sible to do so much as they did in this way. But on Mr. Grant's death it was found that debt, to a small amount, remained undischarged. How this was to be met, and how Mrs. Grant was to provide for the education and support of her eight fatherless children, were matters, which, it is believed, occasioned more uneasiness to Mrs. Grant's friends than they ever did to herself. She had a firm reliance on the tender mercy of the Father of the fatherless, and committing herself and her young children to His gracious care, she resolved to exert her best energies in their behalf. And her exertions were not unavailing. For some time, she took the charge of a small farm in the neighbourhood of Laggan; but afterwards she found it necessary, in 1803, to remove to the vicinity of Stirling, where she was enabled, with the assistance of her friends, to provide, in the meantime, for her family.

As a relief from severer and more anxious duties, Mrs. Grant had always found delight in the pursuits of literature, and having early shown a taste for poetry, she was occasionally accustomed, for the entertainment of her friends, to write verses; and she also, by way of relaxation, carried on an extensive correspondence with some of the friends of her youth. Of her poems, which were generally written with much haste, and on the spur of the moment, her friends formed a much higher opinion than she herself ever did. She generally gave them away, when they were finished, without retaining any copy. It occurred to some of those friends that a volume of her poems might be published with advantage; and, before she was well aware of their kind intentions, proposals were dispersed all over Scotland for publishing such a volume by subscription. At this time, Mrs. Grant had not even collected the materials for the proposed publication; but in a short period, the extraordinary number of upwards of 3000 subscribers had been procured by her influential friends. The late celebrated Duchess of Gordon took a lively interest in this publication; and Mrs. Grant was, in this way, almost forced before the public. The poems were well received on their appearance in 1803; and though the Edinburgh Reviewers, who spoke disparagingly of the poetic genius of Byron and of Grahame, would not allow much merit to her verses, (and they could scarcely allow less than she did herself,) they were constrained to admit that some of the pieces were "written with great beauty, tenderness, and delicacy."

From the profits of this publication,

Mrs. Grant was enabled to discharge all the debts which had hitherto pressed upon her, and which had been contracted during her married life. But she was soon involved in another difficulty, which called her to England, arising from the dangerous illness of her eldest daughter, who being threatened with a consumptive illness, had gone to Bristol for the benefit of her health. The recovery of this daughter was attended with great expense; and soon after, Mrs. Grant had to provide for the outfit of one of her sons who had got an appointment to India, through the influence of her friend, Mr. Charles Grant, then Chairman of the India House. To provide for these expenses, her friends suggested the propriety of publishing some of her letters. These letters had not been written with the slightest view to publication; and accordingly they contained many private allusions, and much harmless badinage, which, however attractive in the connection in which they occurred, were quite unsuited for the public eye. It was thought, however, that, even after suppressing all these passages, the letters still contained so much artless description, and such graphic delineations of scenery and of character, as would be very interesting to the public. Mrs. Grant, who was always ready to defer to the opinions of her friends, consented, with some reluctance, to their publication: and this gave rise to the well-known "Letters from the Mountains," which appeared in 1806. They went through several editions, and soon raised Mrs. Grant into much deserved popularity, and procured for her the patronage and friendship of many influential individuals, and particularly of the late Bishop Porteus, Sir Walter Farquhar, Sir William Grant, Master of the Rolls, and many other eminent persons.

In the year 1810, Mrs. Grant removed from Stirling to Edinburgh, where she resided during the remainder of her life. Here it was her misfortune to lose successively all her remaining children, with the exception of her youngest son, who still survives. The submission with which she bowed to the will of Providence, under these heavy bereavements, excited the admiration of her sympathising friends.

The only other works of any magnitude which Mrs. Grant prepared for the press, were her "Memoirs of an American Lady," already referred to, and her "Essays on the Superstitions of the Highlanders of Scotland," both of which were favourably received. The former work has been greatly esteemed both in this

country and in America, and contains much vigorous and powerful writing, with sketches of Transatlantic scenery and habits, during a primitive period, which the Quarterly Reviewers have characterised as "a picture of colonial manners, just in their happiest age, given with a truth and feeling that cannot be too highly estimated." Indeed, her description of the breaking up of the ice on the Hudson river, is so admirable-the materials are so skilfully put together-and the impression made is so vivid, that Mr. Southey is reported to have pronounced the whole picture as quite Homeric."

