to have been inexhaustible, so that every chapter is crowded with incident, by which he hurries on his readers with untiring interest. Of course, amidst such impetuous fertility, an elaborate, well-constructed plot was in his eyes only of secondary interest; and in this, accordingly, he is inferior to his great predecessor, while he was far beyond him in inventiveness. From the same cause, Smollett was equally indifferent to the moral character of his hero, whom he drove onward in a reckless career of adventures, good and bad, until the close, which was hastily wound up by marriage, reformation, and life in the country. In this way Roderic Random and Peregrine Pickle are bold but selfish and sensual Lotharios, slightly relieved by an occasional dash of generosity; while his Count Fathom is an unmitigated villain, and Sir Launcelot Greaves a hopeless madman. But it is in his delineation of naval characters that the excellence of Smollett has never been surpassed; so that while his novels are now proscribed in the mass, in cousequence of their immorality, Lieutenant Bowling, Commodore Trunnion, and Tom Pipes will still continue to be quoted as imperishable episodes. Independently of these productions, his life was one of constant literary activity, as was manifested by his numerous political writings, and especially by his History of England, part of which is usually appended to Hume's History of England, for the purpose of continuing the narrative where Hume had left it off. As a poet, also, Smollett possessed considerable merit, as was fully shown by his "Tears of Scotland" and "Ode to Leven Water." The last of the novelists of this period was Laurence Sterne, the English Rabelais. Sterne was born in Ireland, a country whose buoyant susceptibilities he possessed to the full; and he betook himself to the profession of a clergyman, to which neither his mental temperament nor moral tendencies were especially suited. As a novelist, he was in complete contrast to Smollett; for, instead of caring for incident, his story was but a few events thrown together without coherence or congruity. But out of these scanty materials he contrived to weave a web of marvellous beauty and variety. Such was his principal work, Tristram Shandy, which was published at intervals during a course of several years, the first two volumes having appeared in 1759. Its principal charm consists in the tender or comic episodes that are introduced into it, which form the richest gems of the work-and the exquisite collection of family portraits which he has grouped together of Mr. Shandy, Uncle Toby, and their several dependants, each of whom is a perfect picture in his way. With all this there is such a constant succession of mirth and pathos throughout the work, that it reminds the reader of the hysteric condition of Jenny Rintherout in the Antiquary-"the skirl of the greet at the tail of the guffaw." Such abrupt extremes, however, have been found too much for the present day, while the artificial character and appearance of effort that may be detected under the surface, have aroused the indignant self-love of modern readers into the suspicion that the author is all the while laughing at those sympathies which he has so successfully awakened. They call to mind, that while he wept over a dead ass, he left a living mother to starvation. Besides Tristram Shandy, Sterne wrote his Sentimental Journey, in which the episode of “Maria” has been so universally admired; and several volumes of sermons, which might as well have been introduced, in the shape of extracts, into his comic tale. After an unclerical life of fiddling, flirting, and field sports, intermingled with such irregular fits of study as sufficed for his episodal writings, he died in London in 1768, at the age of fifty-five. From the foregoing account of the literature of the period it will be seen that a great desideratum was as yet unsatisfied. Whatever changes it might undergo, a healthy moral character was still wanting, and some powerful influence was needed to elevate and refine it. It was too much that a lady could not venture to witness the production of a new comedy upon the stage without going to the theatre in a mask, or read a new novel except by stealth, unless she had the hardihood to plead guilty to an amount of knowledge unsuited to her sex and character. Happily, however, the healing branch had been already cast into the spring, by which its poisoned waters were to be purified. We allude to that series of moral essays which appeared weekly in a periodical form, and which introduced a new element into our popular literature. The high merit of this innovation is due to Sir Richard Steele, originally a pupil of Charterhouse School, subsequently a student in Merton College, Oxford, and finally an officer in the army, where he was distinguished by his scholarship, wit, and vivacity, as well as other qualifications too much in accordance with the military and fashionable tastes of the period. Still, however, though his conduct might be wrong, his moral convictions as well as tendencies were in the right direction; and of this he gave proof by the publication of the "Christian Hero," which he put forth as a corrective and check upon his own wild career. then wrote for the stage; and in 1701 produced the comedy of the "Funeral, or Grief à la Mode," which was afterwards followed by the "Tender Husband, or the Accomplished Fools," and the "Lying Lover;" and in these plays it is worthy of remark, that the author, although himself noted as He a profligate, disdained