of the speech-send it to Webb, but not as coming from me. It was taken by another hand; and it may be published as a pamphlet, if necessary. I wish that part of it which is written in another hand should be copied out, the copy sent to him, and the original destroyed. I will not have the bills published with it; it were to enter into a defence of my conduct against a senseless outcry.

One reason why I send the draft is to show that I do not respect that outcry.-Yours ever,

H. G.

The writer of the letter which the subjoined is a reply was one of Mr. Grattan's agents in the city election; he well knew all the various meetings and factions in the county, and the feelings and dispositions of the people-no man was better aware of the existence of a discontented party in Ireland than he was, but that discontent was the natural and necessary consequence of the long misgovernment of the country; the error was the leaning towards France, the remedy was the union of all Irishmen-if they had become national, their country would have been free, prosperous, and happy.

MR. GRATTAN TO MR. WM. STERNE HART.

London, August 28th, 1807. MY DEAR HART,-I thank you for your letter, it was the letter of a friend, which character I have always found in you.

I got the newspaper with the resolutions of the parishes against the Paving Bill. As to what you mention regarding the Insurrection Act, I am sure it made me enemies; but at the same time my conviction was, that the bill was by no means what its enemies represented it to be, and that these very enemies had made it necessary. I am sure there were worthy men who disapproved of the bill. But those who abused me most for that measure, and continue to do so, would, if the French came, join them; there is a great difference between opposing the measures of Government, as you say very truly, and supporting the French;

you and I only mean to do the former, but there are many who abuse us because we would not do the latter.

I perceive by the newspaper and by the letter which you sent me, and by different letters and resolutions which I have received, that Dublin is very angry about the new Paving Bill, and I am not surprised at it. I thank you for your advice about it, it was the advice of a friend, and as such I esteem it.-I am, my dear Hart, yours most truly, HENRY GRATTAN.

MR. GRATTAN TO MR. HENRY GRATTAN, JUN. August 29th, 1807. MY DEAR HENRY,-The English Parliamentary Debates are in the study near the escrutoire-they, with many years' interruption, come down to the year 1804-the speeches of the great speakers only are worth reading, and those not always. Johnston is supposed to have written the speeches in the time of Sir Robert Walpole. Those since are very indifferently taken, but worth reading on the leading questions-viz., French war, slave trade, negotiation for peace, treaty of Amiens, and some few other subjects. I will bring the debates from 1804 to this year, to Ireland-I have bought them.

You never read Montesquieu-you will find two sets in the library-the worst is the best for reading, as it is dirty already. Abbé Raynal is in the study or in Mrs. Grattan's room, in French; it is worth reading, if you have time to spare from college studies. How is Mr. Gannon ?* remember me to him most particularly. No news in England-every one in expectation of news from Copenhagen,† probably this day an account will arrive. M'Can is a little distracted, and he seems to think of nothing but two bills which he has not seen, and the noise of some people in Dublin.

I was happy to hear of your success,§ you are right to

The private tutor; fellow of college afterwards.

The English bombarded Copenhagen without notice, and took away the Danish fleet; they were often called upon to pay for the injuries they committed, and the question of Danish claims was brought before Parliament so late even as the year 1844.

The Insurrection and Arms Bills.

In the Historical Society of Dublin College, an excellent institution, where silver medals were awarded for prizes in History, Composition, and Oratory.

apply yourself to composition, such an application will make you read with observation.

Do not forget to rise early, and have fixed hours for study, and do not forget the Latin and Greek which you have gotten by heart-it is a great advantage to have the beautiful passages of Homer, Horace, and Virgil by heart. Read out loud, without straining your voice, passages in the three languages, Greek, Latin, and English.

I wish you would keep up your knowledge of the French language, it is of the last consequence to speak it with fluency and apprehend it with ease-no man is a gentleman without it. I do not call myself a gentleman for that reason. I thought Catalani* would astonish and charmshe amazed and delighted me.-Yours ever,

Henry Grattan, Jun., Esq., Tinnehinch, Bray, Ireland.

