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OBITUARY.-James Humphreys, Esq.

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treated her to accompany bis daughter to Tournay, and stay till he could engage a proper person to take the place of governess. To this Madame de Genlis consented; and as circumstances prevented the Duke of Orleans from procuring another governess for his daughter, she retained the situation.

When the Austrians reconquered Flanders, Madame de Geulis withdrew with her pupil to Switzerland, and wi-hed to settle at Zug, where they were joined by the Duke de Chartres, who always retained an affection, amounting to veneration, for his governess; but the magistrates of the town would not permit their stay; and General Montesquieu, who had emigrated to Bremgarten, provided for these exiled and wandering females an asylum in the Convent of St. Clair. The Princess of Orleans shortly after quitted Madame de Genlis, and went to reside under the care of her aunt, the Princess of Conti, who at that period resided at Friburgh.

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in which some of the royal family did not give her some token of kind remembrance. To a letter, offering for her acceptance splendid apartments in the palace of the Thuilleries, where the present reigning family of France are expected in a short time to take up their own abode, the Countess was engaged in writing a grateful denial, and her reasons for it, to his Majesty, until nearly three o'clock in the morning of her decease. At that bour she was put to bed, and at ten o'clock she was found a corpse. The wife of General Gerard was her grand-daughter, and was in her house when it was made known that the distinguished lady was no more.

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JAMES HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

Nov. 29. In Upper Woburn-place, James Humphreys, Esq. barrister, of Lincoln's Inn; author of " Observations on the English Laws of Real Property."

He was a native of Montgomeryshire, and was introduced to the study of the law as an articled clerk to the late Mr. Richard Yeomans of Worcester. At an early age, however, be relinquished that branch of the profession, entered himself of Lincoln's Inn, and became a pupil of Mr. Butler, who was even then a conveyancer of considerable celebrity. After Mr. Humphreys had himself com. menced practice, he obtained a respectable business, derived mostly from the West of England and Wales; but he was seldom employed in large London transactions, nor did he ever, for extent of practice, rank in the first class of conveyancers. From his first arrival in town he professed the most "liberal" opinions; and was intimate with many of the popular leaders, from Fox and Romilly down to Clifford and Horne Tooke. He was also a member of the Fox Club, and of Brookes's.

It is not ascertained what credit is due to the assertion that his famous work was originally undertaken at the suggestion of Fox; but the plan of it was certainly conceived many years before its completion. Its publication took place in 1826; and the public attention was speedily attracted to it by an article in the Quarterly Review from the pen of his old master, Mr. Butler. A long and acrimonious controversy ensued; in the course of which Mr. Humphreys published his "Letter to Sir Edward Sugden," and a "Letter to the Editor of the Jurist." The main particulars of the controversy will be found in the first volume of "The Law Ma

"-from the last number of we glean the facts

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OBITUARY.-Henry Mackensie, Esq.

related in the present article. The excessive interest which Mr. Humphreys took in the dispute may be judged from the fact that, not content with Baron Falck's assurance that the Code of the Netherlands was not in operation when be wrote, be actually burried over to the continent to ascertain the truth by personal inquiry of M. Von Maanen. Mr. Humphreys was the writer of the article "Devise," in the Supplement to Viner's Abridgment; and be delivered a limited number of lectures at the London University. At the height of his fame it was proposed to call him and Mr. Butler to the Bench of Lincoln's Inn; an honour seldom, if ever, conferred on a stuff-gown conveyancer. The motion originated, it is believed, with Lord Brougham and Sir Thomas Denman ; and was opposed, and eventually thrown out, by Sir Edward Sugden and the present Vice-Chancellor. Mr. Humphreys' equability of temper, varied knowledge, and fund of anecdote, made him extremely popular in society; and he had considerable taste in architecture and sculpture.

HENRY MACKENSIE, ESQ.

Jan. 14. At Edinburgh, aged 85, Henry Mackensie, Esq. author of "The Man of Feeling."

