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the conduct of the magistrates concerning the massacre at Manchester. In consequence of this, he was dismissed from the office of Lord Lieutenant of the west riding of Yorkshire, to which he had been appointed after his recall from Ireland.

The character of this excellent and lamented nobleman is best sketched by the plain and simple recital of his life. It was marked by his private virtues, his public spirit, his liberal opinions, and the ample means which he employed of benevolence and munificence. Popular and indulgent as one of the largest landed proprietors in the realm, placed by Providence in a sphere of extensive and important influence, he was the inflexible enemy of every species of corruption and oppression. The purity and elevation of his purposes was never for a moment questioned. Through that portion of local patronage belonging to him under the late system of representation, which has been the subject of reform, and which was now more purely exercised, it may be observed that some of the most eminent and patriotic members have obtained their seats in parliament. As one of these distinguished individuals, it may be sufficient to allude to Sir James Mackintosh, a name well deserving to be associated in the same record with the illustrious object of the equal favour and respect of the Marquis of Rockingham; and it may be mentioned as an eminent felicity in the dispensation of this aristocratic power, in the illustrious line which has been traced, that the roll which began with Burke, should end at this point with Mackintosh. Although opposed, at one period, in their view of foreign politics, between Burke and Mackintosh there existed an affinity, drawing their minds into a mutual esteem and affection for each other, founded on their common hatred of oppression, and love for the good and beautiful in the constitution of their kind.

The descent of Earl Fitzwilliam is traced from an ancient stock, claiming consanguinity to the confessor, and deriving historical distinction from the hand of the conqueror. But he has acquired higher titles to the veneration of the present age, and the respect of posterity; titles, by which his honest and well earned fame will be cherished beyond those of Norman or Saxon origin, or of the heraldic honours by which the house was adorned under the Tudors, or the latter dignities to which it was raised by the reigning branch.

JOHN HOOKER ASHMUN.

At Cambridge, April, 1833, John Hooker Ashmun, Esq., aged 33, Royal Professor of Law in Harvard University.

The state of professor Ashmun's health had been such for a long time, that his death was any thing but unexpected to his friends, and though the death of such a man can never be unseasonable, so far as he himself is concerned, it must always be so in relation to those who survive him. He was a man of so marked a character, exerting so uncommon an influence over all who approached him, and so completely filling his office and station, that however we may have supposed ourselves prepared to hear of his death, we feel, when the event has taken place, that we had never realized the extent of the loss we were to sustain.

He was a man cast in a peculiar mould. His mind had been developed, and his character formed, each by its own unassisted energies, and with very few external influences. He was highly independent in opinions and conduct; he made up his mind deliberately, and acted and spoke resolutely, according to his convictions. His mind was one of a high order; it was acute, discriminating, vigorous, philosophical, and creative. Noman had a clearer and more intellectual piercing sight; he saw all things in their true forms, and exact proportions. He walked in the steady day-light oftruth; he was never led astray by phantoms and unsubstantial gleams; he never mistook shadows for substances. He detected at once, sophistry, loose and inconsequential reasoning, fanciful distinctions, subtle refinements, and all the arts by which ardent partizans deceive others, and often themselves, and treated them with no mercy. His love of truth was a remarkable trait in his mind: he would not tolerate, even in conversation, those rash and extravagant assertions, which are always taken with more or less of qualification, according to the temperament of the speak

er.

He felt that it was wrong to be disloyal to truth, even in the smallest things. He had a great deal of wisdom-the perfection of good sense. His remarks were striking, and often profound. He looked upon life with a penetrating and sagacious eye, and his observations upon it were made with depth, sometimes with severity, never with bitterness. He did not talk much, but he said a great deal in a few words. His constant ill health, which often prevented him from reading and

studying, gave him more opportunity to think, and preserved the originality and freshness of his mind unimpaired.

Of his professional character, we feel hardly qualified to speak, but it is generally acknowledged that, as a lawyer, he had few equals, and no superior among those of his own standing. The early age at which he died, and his constant sickness, prevented him from making various and extensive acquisitions, but there were certain portions of the law, particularly the law of real property, of which he was thoroughly master. But his legal eminence arose from the remarkable original powers which he brought to the study of the science. Wherever he directed his concentrated efforts, he disentangled the Knottiest points, and shed light upon the darkest, and most abstruse subjects. He applied general principles with great sagacity and skill. He traced rules, apparently arbitrary, to their origin, and showed that they had a foundation, either in reason or abuse, Every subject that passed through his mind appeared in a new form, or was held up in a more striking light. Well versed in special pleading, familiar with all the technicalities of the law, and with a power of seeing minute distinctions, he could at once shake off all these trammels, and view the law as a liberal and expansive science, resting on immutable foundations, and capable of being moulded to meet the claims of justice, the demands of reason, and the progress of society.

