the occasion of rational, vivifying, and useful amusement, the result of his bland and insinuating manners, his genius, and amiable disposition, and the numerous accomplishments which he possessed. In all relations of life he won himself honour and esteem, and none are heard to speak of him but with feelings of respect. In late years, his habits were so retired, and his occupations so domestic, that his name seldom came before the public, and his society was only enjoyed by a small circle of intimate friends; but it was known to all that nothing but the inevitable requirements of advancing age and feeble health could prevent him from shining in public as well as private life; and this reflection was even sufficient to preserve unimpaired the recollection of his performances when years few in number, and robust health, made him a most popular, honoured, and valuable citizen.

"We rejoice that his little volume, with the accompanying note, reached us as he designed. We shall preserve them most carefully as mementos of a gentleman whom we ever esteemed most highly, and of an Irish patriot whose name will be probably more familiar to a future than even to the present age."

Before closing this biographical sketch, we may be permitted to say a word or two on the republication of Mr. Sampson's Memoirs in this country. It is much to be regretted that the English editor was unable to procure Mr. Sampson's personal recollections of the reign of terror in Ireland, or a copy of the documents furnished to Lord Moira, but more especially Bird's authenticated confessions. We have communicated with that gentleman, and find that he

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expected to have been aided by Mr. Sampson himself in recovering this information, as he had been led to believe that there was a chance of his being permitted to revisit Great Britain. The clue was lost when Mr. Sampson abandoned all idea of returning, even for a short period, to Europe. But we state what may be of some interest to our readers on both sides of the Atlantic, that several members of Parliament were so affected by the perusal of Mr. Sampson's Memoirs that they intended to move for a reversal of the Irish Act of Attainder, when circumstances interposed to prevent their intention being then carried into effect. But though there are few, if any, left alive who would profit by the reversal of an act which contains an acknowledged falsehood in its very preamble, we hold that such a measure is due to the behests of eternal justice. England owes it to her own character publicly to ratify the sentence which the civilized world has pronounced on the policy that has rendered Ireland an object of sympathy to all who can feel for outraged humanity, the subject of neverending perplexity to all British statesmen, and an increasing source of danger instead of strength to the empire. Could our voice be heard, we should say to the present generation of legislators, you will best evidence the sincerity of your promises for the future by the solemnity of your protest against the delinquencies of the past. Nothing but such a protest can acquit you completely of responsibility; and if that responsibility be still voluntarily maintained, the poet's prediction is too certain to be realized, "Delicta majorum immeritus lues."