knowledge of what was said and done by a master-spirit, whose reason and eloquence, the more their influence should expand, the more would they conduce to the public and general good. If, therefore, this production has proved at all available for its intended purpose, the time and trouble devoted to the task of its formation seem light; the recompense is ample and agreeable indeed.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER 1.

PAGE

Family of De Burgh, or Burke-Parentage and kindred of Edmund

Burke-Edmund Burke's birth at the house No. 33, Arran Quay,

Dublin (now McDermott and Co.'s well-known chemical laboratory

and violet-ink establishment)-Early education-The Shackletons-

College life Essays against Lucas--Burke entered at the Middle

Temple-His arrival in London.

1

CHAPTER II.

Burke's student-life-Arthur Murphy-Burke's association with litera-

ture-His early success as a writer-Miss Woffington-" The Vindi-

cation of Natural Society"-The "Essay on the Sublime and Beau-

tiful"-Sir Joshua Reynolds, Dr. Johnson, Macklin - Glasgow-

America

12

CHAPTER III.

Marriage-Domestic life-Further literary labours-Establishment of

the "Annual Register"-Opening political career.

PAGE

31

CHAPTER IV.

Burke in Parliament-The dispute with America-Burke's first Speech

-His energy in support of Ministry-His conference with Wilkes-

Termination of the Rockingham Administration-Burke's pamphlet

in its defence-The Pitt and Grafton Ministry-Burke's eloquence

touching Lord Chatham and Charles Townshend-Dissolution of

Parliament-Burke again elected for Wendover-Pamphlet on the

State of the Nation-Lord Chatham's resignation-Wilkes-Junius

-Libel Bill-Dissenters—“Thoughts on the present Discontents”-

Speech on American taxation-Charles Fox-Burke's election for

Malton and Bristol-Speech on American conciliation-Dr.Johnson's

pamphlet - American war- -Economical reform-Gordon Riots-

Slave-trade abolition-Difference with Bristol constituents-Howard

-Burke's retirement from Bristol and re-election for Malton-Failure

of ministerial measures with regard to America-Accession of the

Rockingham Administration-Burke Paymaster of the Forces-His

proceedings-Death of the Marquess of Rockingham-His Mauso-

leum at Wentworth Park-Shelburne Ministry-Peace with America 53

CHAPTER V.

Burke's domestic life-His acquisition of a country-house at Beacons.

field-His agricultural pursuits-Hospitality at Gregories-Burke's

manners and habits-Anecdotes-Marie Antoinette-Burke in Scot-

land-The Literary Club-Baretti's Trial-Burke's brother Richard

-Burke's son Richard-William Burke-John Bourke-Burke's

sister, Mrs. French-Death of Goldsmith-Johnson's visit to Bea-

consfield-Abraham Shackleton-Mrs. Leadbeater's poetry-Lord

North-Garrick-Miss Burney-Burke's philanthropy-Barry the

'Painter-Crabbe the Poet

. 101

Coalition Ministry-Burke again Paymaster-General- India and the

affairs of the East India Company-Philip Francis-Warren Hast-

ings-Fox's East India Bill-The Pitt Administration-The Nabob

of Arcot's debts-Burke Lord Rector of Glasgow University-Bur-

glary at Beaconsfield-Death and funeral of Dr. Johnson-Im-

peachment and trial of Warren Hastings-- Acquittal of Hastings;

his subsequent career and death-Death of Francis

PAGE

153

CHAPTER VII.

The Regency question-The French Revolution-Burke's opposition to

it his conduct relative to France in and out of Parliament-Publi-

cation of his "Reflections on the French Revolution," and of his

other works on the same subject— Burke's retirement from the

House of Commons

225

CHAPTER VIII.

Death of Edmund Burke's Sister and Brother-Death of his Son his

grief in consequence-Edmund Burke's pension: his Letter to the

Duke of Bedford relative to it-Burke's declining health-His death,

funeral, and will-Dr. King, Bishop of Rochester-Sir Richard

Bourke-Edmund Burke's family and representatives-Sale of his

estate at Beaconsfield, and accidental destruction by fire of his seat

-Personal description of Burke-Concluding remarks

.275