ΤΟ JOHN WILSON CROKER, Esq. LL.D. F.R.S. M.P. &c. &c. &c. SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY. SIR, An attempt to sketch the life and character of one of the greatest men of modern times may, with peculiar propriety, be addressed to one of his distinguished countrymen, who is himself connected, not only with that part of Ireland where Mr. Burke spent his earlier years, but also with his family; who likewise acquired his relish for learning in the same venerable academic retreat; who possesses much of his taste, much of his acknowledged love for the Fine Arts, much of his literary talents, and no ordinary share of his laborious devotion to public business. That it is wholly worthy of your acceptance, or of the memory of the distinguished man of whom it treats, I am by no means vain enough to believe. To render full justice to his various genius and acquirements, would demand some of his own powers. No wonder, therefore, if, under so illustrious a burthen, my pen should break down. But the intention, at least, may be excused by the admirers of a statesman, whom to remember is to honour; and whom to honour is but another name by which to express our reverence for those venerable institutions of our country, which, as forming its pride and boast, he laboured so strenuously to defend; and which, through their influence on the national spirit, proved the salvation of Europe in the great struggle, now happily past. I have the honour to be, Sir, With much respect, Your most faithful and obedient Servant, JAMES PRIOR. Family and Birth of Mr. Burke.-The Nagles Castletown Roche School-master.-Ballitore Anecdotes.-Studies, and Poetical Exercises at College.-Literary Society in Dublin. First Impressions of London and England generally.-Con- templates an Attempt for the Logic Professorship of Glasgow. Report about St. Omer.-Letter to his Father. Abridgment of English History.-Annual Register.-Ac- quaintance with Dr. Johnson.-Anecdotes of a Canon of Lichfield.-Mrs. Ann Pitt, Bishop Warburton, Hume, Lord Charlemont, Mr. Fitzherbert.-Connexion with Mr. Gerrard Hamilton.-Letter to Mr. Flood.-Documents Appointed Private Secretary to the Marquis of Rockingham. -Anecdote of the Duke of Newcastle.-Mr. Burke's Account of the State of Parties and Politics.-Success in Parliament.-Dismission of the Ministry.-Short Account of a short Administration.-Visit to Ireland.-Anecdotes. Mr. Burke and Sir William Bagott.-Mr. Fox.-Pamphlet on the Discontents.-Parliamentary Business.-Visit to France. Character of the House of Commons.-Mr. Burke's Argument against Taxing Irish Absentees.- Letter to General Lee.-Speech of the 19th of April, Parliamentary Business.-Speech on American Conciliation. -Anecdotes of Drs. Franklin, Priestley, and Mr. Hartley. Round Robin on Goldsmith's Epitaph.-Epitaph on Mr. Dowdeswell.-Use of a good Speech in Parliament.— Letters to the Sheriffs and two Gentlemen of Bristol.-To Lord Charlemont, Barry, Mr. Francis, Mr. Fox, Dr. Robertson.-Speeches on the Address, and Employment |