But, perhaps, the most just and eloquent account which can be given of Mrs. Grant's writings is that which Sir Walter Scott appended to an application, which, under the superintendence of her friends, was made, in 1825, to his late Majesty George the Fourth, for a pension to Mrs. Grant, and which bears the signature, not only of Sir Walter himself, but also of Lord Jeffrey, Mr. Mackenzie (the Man of Feeling), Sir William Arbuthnot, Sir Robert Liston, and Principal Baird, who all took a great interest in this application. In the document now referred to it is said, "that the character and talents of Mrs. Grant have long rendered her, not only a useful and estimable member of society, but one eminent for the services which she has rendered to the cause of religion, morality, knowledge, and taste. Her literary works, although composed amidst misfortune and privation, are written at once with simplicity and force; and uniformly bear the stamp of a virtuous and courageous mind, recommending to the reader that patience and fortitude, which the writer herself practised in such an eminent degree. Her writings, deservedly popular in her own country, derive their success from the happy manner in which, addressing themselves to the national pride of the Scotish people, they breathe a spirit, at once of patriotism, and of that candour which renders patriotism unselfish and liberal. We have no hesitation in attesting our belief that Mrs. Grant's writings have produced a strong and salutary effect upon her countrymen, who not only found recorded in them much of national history and antiquities, which would otherwise have been forgotten, but found them combined with the soundest and the best lessons of virtue and morality. We need scarcely add that Mrs. Grant's character in private society has been equally high and exemplary; and it would be most painful to us to think that the declining age of this excellent person, remarkable alike for her

virtues and her talents, should, after such meritorious exertions to maintain her independence, and after so long a train of family misfortunes, have the bitterness of these privations aggravated by precarious and dependent circumstances.'

It is gratifying to state that this application was completely successful, and that Mrs. Grant received a pension of 100%. yearly on the Civil Establishment of Scotland, which, with the emoluments of her literary works, and some liberal bequests by deceased friends which subsequently arose, rendered her latter years quite easy and independent.

Mrs. Grant's conversational powers were, perhaps, still more attractive than her writings. Her information on every subject, combined with her uniform cheerfulness and equanimity, made her society very delightful. There was a dignity and sedateness, united with considerable sprightliness and vivacity, in her conversation, which rendered it highly interesting; and withal, it was so unaffected and natural, and seemed to emanate from her well-stored mind with so little effort, that some of her most profound and judicious remarks, as well as her liveliest sallies, appeared as if they had been struck off at the moment, without any previous reflection. The native simplicity of her mind, and an entire freedom from attempts at display, soon made the youngest person, with whom she conversed, feel in the presence of a friend; and if there was any quality of her well-balanced mind which stood out more prominently than another, it was that benevolence which made her invariably study the comfort of every person who came in contact with her.

In reference to Mrs. Grant's conversational powers, it may be mentioned that in a series of Letters, published several years ago, a very competent judge, after observing that, of the "blue-stockings, the French are the most tolerable, and the Scotch the most tormenting," adds that their favourite topics at Edinburgh then were, "the resumption of cash payments, the great question of Burgh Reform, and the Corn Bill." He goes on to say that, at an evening party "I was introduced to Mrs. Grant of Laggan, the author of Letters from the Mountains,' and other well-known works. Mrs. Grant is really a woman of great talents and acquirements, and might, without offence to any one, talk upon any subject she pleases. But I assure you any person who hopes to meet with a blue-stocking, in the common sense of the term, in this lady, will feel sadly disappointed. She is as plain, modest, and unassuming, as she could have been, had she never stepped

