occupations most useful, and which alone make If warm and earnest hospitality could them safe.'-(Vol. ii. p. 18.) have been a restorative, the letter we have These turns of thought and of feeling partly transcribed must have been effectuwere, in fact, modifications of that over- al. No eloquence de billet of the most acflowing sympathy and affection which, free-complished French correspondent has ever ly and abundantly given to his friends, was repaid by them, as was so richly deserved, in returns largely poured into his bosom. This was touchingly manifested during his last fatal illness. The disease to which he fell a victim, at the early age of thirty-nine, but ripe in virtue and in knowledge, seems to have assumed a serious character while attending Parliament in 1816. I have been at Holland House-he writes to his father' during our Whitsun holidays; Lady Holland taking almost as much care of me when she fancies I need it, as if I were in my own dear mother's hands.' Towards the close of the autumn, the unfavorable symptoms still continuing, Horner was recommended to try the air of Italy. The family of Fox, from which he had already received so much affectionate sympathy, again offered to make a home for his reception. The letters written both by Lord and Lady Holland are above all praise in their earnestness and kindliness of feeling. We cannot resist the pleasure of

equalled the sincere, but refined and considerate energy of this excellent letter. The same anxiety was expressed for him by Romilly, a man whose deep and concentrated sympathies were never carelessly or indiscriminately lavished. 'I do not think you nearly as careful of yourself as you ought to be. If you take little account of yourself for your own sake and that of your friends, yet your regard for the public good should induce you to pay the utmost attention to it. You will not, I am sure, suspect me of encouraging vaui. ty, though your modesty may induce you to question the soundness of my judgment; but it is my most sincere opinion, that there is no public man whose life it is of such importance to the public should be preserved as yours.'

Accompanied by all these anxious good wishes, Horner proceeded to Pisa. The change of climate produced no improve. ment in his health. But though struggling with a mortal disease, his energy, his pub

เ

to understand a little the form of this society, than to penetrate into the Campo Santo, with all its treasures of art.' Four days after writing this letter, he was no more!

lic spirit, and his love for his fellow men, sician; he describes in a tranquil and renever for one moment slackened. On the signed tone the general state of his health; 21st December, 1816, he writes to Lord and draws a graphic picture of the spring Murray on the wretched state of the work among the peasantry. In one field, Scotch jails, and on the despotic power they are still gathering the olives; in anvested in the Lord Advocate of Scotland, other, pruning the vines; in a third, ploughof protracting from year to year the im-ing for Turkey wheat; in a fourth, preparprisonment of accused persons, by desert-ing the ground with the spade. I feel far ing the diet.' By such means, persons not greater curiosity,' he continued, 'to know convicted are said to have been detained the ways and habits of this peasantry, and in custody until they suffered confinement long enough for guilt, and were ultimately discharged, not tried indeed, but punished. This cruelty and injustice awakened that moral indignation against oppression which No event of the same description in our formed so essential a part of Horner's char- times appears to have called forth the same acter. He urges on Lord Holland (21st general sympathy. The unhappy fate of December) the necessity of trying to raise Romilly was felt deeply, but felt within a the tone of the House of Commons above narrower circle, and was connected with the old song of sinecures and reversions.' painful reflections. The extinction of the This, he observes, we learned from the splendid light of Canning's genius cast a unreasonable, narrow-minded democrats, shadow over a wider sphere; but the priand have been teaching it so exclusively to vate sorrow was less remarked than the the excellent Whig party among the gen- public calamity. The fervor of political try and middle orders of England, that excitement, then prevailing, diverted the more general and generous notions of con- public sympathy from the heavy loss the stitutional liberty and foreign politics, are world sustained in Mackintosh. Grattan no longer so familiar and acceptable to was gathered to his fathers in a ripe old them as they were formerly.' But it is in age; and was almost permitted, from the his last letter to his mother, that all that height which he had reached, to look down was most engaging and attractive in the upon Ireland awaiting that promised emancharacter of Horner, breaks out in undi- cipation to which his prophetic eloquence minished warmth. His heart and his affec- had so greatly contributed. On the occations seem as young as when, in 1795, he sion of moving a new writ for the borough addressed his first letters to his parents which Horner had represented, the present from Mr. Hewlett's parsonage. I have a Earl of Carlisle, then Lord Morpeth-a little nosegay upon the table, taken from an name transmitted from sire to son, giving open garden in the town, in which, be- and receiving honor-Mr. Canning, Mr. sides China roses and a lily, there is the Manners Sutton, Mr. Wynn, Mr. W. Elliot, most exquisite perfumed double jessamine; Lord Glenelg, and Lord Harewood, in vaand my brother Leo brings in from the ried terms, but with one feeling of respect, wayside on his walks, buds of spring. All affection, and deep sorrow, expressed their this I hope is soon to do me good, for I am sense of his virtues and public services. rendered so selfish by illness, that I think Monuments were raised to his memory, only of myself, you see, in these blessings and statues were erected; but without unof the sun. The last ride I took was with dervaluing these proofs of esteem and afdear little Mary; and, upon recollection, I fection, we must be permitted to say, that think I should have been better company the most enduring monument to his memofor her to-day than on that occasion for Iry is to be found in this publication. It is have no longer that feeling of mortal lassi- one, too, which we view as no less approtude which hung upon me at Dryden, and priate than enduring. His object was not seemed to wither me within; that sensato acquire fame for himself, but to confer tion is gone, though I am weaker now and benefits on his fellow men; and his jour leaner, and blow still with a very bad pair nals and correspondence not only afford of bellows.' Quitting this style of playful evidence the most conclusive of his abiliaffection, he proceeds to describe with ties, his public services, and his virtues, much sympathy the distress of the Tuscan but as it were revive and continue, even peasantry, arising from the failure of the after death, the exercise of his active ducrop of chesnuts, grapes, and olives. On ties. They instruct and benefit mankind, the 4th of February he writes to his father, and more especially that country which he expressing a grateful confidence in his phy-lever warmly loved.