His method of instruction in the law, was peculiar to himself. He did not think itsspedient to explain every thing, and remove every difficulty from the learner's path. He preferred to awaken in the stu tent's mind the desire of overcoming obstacles himself, and thought that what was gained in that way, was inuch more valuable than what was told him by his teacher. His commentaries and explanations were always given in few words, but were thoroughly satisfactory, and were treasured up in the memory like axioms. He acquired great influence over his pupils: he treated them as friends and companions; and his own mind was so vigorous and original, that it gained an ascendancy over all who approached him familiarly. His examinations were searching, and the desire of his approbation was so strong, that all, even the most indolent, if they pretended to study at all, studied faithfully, and learned accurately. The written lectures which he delivered, on certain portions of the law, will always be remembered by those who heard them,

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as among the most valuable portions of their legal education.

Th character of Mr. Ashmun could only be understood by those who saw han tamiliarly. His ill health, and a slight deafness with which he was afflicted, prevented him from iningling much in society, but this seemed to bind him more closely to those who knew him intimately. His affections were strong and constant, and his disposition eminently social. His bodily infirmities made him appear sometimes austere and irritable, but no man had a warmer heart, or a deeper sensibility. If he had ever given pain, he felt it no less himself, and always made up for it by some marked kindness in tone, looks, or manner. He associated with his pupils on terms of perfect equality, and gained their attachment, while he preserved their respect, and parted with none of the dignity of his station and character. He de lighted to mingle with them, and to be surrounded with the fresh and buoyant spirits, which are the natural heritage of youth and health, but to which he had been long a stranger. Though his heart was heavy, he loved the sunshine of happy faces. His feelings we e not only strong, but tender and delicate. He was not in the habit of revealing in words what was passing within him, but with his friends, the tones of his voice, and the expression of his face, were an unerring index to the emotions which were stirring

his soul.

For several months past, his mind literally kept his body alive. His life was always a constant struggle, and a constant victory-a victory of the spirit over the flesh, of the immortal essence over its dying tenement. There was something heroic and inspiring in this moral strength, this power to rise superior to all bodily infirmities, and to keep the post of duty to the last. He bore his sickness with the firmness of a martyr. He never complained, and never fell into that habit so common with invalids, of talking about himself, and his own feelings, till the ear of affection itself became weary of the sound. He had too much dignity and self-respect, to be perpetually drawing upon the sympathy of others, and making them bear the bur den of his afflictions. His ill health, which made the world, perhaps, do him injustice, made his society more interesting to his friends, and the influence of his character more important upon them. In moments of doubt and despondency, there was something invigorating in the thought, that if he, at his early age, and with such

a weight of infirmity to sustain, had accomplished so much, how much more could they do, when aided by such good angels as hope and health.

JOHN NEILSON.

In New-Brunswick, N. J., Col. John Neilson, an officer in the war of the revolution. This brave man was born in the vicinity of New-Brunswick, on the 11th day of March, 1745, and passed his minority in and near that place, excepting a few years in Philadelphia for his education. In 1769 he settled at the head of a young family at New-Brunswick, in a mercantile establishment, with the prospect of a favourable and prosperous business, until disturbed by the breaking out of the war in 1776. While the government of Great Britain were pursuing their wild and unjust project of taxation, Mr. Neilson united his influence with the guardians of our land, in opposition to their iniquitous measures. The controversy having assumed a serious complexion, he raised a company of militia; and, being appointed their captain, was soon af er called into service, on an expedition to the east end of Long-Island, under the command of General Heard, for the purpose of disarming the disaffected population in that part of the county. When relieved from that service, he resumed the care of his business, and attended the training of his company, in order to make them soldiers.

On the 31st of August, 1775, he was appointed colonel of the battalion of minute-men in the county of Middlesex, and commissioned by the deputies of the several counties of New-Jersey, in provincial congress. This commission was signed Hendk. Fisher, President.

Early in 1776, he was solicited to be come a deputy to the continental congress at Philadelphia; but such were, at that time, the exigencies of the service, that he felt it to be his duty to remain with his regiment, and he never took his seat in that distinguished body.

To evince how justly his sentiments, and the propriety of his conduct on this occasion, were appreciated, it is only necessary to state, than when soliciting individuals in the different states, known to be efficient friends to that measure, with a view to their influence in securing a favourable reception, congress transmitted the copy of the declaration for that part of New-Jersey to Colonel Neilson. When received, the sentiments of the people of New-Brunswick upon that subject, were

unknown. A meeting, comprising most of the population, was convened in the public streets, and a decided and violent opposition from many of the inhabitants was apprehended. Fearless of personal consequences, Colonel Neilson ascended a stage, hastily prepared for the occasion, and with a firm and audible voice, proceeded to read the declaration to the assembled multitude. At the conclusion, he was greeted with loud huzzas by so great a majority, that the opponents of the mea sure did not dare to avow themselves.