Uor M

from the village whose name she has rendered so celebrated. Instead of entering on any long common-place discussions, either about politics, or political economy, or any other of the hackneyed subjects of tea-table talk in Edinburgh, Mrs. Grant had the good sense to perceive that a stranger, such as I was, came not to hear disquisitions, but to gather useful information, and she therefore directed her conversation entirely to the subject which she herself best understands-which, in all probability, she understands better than any one else and which was precisely one of the subjects on which I felt the greatest inclination to hear a sensible person speak, namely, the Highlands. She related in a very simple but very graphic manner, a variety of little anecdotes and traits of character, with my recollections of which I shall always have a pleasure in connecting my recollections of herself. The sound and rational enjoyment I derived from my conversation with this excellent person would, indeed, atone for much more than all the blue-stocking sisterhood have ever been able to inflict upon my patience."-Peter's Letters, I. p. 308.

Soon after this was written, and nearly twenty years ago, Mrs. Grant had the misfortune to meet with a severe fall in descending a stair, in consequence of which she was ever after confined almost entirely to the house. This, it was feared, would have proved very injurious to the health of a person of her robust constitution and active habits; but, though she was generally confined to her chair, she still continued to enjoy excellent health, and her usual cheerfulness and equanimity. Though she never made any display of her religious feelings, those who were in the habit of visiting her, frequently found her engaged in the study of the Holy Scriptures, which, indeed, her life and practice evinced she had not studied in vain.

A few weeks before her death, Mrs. Grant caught a bad cold, which assumed the form of influenza, and her constitution gradually yielded to the influence of that debilitating malady.

and for having made a number of designs, several of which possess considerable merit, for the belles-lettres publications of that period. On leaving Hayman's studio, Mr. Taylor devoted himself principally to portrait-drawings, in pencil. Although these performances could not boast of the force and opposition of light and shade of the drawings of the present day, they were exquisitely finished, and in their effect were as clear and pure as "monumental alabaster." As, however, Mr. Taylor did not obtain for them more than from seven shillings and sixpence to a guinea each, it was not a very lucrative employment. At that time, Mr. Paul Sandby and Mr. John Alexander Gresse (better known among his friends by the appellation of Jack Gresse) were the most fashionable drawing-masters in the metropolis. By the advice, and aided by the introductions of Gresse, Mr. Taylor entered upon the same occupation; and, soon finding that it was a more certain and a more profitable one than that in which he had hitherto been engaged, he pursued it for many years; until he at length accumulated a sufficient sum to enable him to retire with comfort. This money he invested in the long annuities, which will expire in 1810; so that the calculation was rather a nice one! Fond of the arts, however, Mr. Taylor continued to paint for his amusement; and, even down to within the last ten or twelve years, several of his productions

chiefly fancy and domestic subjects— were exhibited at Somerset-house and at the British Institution. Mr. Taylor was one of the original members, and, we presume, had long been the only surviving member of the " Incorporated Society of Artists," the precursor of the Royal Academy. His memory, especially (as usual) with reference to the events of his boyhood and youth, was remarkably tena. cious. Among other matters, he perfectly recollected having witnessed the execution of the Scots lords on Towerhill, in 1746; a spectacle, certainly, well calculated to make a permanent impression on any beholder. His mind was abundantly stored with anecdotes of artists of former days; and, could he have been induced to publish a volume of his reminiscences, it would have been invaluable. He had a little collection of curiosities of art; one favourite article of which was a small wooden screw box, containing three pieces of India rubber, each about the size and thickness of a half-crown, for which he had paid six shillings and sixpence; caoutchouc being, at the time of the purchase, very rare, and used only to obliterate the marks of

a black lead pencil. He once had, also, an unfinished portrait, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, of Hayman; but, we believe, he presented it to the Royal Academy. Mr. Taylor's family connexions were highly respectable; and his own person, coun tenance, dress, and manners, constituted a fine specimen of the "old English gentleman." His conversation was always animated and jocose. The writer of this brief notice recollects meeting him some years ago in the New Road, and, after a little lively chat, taking the liberty to ask his precise age. "Why," said Mr. Taylor, his eyes sparkling with fun, "I'm not quite ninety, but I'm what the people on the Stock Exchange would call eightynine and seven-eighths." Of late, he had become exceedingly deaf, which, of course, much diminished his capacity for social enjoyments.-(Literary Gazette.) W. H. W.

