impiously conceived, Christianity had for so many ages enveloped the world. The arguments of this man were abandantly superficial; but his book was likely to produce greater effect than the writings of the most learned Infidels. The connexion of his political with his religious opinious tended still farther to increase the danger; for Atheism and Jacobinism at that time went hand in hand. It was on this occasion that the Bishop of Landaff stood forward in defence of Christianity, by publishing his most seasonable, strong, judicious, and beautiful Apology for the Bible, in a Series of Letters addressed to Thomas Paine,"12mo. His genius was here rendered peculiarly conspicuous, by his adopting the popular manner and style of his Antagonist; and by thus addressing himself in a particular manner to the comprehensions and ideas of those who were most likely to be misled by the arguments he so very ably confuted. The service rendered to his Country on this occasion by his Lordship cannot be too highly estimated. He not only prevented the pernicious effects of "The Age of Reason" among the lower classes of the community, but at the same time led them to suspect and detest the revolutionary and political tenets of the author. The British Criticks, speaking of this Apology, say, "We hail with much delight the repetition of Editions of a book so important to the best of causes, the cause of Christianity, as the present. It is written in an easy and popular style. The Author has purposely, and we think wisely, abstained from pouring into it much of that learning which the stores of his mind would readily have supplied. He has contented himself with answering every argument or cavil in the plainest and clearest manner, not bestowing a superfluous word, or citing a superfluous authority for any point whatever."

From the very commencement of the discussions ou the Slave Trade, his Lordship always stood forward as a strenuous advocate for its abolition ; and though in the earlier years of the eventful contest with France which speedily succeeded, he in general recommended pacific measures, yet before its conclusion he became convinced of the necessity of prosecuting the war with vigour. His Lordship's "Address to the People of Great Britain, 1798," 8vo, is evidently the Address of a man, who, amidst all the differences in matters of less moment, feels honestly for his Country in the hour of danger, and wishes to unite all hands and hearts in her defence. Such a tract from so distinguished a character was not likely to pass unnoticed: several replies appeared; but so intemperate were his Lordship's antagonists,

that two of them subjected themselves to legal prosecutions. His " Charge delivered to the Clergy of Landaff," in that year, is a suitable Supplement to the Address" and in 1802, appeared another very excellent "Charge to the Clergy of Landaff." In 1803, the Bishop published "A Sermon, preached in the Chapel of the London Hospital, on the 8th of April;" a powerful antidote to the mischief produced among the people at large by his old antagonist Paine; of whom he takes occasion thus to speak, contrasting him, as an Unbeliever, with Sir Isaac Newton as a Believer: "I think myself justified in saying, that a thousand such men are, in understanding, but as the dust of the balance, when weighed against Newton;" an indubitable truth, most usefully presented to the contemplation of the multitude. In the same year appeared his "Thoughts on the intended Invasion," 8vo. In "The Substance of a Speech intended to have been delivered in the House of Lords, Nov. 22, 1803," which was printed in 1804, Bp. Watson warmly entreats the Nation to coincide with the measures proposed for the emancipation of the Catholicks, and also states some Proposals for freeing the Nation of its public burthens by one patriotic effort.

The Bishop published a Sermon preached at St. George, Hanover-Square, May 3, 1804, before the Society for the Suppres sion of Vice; for which, it cannot be denied, he pleads with his usual energy; though it must be admitted, the principles and maxims of the Society may not be found so efficacious towards the wishedfor reformation, which is levelled at the lower ranks of society, instead of the higher, who are the manifest corrupters of the others, by their example and influence.

"A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Landaff in June 1805," was published in that year; and another in 1808:"Two Apologies, one for Christianity against Gibbon, and the other for the Bible against Paine, published together with Two Sermons and a Charge in Defence of Revealed Religion," in 1806, 8vo: -"A Second Defence of Revealed Religion; in two Sermons ; preached in the Chapel Royal, St. James's, 1807."—" Communication to the Board of Agriculture, on Planting and Waste Lands," 1808. - His Lordship's latest publication was a collection of "Miscellaneous Tracts on Religious, Political, and Agricultural Subjects," 1815, 2 vols. 8vo.-Some articles by him occur in the Transactions of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, of which he was one of the earliest members. It is asserted that during the last years of his life his Lordship employed his leisure upon a History of his own times, after the manner of Bp. Bur

net's

net's celebrated work; that he completed it about six months ago, and left directions for its publication after his decease. Such a performance from so eminent a character will, of course, be expected with no ordinary anxiety by the political as well as the literary world.