On the first day of August, 1776, he was appointed to the command of the regiment of infantry, for the county of Middlesex; and, in September and October, served in command of his own regiment, and the militia of Somerset, on the lines in Essex and Bergen counties. In November he was relieved by other militia, and returned to his family. In December, of the same year, a large division of the British army invaded the state of NewJersey, made a rapid march to NewBrunswick, on their way to the Delaware; and the militia of Middlesex and Somerset being now dispersed, the field officers of his regiment, including himself, Lieutenant Colonel Taylor, Major Van Embury, with Colonel Frelinghuysen, and others of the county of Somerset, joined the American army, then on their retreat to the west side of the Delaware river, as volun

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The British troops, after the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, retreated, and the head quarters of their army being then in New-Jersey, halted, and went into winter quarters at New-Brunswick. The militia of the state being now partially embodied, part joined the main army, whilst those of Middlesex, with others, were placed under the command of Colonel Neilson, and ordered to take post at Cranberry. Early in 1777, and soon after the establishment of the post at Cranberry, information was communicated to him by a deserter from the British lines, that an outpost of British troops under the command of a refugee officer, was formed at Bennett's Island, two or three miles from the main army at New-Brunswick. A plan for surprising them being immediately formed by Colonel Neilson, a messenger was despatched to General Putnam,

then commanding at Princeton, for assistance. The general very promptly despatched a reinforcement, consisting of from 40 to 50 riflemen. These having arrived in good season, and being united to his own command at Cranberry, Col. Neilson commenced his line of march about sunset, and moved steadily forward by the direct route to Bennett's Island. The night was clear and frosty, and the ground covered with snow, yet the movement was conducted with such circumspection, that they leaped and passed the stockade within which the British were quartered, and were in the midst of them before they were discovered. The surprise was so complete, that the commanding officer of the post, and his whole force, amounting to sixty or seventy men, with their arms, &c., were made prisoners. On this occasion, Colonel Neilson narrowly escaped with his life. Being one of the first to leap the stockade, a sentinel pressed his gun against his breast, while at the same instant, Captain Fariner, a true Jersey Blue, flourished his sword over his head, exclaiming "throw up your gun, you d-d scoundrel, or I will cut you down." The man being intimidated, obeyed, and the Colonel escaped unhurt. The party returned with only the loss of a man or two, to Cranberry, and on the succeeding day, he had the satisfaction of forwarding his prisoners, with their arms and accoutrements, to General Putnam, at Princeton.

In the months of September, October, and November, 1777, he was on service at the lines, at Elizabethtown, with the militia of Somerset and Middlesex, under the command of General Dickinson. In June and July, 1778, he served in Monmouth county, being part of the time under the command of General Dickinson, and a part of the time holding a separate command. In Sep. and Oct., 1778, he was engaged in repelling an invasion of the enemy, and in May, June, and July, 1779, in commanding the militia on the lines at Elizabethtown, Newark, &c. On the 18th September, 1780, he was appointed by the Quarter-Master-General of the United States' army, his deputy, for the state of New-Jersey, and continued in that department till the close of the war. While engaged in these various services, he held an extensive correspondence with General Washington, Governor Livingston, and other superior officers, which contains much valuable information, and now remains in the possession of his family.

The character and services of Colonel Neilson were highly appreciated by his

fellow-citizens; and so well assured were the enemy of the importance of his influence and exertions to the American cause, that many attempts were made to seize his person. His popularity was the means of preserving him from these attempts, as he always received a sufficient notice from some one of his numerous friends to enable him to escape.

As soon as the great object of independence was secured, and the blessings of peace restored to our land, Col. Neilson returned, with renewed ardour, to the business and duties of private life. Once, only, during the long period of years that have since elapsed, could he be drawn from his retirement. The occ sion was worthy of the patriot, and the appeal too strong to be resisted. He was elected by the people of his native county one of the delegates to the convention of the people of New-Jersey, to take into consideration the constitution of the United States, submitted for "their assent and ratification."

A zealous and influential advocate of that glorious and happy constitution, he saw it adopted and ratified by the whole people; and feeling that union, justice, and liberty were secured to his country, rejoiced in the assurance that he might ever thereafter live withdrawn from the busy theatre of public action. Out of 40 members who composed that convention, embracing the best and wisest of NewJersey's favourite sons, Colonel Neilson was the latest survivor.