He was the son of Dr. Joshua Mackensie; and after receiving a liberal education, devoted himself to the law, and in 1766 became an attorney in the Court of Exchequer at Edinburgh. Ultimately his practice in that court produced him about 8001. a year; he be came comptroller-general of taxes for Scotland, with a salary of 6001. a year, and altogether his annual income was upwards of 20007. He married in 1767 Miss Penuel Grant, daughter of Sir James Grant, of Grant, by whom he had a family of eleven children.

When very young, Mr. Mackensie was the author of numerous little pieces in verse; and, though of a kind and gentle temper, the credit which he enjoyed for wit induced him occasionally to attempt the satiric strain. It was, however, in tenderness and simplicity-in the plaintive tone of the elegy—in that charming freshness of imagery which belongs to the pastoral, that he was seen to most advantage. He next aspired to the sentimental and pathetic novel; and, in 1768 or 1769, in his hours of relaxation from professional employment, he wrote, what has generally been considered his masterpiece, The Man of Feeling. At first the booksellers declined its publication, even as a gratuitous offering;

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but difficulties were at length sur, mounted-the book appeared anony. mously-and the warmest enthusiasm was excited in its favour. The ladies of Edinburgh, like those of Paris on the appearance of La Nouvelle Héloise, all fancied themselves with the author. But the writer was unknown; and a Mr. Eccles, a young Irish clergyman, was desirous of appropriating the fame to himself. He accordingly was at the pains of transcribing the entire work, and of marking the manuscript with erasures and interlineations, to give it the air of that copy in which the author had wrought the last polish on his piece before sending it to the press. Of course this gross attempt at deception was not long successful. The Man of Feeling was published in 1771; and the éclat with which its real author was received, when known, induced him, in the same, or following year, to adventure the publication of a poem entitled The Pursuit of Happiness.

Mr. Mackensie's next production was The Man of the World; a sort of second part of The Man of Feeling, but, like most second parts, inferior to its predecessor. Dr. Johnson, despising and abhorring the fashionable whine of sensibility, treated the work with more asperity than it deserved.

Julia de Roubigné, a novel, in the epistolary form, was the last work of this class from the pen of Mr. Mackensie. It is extremely elegant, tender, and affecting; but its pathos has a cast of sickliness, and the mournful nature of the catastrophe produces a sensation more painful than pleasing on the mind of the reader.

In 1773 Mr. Mackensie produced a tragedy under the title of The Prince of Tunis, which, with Mrs. Yates as its heroine, was performed with applause for six nights at the Edinburgh Theatre, Of three other dramatic pieces by Mr. Mackensie, the next was The Shipwreck, or Fatal Curiosity. This was an alteration and amplification of Lillo's tragedy of Fatal Curiosity, suggested by a perusal of Mr. Harris's Philological Essays, then recently published. Some new characters were introduced with the view of exciting more sympathy with the calamities of the Wilmot family. Rather unfortunately, Mr. Coleman had about the same time taken a fancy 10 alter Lillo's play. His production was brought out at the Haymarket, in 1782; and Mr. Mackenzie's at Covent-Garden, in 1783 or 1784. The Force of Fashion, a comedy, by Mr. Mackenzie, was acted one night at Covent-Garden Theatre, in 1789; but, from its failure, it was never

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OBITUARY.Thomas Davison, Esq.

printed. The White Hypocrite, another ansuccessful comedy by Mr. Mackensie, was produced at Covent Garden in the season of 1788-9.