CHARLES JOHN SMITH, ESQ. F.S. A. Nov. 23. In Albany-street, after a few days' illness, in his 35th year, Charles John Smith, esq. F.S.A.

The subject of our present notice was born at Chelsea in the year 1803, and was the second son of Mr. James Smith, for many years in extensive practice as a surgeon there, by Sophia, daughter of the late John Gregory, esq. of the same place, whose death and biography was recorded at some length in our Magazine for December 1813.

At the age of 16, Mr. Smith was ar ticled as a pupil to Mr. Charles Pye, the historical and landscape engraver, and subsequently became well known for his talents as an artist, and was very extensively employed in his profession, more particularly in the illustration of some of the best topographical and antiquarian publications of his time, (particularly Cartwright's Rape of Bramber, Stothard's Sepulchral Effigies, Murray's Illustrations of Johnson, Dr. Dibdin's recently published English Tour, &c. &c.) for which, and for several privately printed works, he executed many fine plates.

For some years past, however, Mr. Smith had principally devoted his time and attention to antiquarian pursuits; and, from his intelligence and unceasing industry and perseverance, it is probable that, had it pleased Providence to spare his life, he would have greatly distinguished himself in that branch of literature. In the year 1828 Mr. Smith engraved, and directed the publication, of a volume in imperial quarto, comprising series of Fac-simile Autographs of royal, noble, and illustrious persons, from the reign of Richard II. to that of Charles II.; and

the biographical notices which were added from the pen of John Gough Nichols, esq. F.S. A. rendered this a most interesting and popular collection, and it has been much esteemed as a supplement to many important works in English History and Biography.

At the time of his death he was engaged in the production of a work entitled "HISTORICAL AND LITERARY CURIOSITIES," which had proceeded as far as the sixth number, and the seventh and eighth, intended to complete the volume, were in the course of preparation. Some of the subjects are unfortunately still in an unfinished state, but it is hoped that sufficient materials will be found to enable his representatives to finish the publication according to the intentions of its author.

In the year 1837 Mr. Smith was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and he was a constant attendant at their

weekly meetings. He was present at the first meeting of the Society on the Thursday the 15th of November, and had spent the subsequent evenings in the society of his family and friends, when, in the midst of apparently perfect health and spirits, he was suddenly seized on the morning of the 18th by an attack of paralysis, which entirely deprived him of speech, and the use of his right side: every assistance which human skill could afford was immediately rendered him by the kind and unremitting attention of his friend Dr. Seymour, but he expired on the 23rd of November, calm, resigned, and free from pain.

In the every day intercourse with his family, Mr. Smith was of the most affectionate and kind-hearted disposition, and he was endeared to a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances by his unassuming and modest deportment, and by the cordiality and amiable frankness of his manners; and we believe that few young men have prematurely descended to the grave so generally and deservedly lamented by all with whom he was either professionally or intimately connected.

MR. CHARLES NESBITT.

Nov. 11. At Brompton, in his 64th year, Mr. Charles Nesbitt, the eminent engraver in wood.

He was a native of Swalwell, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and was apprenticed to the celebrated Bewick at an early age. His talents in wood-engraving were of the first order. He was awarded the gold palette of the Society of Arts for his famous view of St. Nicholas' Church, Newcastle, which he executed upon no less than twelve distinct blocks

of wood; and, in 1802, he also received the Society's silver medal. His illustrations of " Hudibras," and Shakspeare, and of Sir Egerton Brydges's Works, gained him unqualified praise from every admirer of the arts. After practising for some time in London, he retired to his native village, where, for a number of years, he executed work sent down to him from the metropolis; and it was during an absence from home, on a visit to the scene of his early labours, that he breathed his last.