to pander to the prevalent | posed by the Tatler, Spectator, and Guardian had taste, and was the fearless advocate of true honour terminated, the success of this plan of writing and morality. This was still more completely the produced a whole host of imitators, the chief of case in his "Conscious Lovers," where fashion- which were the Rambler, Adventurer, Idler, World, able vice was stripped of its ornaments, and Mirror, and Lounger; but eminent though their scourged off the stage with merited contempt, merits were, from the distinguished writers who while suffering worth was presented in its native supported them, they could not be expected to dignity, as well as crowned with its due reward. possess that freshness and power of novelty by Here, however, his intrepid advocacy of what which the first series was distinguished. Where, was right, with the whole spirit of the age against indeed, in the whole range of English imaginative him, had only commenced; he conceived the literature have we a more attractive and finished happy thought of attempting a small periodical, picture than Addison's Sir Roger de Coverley! in which wit, good humour, and smart writing When this species of periodical essay writing had should be directed against the prevalent vices fulfilled its mission it fell into abeyance, only in and follies of the day; and with this design he consequence of the wider taste it had created, and commenced, in 1709, the Tatler, which appeared the minds it had trained for the supply of the new in penny broadsheets three times a-week. For- demand. Something of greater bulk and more tunately for such an attempt an abler writer than varied contents was needed than the light leaf or Steele soon joined it: this was Addison, between broadsheet could contain-and then came the whom and Sir Richard an early friendship had MAGAZINE, which, as its name intimates, was commenced at school, which was continued in meant to be a whole store-house whence every after life. The plan of the Tatler afterwards variety of craving could be supplied to the full, originated that of the more important work, the from an epic poem to an epigram, and from a Spectator, which was commenced by Steele and theory of politics to a pasquinade. This new series Addison in 1711, and published daily in a single was commenced by the Monthly Review, which leaf, each containing a complete essay; and such made its appearance in 1749, and the Critics! was its popularity, that at the breakfast table Review, which followed it in 1756; and while the and the coffee-house it was as regular a regale as multiplication of such works increased with a the newspaper of more modern times. During a the buoyant energy of a new life, the plan undertemporary pause in the publication of the Spec- went every modification from a volume to a pa tator, in 1713, Steele and Addison published the phlet, and from a quarterly to a weekly issue. Guardian, also a daily leaf, which extended to In this way magazine writing commenced, with 175 numbers. all its manifold varieties; and in its moral as well as intellectual character it bore tokens of the soil in which it had been planted. However obsolete its original types may have become, let us never forget the impensible debt we owe to the Tatler, Guardian, and Spectator! In this way periodical writing was cominenced in England. As it was now so absolutely needed, it could not also have commenced under better auspices; for not only were its two great original authors men of the highest attainments, and the best prose writers of their day, but they were also assisted occasionally by other accomplished contributors, who introduced an agreeable variety into the general composition. So much commanding talent exerted in the cause of commonsense, good taste, morality, and religion, and the attractive style in which folly was ridiculed, vice reprobated, and infidelity refuted, had an authoritative influence upon public character; and from this new department of intellectual labour we may date the commencement of that happy change, both in the literary and fashionable world, which has gone onward with a steady progress to the present day. When the series com In this enumeration of the distinguished authors of the reigns of William and Mary, Anne, George I., and George II., we have been compelled, from the condition of society, to notice those influences which it chiefly needed, and by which it was mainly directed, in that slow regenerative process which afterwards went onward during the next four periods. On this account we have been obliged to omit those writers in theology, metaphysics, and natural science, whose labours, although they lived during the present period, were of a slower and less ostentatious character, and the effects of which were not fully evinced until the reign of George III. BOOK X. PERIOD FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE III. TO THE CHAPTER I.-CIVIL AND MILITARY HISTORY.— A.D. 1760—1764. GEORGE III.- -ACCESSION, A.D. 1760-DEATH, A.D. 1820. George II. succeeded by his grandson, George III.-The new king's first proclamation-Nationality of his speech at the opening of the first parliament-Question about the disposal of the premiership-Parliamentary money grants-The office of judge made independent and permanent-Earl of Bute made secretary of state-His previous history-Marriage of George III.