His Lordship was an excellent public speaker, both in the Pulpit and in the Senate; his action graceful, his voice full and harmonious, and his delivery chaste and correct.

As far as his influence extended, he was invariably the patron of merit. As a Writer, Bp. Watson united with almost unexampled grace the knowledge of a scholar with the liberality of a gentleman, the warm piety of a Christian, and the open manliness of a well-intending character; and in the course of a long, an active, and a conspicuous life, his Lordship's demeanour was marked by the characteristicks of a very superior mind. His partiality to unlimited toleration in regard to religions opinion called down upon him the applauses of one part of the community, and the censures of the other. He uniformly exerted his endeavours to procure the abolition of the Corporation and Test Acts. In his private deportment, though somewhat reserved, he was remarkable for the simplicity of his manners, and the equality of his temper; enjoying all the emoluments of his stations, and the fame arising from his writings, in rural retirement, at Calgarth Park, Westmorland, a beautiful sequestered situation on the celebrated Lakes, a retreat which he had not only adorned and improved, but in some measure created, and where his Lordship passed much of his time in the indulgence of those deep studies to which his whole life was addicted. His Plantations here were very extensive, and in 1789 gained him a premium from the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. On the whole, Dr. Watson may justly be pronounced a Prelate of distinguished abilities, learning, research, and industry. He had a numerous family; and many distinguished personages were attached to him by the ties of friendship; amongst whom, the late Duke of Grafton, to the close of his life, was long one of the most conspicuous.

JOSEPH HUDDART, Esq. F.R. S. (see p. 190.)

This venerable gentleman, whose distinguished services as a Geographer, and unwearied attention to the different de. partments of science which he embraced, fully entitled him to the gratitude of his Country, was born at Allenby, a village in Cumberland, 11th Jan. 1740-1, O. S. at which place his father followed the profession of a shoemaker. He was an only child; and, at a proper age, was placed

under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Wilson, then clergyman of the parish of Allenby, who was an excellent classical scholar,' but did not possess any knowledge of mathematicks, to which study the mind of his pupil seemed most to band. His father intended him for the Church; but a strong predilection for a sea-life," a life of danger and of honour," caused a rooted aversion to theological pursuits; and he, shortly after leaving school, had his wishes gratified by the following circumstance : About the year 1756-7, great shoals of herrings came into the Firth of Forth; and Allenby being a fishing-town, the elder Mr. Huddart, in conjunction with some respectable neighbours, built conveniences for the purpose of curing them. Young Huddart, of course, was much employed in the fishery in small vessels, thereby laying the foundation, by practical knowledge, of the conspicuous talents which a few years soon developed. His father dying in 1762, he became concerned in the profits of the fishery, when he took the command of a small brig employed in carrying cargoes of their commodity to different ports, principally to Ireland, for the West-India markets. His time not being fully taken up with these trips, his active mind would not permit him to be idle; and, having a strong mechanical turn, he devoted his leisure opportunities to the study of ship-building and astronomy in the latter pursuit, he derived great advantage from the assistance of the son of the Rev. Mr. Wilson, who had attended the University of Glasgow, and was a very ingenious young man. dart, however, was not long destined to remain employed in the mere conveyance of fish; for, in 1763-4, the shoals wholly left the Firth, and fell into Chester. milar conveniences, by the same company, were erected at Park-gate; but the quantity fell so far short of his expectations, that he took the command of a brig belonging to a relation, intending, as soon as a vessel which then occupied the slips was completed, immediately to build one himself. It may appear surprising, that, with no farther instruction than his own genius elicited, this task he accomplished in the course of the year 1768, and moulded every timber about her with his own hands. In this vessel he continued till 1773; and his navigation having been principally confined to St. George's Chaunel, every leisure moment was devoted to the survey of the different ports and roadsteds; and having claimed the attention of nautical men, by the accuracy of the delineation of some few charts, which were published, he was strongly solicited by Sir Richard Hotham to enter into the India Company's service, He accordingly, in the season 1773-4, proceeded to India as