EDMUND KEAN.

May 15, 1833, at his house, Richmond Green, aged 45, Edmund Kean, the accomplished actor.

Kean was born November 4, 1787, in Castle-street, Leicester-square. His father, Aaron Kean, was a tailor, and brother to Moses Kean, the celebrated ventriloquist; his mother was a daughter of George Saville Carey, a lyrist of the last century. He was so neglected in nursing, that his deformity at four years of age disqualified him for posturing feats on the Dury-lane stage; and it was only by timely application of bracing-irons, that his limbs ever resumed any thing like symmetry. His "first appearance on any stage" was on the head of the Elephant in Bluebeard. At five years old, he reappeared at Dury-lane, in John Kemble's goblin corps in Macbeth. He was afterwards sent to school in Orange court, whence he ran away, and went as cabin boy on board of a vessel bound for Ma

deira: he there fell sick, and returned pennyless to his native shore. After the death of his uncle, the young wight joined Saunders' vaulting troop. He continued an unruly wayward boy till the age of 14, when he joined a small company.

Kean played at Birmingham with moderate success, but at Edinburgh triumphantly, for twelve successive nights, as Hamlet. This fame was but ephemeral; for, until 1812, he played all the varieties enumerated by Polonius. His talents were almost universal; but he never succeeded in light comedy.

He selected Shylock for his first appearance at Drury lane, in 1813, by the advice of Mr. Nation, for the merits of his Richard were then unknown; indeed, he had had but few opportunities of appearing in Shakspeare. The pit was not more than two-thirds full; but the overflow from Covent Garden, where a new and popular opera was performing, soon filled the house respectably. The first scene went off flatly; but he made a great impression in the scene with Tubal, in the third act; and his triumph was complete in the trial scene. The committee presented him with fifty guineas after his performance of Shylock, and one hundred after that of Richard.

From this period, till within a few weeks of his death, a period of nineteen years, Kean continued to perform in London and the chief towns of the United Kingdom, with extraordinary, if not always with equal success. Fame and money have been showered on him unsparingly; and there may be some persons inclined to consider him as a spoiled child of fortune. In the United States, where he stayed from October, 1820, to June, 1821, his success was equal to that in his native country. In France, in 1818, he was differently received; though Talma, a complete master of his science, entertained the highest opinion of Kean's abilities.

In person, Mr. Kean was scarcely the middle height, and was accordingly deficient in the dignity of deportment requisite for certain characters, as that of Coriolanus. His features, though not sufficiently regular to be termed handsome, were capable of almost illimitable expression; his eyes, as it were, played with the passions, in the very spirit of mastery; his voice, in the under tones, boomed with melancholy music, and in sudden transitions abounded

with fine, meteor-like effect; and, although he was not of dignified stature, he walked the stage with the ease and self-possession attainable only by true genius. He was generous even to profuseness, and his largesses were often injudicious. He gave the receipts of benefits to public charities, played gratuitously for needy managers, subscribed liberally to benevolent institutions, and was open-handed to the applications of private suffering. In a spirit of enthusiasm for his profession, he raised, in 1821, a monument at New-York, to the memory of Cooke, and after the example of Doggett, he, since the year 1818, gave annually a wherry to be rowed for on the Thames.

About the year 1808, he married Miss Chambers; she and her sister were natives of Ireland, and dancers at the Cheltenham Theatre. They had two sons, Howard, who died in 1813, and Mr. C. Kean, who inherits much of the genius of his father. Mr. Kean's last public appearance was on the stage of Covent Garden Theatre, as Othello, with his son as Jago, the only time he publicly acted with his son: during the performance, he was taken ill, and borne from the scene, the last line he uttered, being the conclusion of the touching valediction,—

'Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone.'

Poor Kean's worldly affairs were so deranged at the time of his death, that it was for some time a matter of doubt whether it was worth while to administer to his effects. Yet his usual engagement in London was 60l. per night, for three times a week, and he often performed in the country the other three nights. The total sum received by Mr. Kean in England, America, and France, since 1814, is stated at 176,000l., or averaging upwards of 9,000l. per annum, for nineteen years.

JOHN RANDOLPH.

In Philadelphia, May 24, 1833, John Randolph of Roanoke, many years a member of congress, and afterwards Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. Petersburgh, aged 61 years.

His father was John Randolph, a descendant, in the sixth degree, from Pocahontas, and his mother a Miss Bland, sister of Theodore Bland. The early

* 1. Pocahontas. 2. Thomas Rolfe. 3. Jane Bolling. 4. John Bolling the elder. 5. John Bolling the younger. 6. Jane Randolph. 7. John Randolph of Roanoke, the elder. 8. John Randolph of Roanoke, the younger.

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