PREFACE. THE selection of the Speeches was for the most part made by friends who were well acquainted with the history of the times, and in whose judgment reliance could be placed. The greater part of them were contained in the four volumes published by Messrs. Black and Longman, in 1838, who have kindly consented to the use here made of that publication. It was inscribed to Marquess Wellesley, K.G., in the following terms :"To the Most Noble Richard Marquess Wellesley, successively the Governor-General of India, British Ambassador in Spain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, these volumes are inscribed as a tribute most justly due to so illustrious a statesman; and in commemoration of the rare felicity of England, so rich in genius and capacity for affairs, that she can spare from her service such men as Lord Wellesley." CANNES AND LORD BROUGHAM'S CONNECTION WITH FRANCE. S several of the volumes of this series were revised and edited by Lord Brougham during his residence at Cannes, it has been thought that some interest would be added to his works by a view of his seat there, to which he was apparently so much attached, and where he enjoyed the retirement that was so conducive to his literary pursuits. An account of Lord Brougham's connection with France is fortunately provided by a native of that country, M. Miguet, whose exhaustive and enthusiastic study of Lord Brougham's life and character enabled him to read a paper on the subject before the French Academy of Sciences, shortly after his death. "Cannes," says M. Miguet, "had long been his favourite abode. Soon after leaving the government he took a journey into Italy. He passed through the south of France. On reaching the shores of the Mediterranean, he visited the already-celebrated "Lord Brougham's last work," says M. Miguet, "was a preface to a new edition of the History of England and France under the House of Lancaster. The subject was the duties of the historian. It was dated the 1st of February 1861, and written at his mansion of Cannes." |