Mr. Hud

Si

fourth

fourth mate of the York; in which voyage he made several useful surveys on the West Coast of Sumatra. He returned to England in October 1775; and, not fully determined to continue the service, he resumed the command of his own vessel, in which he was accustomed to make an annual voyage to America; and the remainder of the year was employed in the coaltrade. Being in London about this time, Mr. Sayer, the chart-seller, understanding that he had made surveys of the Sumatra Coast while in the York, wished to give them publicity; and, in consequence of there being no accurate chart of St. George's Channel, requested he would complete his survey of the same; which he accomplished, after indefatigable labour, in the course of the year 1777; and its accuracy has been acknowledged by the most distinguished naval characters.

In the following year, he was very earnestly requested by his former patron, Sir Richard Hotham, again to proceed to India, in a vessel built on the bottom of the Royal Captain, wrecked off Pelowar in Dec. 1773. He sailed from the Downs April 27th, 1778, in the Royal Admiral, as chief mate; but the captain dying at Portsmouth, he was appointed to the command, and made four voyages in her in a period of ten years; during which time, he was but twenty months in England. His time not particularly devoted to the duties of the ship while in India, was employed in the usual manner; and he completed a survey of the whole peninsula from Bombay to Coringo. His astronomical knowledge, from the eclipse of Jupiter's satellites, enabled him to ascertain the longitude of Bombay with more accuracy than any former Geographer. He quitted the India Company's service in 1788, and made surveys of the Western Islands of Scotland; and was appointed in 1790, by the Trinity House, in a survey of Hasbro' Gatt, for the purpose of placing the lights through that intricate navigation. In the year 1791, he was appointed an Elder Brother of that corporation, and also F. R. S. and few have had higher pretensions to these honourable distinctions; for to him (as may be collected from the preceding account) the science of Navigation owes many valuable discoveries and improvements, the result of much personal fatigue and expensive experiment: the world in general is likewise much indebted to him for many of the best Maps and Charts extant; and his knowledge of Mathematicks and Astronomy ranked him in the class, if not upon a level, with the first professors of those sciences. Of his skill in Mechanism he has left a monument in the machinery for the manufacture of cordage, unrivaled in this or any other Country (if we except

the steam-engine, the work of his friend and contemporary Mr. Watt, of Birmingham). His improvement originated as follows: In his first voyage to India, the York, in strong gales of wind on the coast of Sumatra, having parted her cables, and lost all her anchors but one, it forcibly struck his mind that some improvement might be made in the manufacture of cordage, to prevent a repetition of snch accidents; and, after experiencing great trouble, he invented a mode for the equal distribution of the strains upon the yarns; he took out a patent for the same, and erected machinery at Maryport, where his endeavours were crowned with complete success in the attainment of his object. The patent, however, lay dormant for some time, the rope-makers being averse to depart from their old manufacture; but, on being joined by some respectable friends concerned in shipping, the superiority of Capt. Huddart's patent being fully proved by repeated trials, he commenced once more rope-maker (though with great aver sion to entering into business). Capt. Huddart retired to Highbury-terrace, in plentiful, if not opulent circumstances, honourably acquired, secure in the esteem of those friends who were dear to him, and the high respect of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance; and closed a life of unwearied utility, after a lingering illness of many mouths, in Christian faith and hope, in the 75th year of his age. On the 27th of August, his mortal remains were deposited in a vault under St. Martin's Church in the Strand.-In his figure Capt. Huddart was tall and erect, his features were regular, and his countenance strongly indicative of those powers of mind for patient investigation and rational conclusion which he so eminently possessed, blended with an expression of placid benevolence equally characteristic of that amiable simplicity which so strongly endeared him to those who were incapable of appreciating his more scientific qualifications.-Capt. Huddart married in 1762, and had five sons, one of whom only survives, now residing in Highbury.place; he was formerly a merchant at Leghorn, and some time Pro-consul there. Williain died in the command of the York, at Macao; and Johuson in Italy, whither he went for the recovery of his health; the other two died in their infancy.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER, Esq.