He was a native of Tetford, county of Lincoln; and was placed in his early youth in the house of the Rev. Mr. Emmeris, Rector of that parish. He soon evinced an ardent love of study, and directed his unremitting attention for many years to the science of astronomy; and being of a mechanical turn, he was enabled to fabricate, with the assistance of the brazier and the smith, a great variety of telescopes and other mathematical instruments, of various sorts and dimensions, all of which remain in excellent condition, in the possession of his widow. Besides his astronomical pur. suits, he turned his researches to the study of sacred chronology and genealogy; and, singular to relate, printed in his own house, with little professional assistance, a work, entitled "The Genealogy of Christ," 2 vols. 8vo. Crayford, 1817. This work displays an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures and deep research. He published also,-2. The Books of Genesis and Daniel, in connexion with Modern Astronomy, defended against Count Volney and Dr. Francis. Also, "The Sonship of Christ," against John Gorton and the Rev. Mr. Evans, being supplementary matter to the Genealogy of Christ, 8vo. London, 1820.3. "The Chronology of the Apocalypse investigated and defended," 8vo. Lond. 1822.-4. "Inquiry into the Truth and Use of the Book of Enoch," 8vo. Lond. 1822.-5. "Strictures on Dr. Chalmers's Discourses on Astronomy," 8vo. Deptford, 1823. When we contemplate these various works, it excites our surprise and admiration that a man who had received so little education could, by innate talent and industry, accomplish so much, and so successfully. He was an occasional correspondent of the Gentleman's Magazine for forty years, chiefly on his favourite topics of astronomy and chronology, and

he possessed at the time of his death two complete sets of that work, which, together with his well-selected library, will shortly be brought to the hammer.

During his residence at Foot's Cray and Paul's Cray, he founded two Sunday schools, in conjunction with the Rev. Mr. Simons, the highly respected Rector of the latter parish, both of which are now in a flourishing condition. During the last twelve years he resided at his house, King's Road, Chelsea.

CLERGY DECEASED.

At Auchinern house, near Glasgow, aged 33, the Rev. James Graham Campbell, jun. of Petershill and Auchinern.

The Rev. Richard Clarke, 37 years Chaplain of St. Michael's, Portarlington, and 26 years sovereign of that borough.

At Drummin park, co. Longford, aged 55, the Rev. Richard Thomas Hearn, M. A. Vicar of Rathcline.

Aged 68, the Rev. William Mawson, for forty years Perpetual Curate of Flimby, Cumberland, which chapelry is in the election of the landowners.

The Rev. Joseph Miller, Rector of Kilmakea and Prebendary of Whitechurch, co. Wexford.

Aged 74, the Hon. and Rev. William Parsons, Rector of Cullen, co. Limerick, and of Clune, co. Kildare; only brother to the Earl of Rosse. He was never married.

At a very advanced age, the Rev. Edward Shaw, for thirty-seven years Vicar of Kirkleatham, Yorkshire.

Aged 70, the Rev. Thomas Smith, for 26 years Rector of Bobbingworth, Sussex.

Oct. 25. At Knowle, Warwickshire, aged 78, the Rev. Thomas Blyth, for 53 years Perpetual Curate of that chapelry, for 52 years Perpetual Curate of Packwood; for 52 years Incumbent of Upper Whitacre, and for 37 Rector of Whitchurch. These small livings are all in Warwickshire. He was of St. John's college, Oxford, M. A. 1785.

Nov. 5. Aged 38, the Rev. George Tod, Minister of St. David's Church, Dundee.

Nov. 19. At Wolsingham, Durham, aged 42, the Rev. Philip Brownrigg, for seventeen years Curate of that parish, and Master of the Grammar School.

Aged 40, the Rev. John Garde, Rector of Ballynefagh, Kildare.

Nov. 21. At Blechingley, Surrey, aged 63, the Rev. Jarvis Kenrick, Rector of that parish, and a Prebendary of Salisbury. He was of Jesus college, Cam.. bridge, LL.B. 1805, and was instituted to the rectory of Blechingley in 1803, the