H. G.

The celebrated vocal performer, whose charms of voice and beauty of person were fully equalled by the goodness of her heart and the excellence of her understanding; she still lives at Florence, where the author saw her last year, respected and beloved by all who know her. She came to Ireland in 1807; and the impression she made, and the applause she drew forth, was surprising. She was visited by the first people of the country, who eagerly invited her to their houses, and at Tinnehinch she was received with the greatest regard and affection. Mr. Grattan, who was passionately fond of Italian music, was delighted with her talent and her manner of execution, which were superior to any thing ever heard. She said that the Irish people were not only fond of music, but understood it-they were the best audiences and judges she ever sung to-their applause better timed and more judicious than that of other nations. She affords a fine example to unite purity of mind with beauty of person, and superiority of talent; but unfortunately it has been lost on her successors.

CHAPTER XI.

The Roman Catholic Proceedings in 1808.-Letters of Mr. Grattan thereon. The Grant to the Catholic College of Maynooth reduced by the No-Popery administration.-Remarks thereon by Mr. Foster, Mr. Grattan, and Sir A. Wellesley (Secretary, afterwards Duke of Wellington). The History of the Veto.-Efforts of Government to gain influence over the Catholic Church in 1782, 1795, 1799, 1806, and 1808. The Object of Government.-Edmund Burke's opinions on this question.-Catholic Question brought forward by Mr. Grattan.— Dr. Milner's Commutation with Mr. Ponsonby.-Veto as stated by him. Milner retracts.-People of Ireland oppose Veto.-Mr. Grattan's opinion thereon.- His Letter to Mr. M'Can.- Bank Question in 1809.-Sale of Writership and Seat in Parliament by Lord Castlereagh.—Mr. Grattan's conduct thereon.-History of that shameful transaction.-Public immorality and corruption.-Conduct of the Duke of York.-Investigation by the House of Commons.Mrs. Clarke. Mr. Grattan votes against the Duke, who is removed from the command of the Army.-Expedition to Walcheren.-Great loss experienced by the Army.-Subject of the Irish Union. Mr. Grattan's Letters thereon.-Trade and Exports of Ireland.-Mr. Grattan's Letters to Messrs. M'Can and Berwick.

THE Roman Catholics assembled on the 19th of January in Dublin. Lord Fingall took the chair, and Count Dalton proposed that they should petition Parliament. Some individuals moved an adjournment, but the unanimity of the meeting was preserved by the exertions of Mr. O'Connell. The resolution was adopted, and the care of the petition entrusted to Lord Fingall; he offered it to the Duke of Portland, who declined to present it, and it was then entrusted to Lord Grenville.

MR. GRATTAN TO MR. M'CAN.

Brighton, January 25th, 1808.

MY DEAR M'CAN,-Don't forget to send me the Evening Post. Also tell me more particulars about the Catholic

meeting, and whether they think they have any chance, and whether they are encouraged in their hopes by any party in England. Send me, by some means or other, the book on Tithes.-Yours ever,

H. GRATTAN.

MR. GRATTAN TO MATTHEW O'Connor, Esq.*
London, February 1st, 1808.

MY DEAR SIR,-In my two last letters I gave you my opinion regarding the Catholic petition. It now remains to assure you that this opinion is formed on mature consideration, and in conformity to that of others. I have no view in giving that opinion to throw anything off myself; on the contrary, if, when his Lordship comes over here and consults on the subject, if then my opinion shall be thought wrong, and it shall then be conceived advisable that I should present and move on the petition, I shall not decline the offer. I have always considered the Catholic question abstracted from any party or administration. Lord Hutchinson and I, and our old friend Mr. Forbes, were from the first agreed on the subject. When I conceived that it was unadvisable to petition in the late administration and in the present, it was because no change of administration could influence me in the question. However, the petition is voted, and it now remains to give it every support. Tell M'Can he never writes to What is he doing? Mention me to Mr. Forbes, with this observation, that a young lawyer who rises early is like the early bird who picks the corn. Remember me to Mrs. O'Connor, and believe me yours very truly, H. GRATTAN.

me.

MR. GRATTAN TO MR. M'CAN.

London, February 11th, 1808.

MY DEAR M'CAN,-I got your letter of the 6th, and am to return you my thanks for your kindness.

I shall be very glad to hear from Lord Fingall, and shall, when he comes to England, wait on him immediately when I know where he is, to pay my respects to him. You will give his Lordship my compliments. I am glad my last letter, which was only a continuation of my first,

This individual, in 1844, wrote the History of the Irish Brigade. It has been published since his death, and is an interesting memoir, and shows the ability and bravery of the Irish.