Some years afterwards he and a few of his friends, mostly lawyers, who used to meet occasionally at a tavern kept by M. Bayll, a Frenchman, projected the publication of a series of papers on morals, manners, taste, and literature, similar to those of the Spectator. The society, originally designated the Tabernacle, but afterwards the Mirror Club, consisted of Mr. Mackensie, Mr. Craig, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Bannatyne, Mr. Mac leod, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. SolicitorGeneral Blair, Mr. George Home, and Mr. George Ogilvie; several of whom afterwards became Judges in the supreme Courts of Scotland. Of these, Mr. now Sir William Bannatyne, a venerable and accomplished gentleman of the old school, is the only survivor. Their scheme was speedily carried into effect; and the papers, under the title of the Mirror, of which Mr. Mackenzie was the editur, were published in weekly numbers, at the price of three pence per folio sheet. The sale never reached beyond three or four hundred in single papers; but the succession of the numbers were no sooner closed, than the whole, with the names of the respective authors, were republished in three duodecimo volumes. The writers sold the copy-right; out of the produce of which they presented a donation of 100l. to the Orphan Hospital, and purchased a hogshead of claret for the use of the Club.

To the Mirror succeeded the Lounger, a periodical of a similar character, and equally successful, Mr. Mackensie was the chief and most valuable contributor to each of these works.

On the institution of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Mr. Mackensie became one of its members; and, amongst the papers with which he enriched the volumes of its Transactions, are, an elegant tribute to the memory of his friend Judge Abercromby, and a Memoir on German Tragedy. For this memoir he had procured the materials through the medium of a French work; but desiring afterwards to enjoy the native beauties of German poetry, he took lessons in German from Dr. Okely, who was at that time studying medicine in Edinburgh. The fruits of his attention to German literature appeared further in the year 1791, in a small volume of translations of two or three dramatic pieces. In 1793, Mr. Mackenzie edited a quarto volume of "Poems by the late Rev. Dr. Thomas Blacklock, together with an

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Essay on the Education of the Blind," &c. In political literature he was the author of a Review of the Proceedings of the Parliament which met first in the year 1784, and of a series of Letters under the signatore of Brutus. In all those exertions which, during the war of the French revolution, were found necessary to support the government and preserve the peace of the country, no person was more honourably or more usefully zealous.

Mr. Mackenzie was remarkaby fond of rural diversions, of fowling, hunting, and fishing. In private life his conversation was ever the charm and the pride of society.

THOMAS DAVISON, ESQ.

Dec. 28. In Bedford-row, aged 65, Thomas Davison, Esq. the eminent printer, of Lombard-street, Whitefriars.

Mr. Davison was a native of Durham, and was brought up as a printer. About forty years ago he commenced business in the metropolis; and by his talents and perseverance greatly contributed to the rapid improvement made in the typographic art during his time. The beauty and singular correctness of his works spon obtained for him a cunnection with Mr. Murray, Messrs Longman, and Co., and most of the successful publishers of the day. His skill in the manufacture, and especially in the drying of inks, a secret of which he bad for some time the exclusive possession, greatly aided him in bolding so distinguished a rank among his competitors. Out of many others we may select as specimens of his art Whitaker's History of Richmondshire, the new Edition of Dugdale's Monasticon, innumerable editions of Lord Byron's works, Roger's Italy, &c. &c. These works, by their great accuracy and elegance, will carry down the name of Davison to posterity, amongst the most eminent of the English typographers.

In private life Mr. Davison was highly esteemed by a numerous circle of friends, to whom his easy and agreeable manners made him always welcome; and those who have had the pleasure of hearing him sing, will never forget his exquisite taste, or the sweetness of a voice which retained to the last all the compass and freshness of that of a young man. To his social qualities was added a generosity not often exceeded, careless of self and prompt in answering every call of friendship or distress. His death will, therefore, be truly lamented, and his memory long fondly cherished, not only by his family, but by a wide and respectable acquaintance.

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OBITUARY.-Richard Clark, Esq. F.S.A.

(Feb.

the admiration, and conciliated the affection, of all the numerous individuals who witnessed bis faithful and protracted services.

Mr. Clark was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1785. He had a taste for literary company and literary anecdotes; of which we have proof in the following interesting passage, which we have been allowed to copy from his own manuscript in the invaluable album belonging to Mr. Upcott, of the London Institution :

RICHARD CLARK, Esq. F.S.A.

At Chertsey, in bis 92d year, Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain of London, Treasurer of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlem; Vice-President of the Hospital for Smali Pux and Vaccination; of the London Dispensary, Spitalfields; the City Dispensary, Grocers' Hall-court; the Rupture Society; the City of London School, Aldgate, &c.