-Continuing success of Frederick the Great-His uncertainty of deriving further aid from Britain-His masterly arrangements in eluding the Russians and Austrians-He breaks up their blockade of his camp at Buntzelwitz-Belleisle taken by the British-Pondicherry, the last French settlement in India, taken by the British-The King of Naples succeeds to the crown of Spain as Charles III.-He adopts the cause of France against England-Pitt's proposal to anticipate the hostile purposes of Spain-On its rejection he resigns office-He is soothed by a pension--His scheme of war with Spain adopted upon an inferior scale-Expedition sent out against the Havannah-The Morro stormed-The city of Havannah capitulates-Manilla taken by Colonel Draper-The Caribbee Islands won-Spain commences the campaign in Europe against Britain-Charles III. invades Portugal, the ally of Britain-The Portuguese aided with British troops and money-The Spaniards defeated-They are driven out of Portugal-Capture of a rich Spanish treasure-ship by the British-Alliance between Russia and Prussia-British subsidy withheld from Frederick-The Duke of Newcastle resigns the premiership-He is succeeded by Lord Bute-Bubb Dodington created a peer-Peter III. of Russia assassinated-The conspiracy of nobles against him headed by his wife, Catherine-Successful progress of Frederick the Great-Peace established between Britain and France-Conditions of the treaty-Opposition to it in parliament-Peace between Frederick and his opponents— Continued hostility of Pitt and his adherents to the treaty of Fontainebleau-New taxes imposed-Lord Bute resigns-Mr. George Grenville succeeds him in the premiership-Bute sets up the Briton newspaper to advocate his measures-The North Briton established as its opponent by John Wilkes-Scurrility of Wilkes -No. 45 of the North Briton-It occasions the arrest of Wilkes-Prosecution instituted against him-His popularity on account of the prosecution-Negotiation with Pitt to accept the premiership-His refusalSentence of parliament upon No. 45 of the North Briton-Immoral life and practices of Wilkes-His Essay on Woman-Its condemnation by parliament-Duel between Mr. Martin and Mr. Wilkes - Question of "privilege" debated in parliament-Pitt's deliverance on the subject-The condemnation of the writings of Wilkes passed, and their punishment approvel of-Wilkes summoned to the bar of the House of Commons -He brings actions at law against the two secretaries of state-Continuation of the Wilkes agitation-Wilkes retires to France-He is sentenced to lose his seat in parliament-His charge of breach of privilege discussed in parliament-The decision adjourned-Popular preparations to celebrate the anticipated triumph of Wilkes -Civic honours heaped upon his advocate, the lord chief-justice. who had never appeared at court, were now hastening to kiss hands, in the joyful forethough of a Tory resurrection. The countenance of Pitt, who was still the popular minister, was evidenty clouded, and reports were spread of disagree ments in the existing Whig cabinet. On the 18th of November the new king met parliament for the first time. One clause in his speech strongly excited the feeling of nationality "Born and educated in this country," said George "I glory in the name of Briton." He said would be the happiness of his life to promote tha happiness of a loyal and affectionate people; an that the civil and religious rights of his lovin subjects were equally dear to him with the mos valuable prerogative of his crown. A tribut was paid to the spirit of union and good har mony which prevailed, and, by implication, th praise was made to extend to the existing cab net, which had found the country in a fermen of faction and discontent, and had tranquillize it by their brilliant series of victories and cot quests. Yet, at this very moment, the train w laying for the expulsion of Pitt and his co leagues; and Bute, better fitted to perform L thario on a private stage, was anxious to act ti part of secretary of state, and was busily engage with that old trimmer and intriguer Bubb Do ington. On the 29th of November, Bute ha a long conference with Bubb, who pressed Li to act immediately. A few days after this t Duke of Newcastle was again threatening to sign, not, however, in sorrow and grief, but anger at some court appointments which h been made without his knowledge; yet the dul continued to flatter Lord Bute with the king, a offered to act with or even under him. Before t king's speech to parliament was six weeks of Bute agreed with Bubb Dodington that his m jesty ought to make a very different one to new parliament, declaring that he found himse involved in a war of which he could not appr HE sudden decease of George II., on the morning of the 25th of October, left the throne empty for his heir apparent, the eldest son of the late Frederick, Prince of Wales. George was riding out on horseback, in the neighbourhood of Kew Palace, with his groom of the stole and inseparable companion, Lord Bute, when news was brought him that his grandfather was dead, and that he was king. This important intelligence was presently confirmed by the arrival of Mr. Pitt, the real head of the government. They repaired together to Kew, where the new king remained during the rest of the day and the following night. On the morning of the 26th of October George went up to St. James's. When Pitt waited upon him there, he presented the sketch of an address to be pronounced at the meeting of the privy council; but he was told by his majesty that that business had already been thought of, and a speech prepared for the occasion. This seems to have convinced the haughty minister that Bute would not rest contented with a subordinate place, but would aspire to the highest, through