Mr. Clark was born and baptised in the parish of St. Botolph without Aldgate, in March 1739; and among his earliest recollections was that of having been present at the execution of Lord Lovat in 1746. He was brought up to the profession of a solicitor, in which he attained to a very considerable practice. He was elected Ålderman of the Ward of Bread-street in 1776. (on the resignation tion of Benj. Hopkins, Esq., who had been elected Chamberlain); and served the office of Sheriff in 1777. In 1781 he was a candidate for a seat in Parliament for the City, then vacant by the death of Alderman Kirkman; he was opposed by Sir Watkin Lewes, then Lord Mayor, who was successful by a majority of 2685 to 2387. In 1783 Mr. Alderman, Clark was elected Treasurer of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and BetbJem, which office he retained until his death. In 1784 he was elected Lord Mayor; and on the 19th of May 1785, during his Mayoralty, he was elected President of Christ's Hospital, on the resignation of Alderman Alsop. This post was resigned on his becoming Chamberlain, and was subsequently filled by the late Sir William Curtis. At the close of his mayoralty, he received the unanimous thanks of his brethren," for his constant attention to the duties of his office, and to the rights of his fellow-citizens; for supporting the honour and dignity of the corpuration; and for the wise, steady, and firm administration of public justice, during the whole course of his mayoralty."

On the death of Mr. Wilkes, Mr. Clark was, by the almost unanimous suffrages of his fellow-citizens, elected Chamberlain of London, in January 1798, and in consequence resigned bis scarlet gown. On every Midsummerday since that period he has had the satisfaction of receiving the unanimous suffrages of the livery of London; and bis unwearied attention to the duties of the office, his general complacency of manners, and the judgment and good taste with which he addressed either the juvenile freemen on their admission, or the distinguished characters to whom the City from time to time presented their public thanks, have ever elicited

"It was Mr. Clark's good fortune, at about the age of fifteen, to have been introduced by Sir John Hawkins to the acquaintance of Dr. Samuel Johnson, whose friendship he enjoyed to the last year of his life. By the Doctor's invita

he attended his evening parties at the Mitre Tavern in Fleet-street, where, among other literary characters, were Dr. Percy afterwards Bishop of Dromore, Dr. Goldsmith, Dr. Hawkesworth, &c.; a substantial supper was served up at eight o'clock, and the party seldom se parated till a late hour; and Mr. Clark recollects that at an early period of the morning he with one of the party ac'companied the Ductor to his house, where he found Mrs. Williams, then blind, who was prepared to give them tea-which she made and poured out with a degree of elegance. Frequently bas Mr. Clark visited this great and good man at his house, and met him often at dinner parties; and the last time be enjoyed the company of this great and good man was at the Essex Head Club, of which, by the Doctor's invitation, he became a member.

"Mr. Clark's occasional retirement, when his public duties will permit, is the Porch House at Chertsey, Surrey, the last residence of that excellent poet and good man Abraham Cowley.

"R. C. 12 Feb. 1824." Of Mr. Clark's residence we find the following description in Manning and Bray's History of Surrey:-"In Guildford-street (Chertsey) is the house which Cowley the poet made bis resi dence, and where he died. It is now the property and residence of Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain of London, who has built some additional rooms, but has religiously preserved all the old ones and the staircase, the banisters of which are of solid oak, rather rudely ornamented. One of the bedchambers is wainscoted with oak in pannels. His study was a small closet. It obtained the name of the Porch House from a porch which projected considerably into the street, to the inconvenience of the passengers; Mr. Clark has removed this

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porch, and on the outside of the room in which Cowley died has placed the following inscription :-"The porch of this house, which projected ten feet into the highway, was taken down in the year 1786, for the safety and accommodation of the public. Here the last accents flowed from Cowley's tongue.'" A folio plate of this house, in its original state, was published by Barrow. A plate containing both back and front views was contributed by Mr. Clark to Manning and Bray's History of Surrey, as was a folio engraving, by Basire, of a portrait of Cowley at the age of twenty, from the original in his possession, considered curious as an early specimen of crayon painting.