the favour of the young king and the warm predilection of the young king's mother. In the course of the day George was proclaimed with the usual solemnities. The next day was a Sunday, and allowed of no business; but on the Monday the Earl of Bute was sworn a member of the privy council, and Prince Edward, Duke of York, the eldest of the king's brothers, was also appointed to a seat at the table. The old Duke of Newcastle pretended to be deeply afflicted at the loss of his dear master, George II., and even protested that he would retire from court and from the world; yet he soon consented to remain at his post, though overshadowed by his great and peremptory colleague, Mr. Pitt. Almost the first act of government of the new king was a pro--that he was convinced the present method clamation "For the encouragement of piety and virtue, and for preventing and punishing of vice, profaneness, and immorality." There was an uncomfortable opinion abroad that the young king might be too subservient to his mother and her favourite, and too partial to the countrymen of Lord Bute; and a paper was fixed on the Royal Exchange with these words:-" No petticoat government-no Scotch minister-no Lord George Sackville!" It was observed, too, as something ominous, that many noble and decided Jacobites, defending Hanover would ruin England-that 46 have s the credit of. His lordship, however, consoled himself with the certainty that ministers were not united in plans or feelings, and that while the Duke of Newcastle sincerely wished for peace at any price, and would go any lengths to obtain it, Mr. Pitt was resolved to stay in office no longer than the war should last, and was, in fact, already meditating a retreat. A.D. 1761. In the meanwhile great court was paid to Bute by all who longed for peerages, court places, or promotions in the army or navy; and the business of parliament proceeded smoothly. The civil list was fixed at the clear annual sum of £800,000 payable out of the aggregate fund instead of the specific revenues previously devoted to that object. Nineteen millions were unhesitatingly voted as supplies for prosecuting the war. Two hundred thousand pounds were granted to our colonies in America as compensation for the expenses they had incurred and the efforts they had made in the present war -a war which laid some of the groundworks of the independence those colonies claimed a few years later. Towards the close of the session, on the 3d of March, his majesty, in a speech from the throne, recommended an important day Mr. Legge, whom we have seen co-partner with Mr. Pitt in patriotism or popularity, was dismissed from the office of chancellor of the exchequer, and Lord Barrington put in his place; and on the same day Lord Holderness, having secured a pecuniary indemnification with the reversion of the wardenship of the Cinque-ports, resigned the office of secretary of state, which was immediately given to the Earl of Bute. It was reported that the king had said, "he was tired of having two secretaries, of which one (Pitt) would do nothing, and the other (Holderness) could do nothing; and that he would have a secretary who both could and would act." The GEORGE III., at the time of his accession From a picture by Allan Ramsay. improvement. By the act passed in the year 1701, under the reign of William III., the commissions of the judges were continued quamdiu benè se gesserint, or the power of displacing them was taken from the crown, and their continuance in their important offices was made dependent solely on their own good conduct; but at the demise of the crown their offices terminated and became vacant by law. George now declared his wish to render the bench still more independent, and the administration of justice still more impartial; and he recommended that provision should be made to continue their commissions and their salaries without any reference to the death of one king or the accession of another. A bill was immediately framed for this purpose and carried through both houses: it received the royal assent on the 19th of March, when his majesty put an end to the session. On the same Duke of Newcastle is said to have rejoiced in the fall of Holderness, and to have made his terms with Lord Bute. That favourite took for his under-secretary Mr. Charles Jenkinson, afterwards Lord Hawkesbury and Earl of Liverpool, and consented to leave the management of foreign affairs in the hands of Pitt; but at the same time both he and his royal master intimated that an end must be put to the war.' As the parliament could only exercise its functions for six months after the death of the late king, a proclamation was issued on the 21st of March, dissolving it and calling a new one. Bute made arrangements with Newcastle as to the management of elections, or, in the broad words of the craft, "he settled the new parliament with the duke."2 The eyes of all the Tories were fixed hopefully upon the prevailing favourite, who had credit for far more energy and ability than he ever possessed. John Stuart, third Earl of Bute, was originally a very poor Scottish nobleman. He had received a part of his education at Eton; and in 1737, when in his twenty-fourth year, he was first introduced to public life by being elected one of the sixteen representative peers for Scotland. In the course of the same year he was appointed one of the lords-commissioners of police in his native kingdom, and was first introduced to Frederick, 1 Horace Walpole, Letters to G. Montague: Dodington's Diary; Annual Register. 2 Dodington's Diary. |