"At the end of the town, going to the bridge, (it is mentioned in another page,) were two small almshouses; some few years back Mr. Clark removed them, with consent of the parish, to the end of Guildford-street, where he built two neat, substantial brick tenements. The parish has since added four more, two on each side of the building, and which being one story high, form two wings."

In the same work, under the parish of St. Thomas in Southwark, it is remarked that "the history of the two famous hospitals will comprise that of the parish, the whole of which, except what belongs to Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain of London, is the property of the two foundations."

Clergy Deceased.

The first volume of "Anecdotes," by Miss Laetitia Matilda Hawkins, is dedicated to Mr. Clark, "because," she tells him, "you are the oldest friend of my family, and because you will be found largely a contributor to the amusement of the reader. I flatter myself that I shall deserve the reader's thanks for rescuing part of the stores of your retentive memory from waste, since I find it impossible to prevail on you to commit them to writing."

We have not been able immediately to turn to any other anecdote in which Mr. Clark is personally concerned, except one (p. 235) of his going to a musical party, in order to meet the Duke of Leeds, the very night he was to take possession of the Mansion-house, on entering his Mayoralty. His Grace endeavoured to detain "bis Civic Lordship" over the bottle; but, Mr. Clark's babitual temperance remaining firm, he "at length rose, and good-humouredly said- Well, I see it will not do; you are too much on your guard for me. Do you recollect we are sitting on the identical spot where stood the house of Sir Robert Viner, when he filled your GENT. MAG. February, 1831.

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present situation, and Charles the Second dined with him? I confess I bad some ambition to reduce you to the state in which Sir Robert was, when be so reluctantly parted from his royal guest, and to have sent you to take possession of the Mansion-house as merry, but I see you have out-manœuvred me -so I am at your service."

Mr. Clark married Margaret daughter of John Pistor, esq. by whom he has left two sons, Richard Henderson Clark, Esq. and the Rev. John-Crosby Clark. His personal property has been sworn under 45,000l. but it is understood that much of his property is vested in trust.

There are several portraits of Mr. Clark; one in the European Magazine for May 1806, from a picture by Mather Brown, Esq.; one in the New European Magazine for May 1823, painted by Lady Bell; and, lastly, a picture by Sir Thomas Lawrence, for which the Corporation paid 400 guineas, and which is now suspended in the Court of Common Council. A fine engraving of it has also been published at the expense of the City. A bust of Mr. Clark, by Sievier, was likewise placed in Guildhall by subscription raised by the City officers.

CLERGY DECEASED.

Dec. 10. At his mother's, Camdenterrace, Kensington, the Rev. B. C. Kennett. Mr. Kennett was eccentric for many years, but the French Revolution, and the incendiary system in this country, excited him so much, that he became monomaniacal, or insane on a particular subject. He fancied that there was a conspiracy against him, and that he should be seized as "Swing." To evade the harpies that were in pursuit of him, he went into Mr. Lucett's establishment, but soon fancied that Mr. L. also was in the conspiracy. Dr. Johnson visited him by desire of the friends. They then determined to remove him, under a proper keeper, to his own house. Mr. Kennett gladly came away, and fancied himself very cunning in persuading Mr. Lucett to come with him, as he determined to deliver him into the hands of justice as a conspirator against his own life. When Mr. Lucett left him, at his mother's, he ran out, saying he should now be ruined, as the chief enemy had escaped! It was in the agony of this disappointment that he committed suicide, by wounding the carotid artery with a sharp pair of scissors, which were lying on the table.

Dec. 13. At Wisbech St. Peter's, in his 85th year, the Rev. Abraham Jobson, D.D. Vicar of that parish. He was formerly Fellow of Trin. coll. Camb., where he graduated B.A. 1772, being the 11th Wrangler

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