July 23. Died, of a brain fever, at the house of his uncle at Rocky Hill, near Maidstone, Kent, William Alexander, esq. F. S. A. and L. S. He was born at Maidstone, April 10, 1767; where his father, Mr. Harry Alexander, followed the business of a coach-maker. lier years were passed

A few of his ear. at the Grammar

school

school of Maidstone, under the Rev. Thos. Cherry, since Head-Master of Merchant Taylors' School in London: but in 1782, at the age of fifteen, he quitted his native town for the Metropolis, where he was sent for instruction as an Artist.

He first studied drawing under Mr. William Parr, of Fountain-court in the Strand; was afterwards placed with Mr. Julius Ibbetson, a landscape-painter; and Feb. 27th, 1784, became a student at the Royal Academy.

In 1792, he was appointed Draughtsman of the Embassy to the Court of China; and accompanied the Earl of Macartney to Pekin: where he remained during the Journey to the Northern frontier. He returned with the other persons of the European suite in 1794; and in the following year married Miss Jane Wogan, a lady of a respectable family in Wales, whom he had the misfortune to lose within a short time after his marriage.

In 1802, he received an appointment as Professor of Drawing at the newly-formed Royal Military College at Great Marlow; which he quitted May 28, 1808, on being appointed Assistant-Keeper of the Department of Antiquities in the British Museum.

The Drawings which accompanied Sir George Staunton's Account of the Embassy to China, published in 1797, were almost exclusively from his pencil.

In 1798, he published four Plates of "Views of Headlands, Islands, &c. taken during the Voyage to China;" amounting to fifty-three in number: and in the same year completed the Drawings from Mr. Daniell's sketches, which illustrated Capt. Vancouver's Voyage to the North Pacific Ocean.

The productions of his pencil also ornamented Mr. Barrow's Travels in China, 4to, 1804; as well as that Gentleman's Voyage to Cochin China, published in the year 1806.

In 1805, Mr. Alexander published "The Costume of China illustrated in Fortyeight coloured Engravings," in quarto; accompanied by explanatory descriptions of Chinese Manners. This work was so well received by the publick, that he was encouraged to bring out another Volume on the same subject, comprising a similar quantity of plates and letter-press, which has been but recently published.

Three Volumes of Engravings from the Terra Cottas and Marbles in the British Museum were published in 1810, 1812, and 1815, by the Trustees: the Drawings of which were executed by Mr. Alexander; and the Descriptions written by Mr. Taylor Combe, the Keeper of the Department of Antiquities. Previous to his death, Mr. Alexander had completed the Draw ings for a fourth Volume.

He was a man of mild and unassuming manners; rich in the knowledge of Art and of unsullied integrity.

His remains were interred in the Churchyard of Boxley, near Maidstone, July 30, 1816.

A Portrait of Mr. Alexander was drawn by H. Edridge, and engraved by C. Picart, but was never published.

MR. THOMAS TOMKINS.

Sept. 5. Died, in Sermon-lane, Doctors" Commons, after a long and painful illness, which he bore to the last with exemplary fortitude, in his 74th year, Mr. Thomas Tomkins, the celebrated Penman. Of this gentleman's performances in ornamental writing, it is impossible to speak more highly than they deserve. Let it suffice to say, that for boldness of design, inexhaustible variety, and elegant freedom, he is justly considered as having attained the ne plus ultra of the art. Among his innumerable Works are the following: A transcript of the Charter granted by King Charles II. to the Irish Society, coutaining 150 folio pages. Titles to many splendid editions of valuable books; particularly Macklin's Bible; Thomson's Seasons; the Houghton Collection of Prints, &c. A Transcript of Lord Nelson's Letter announcing his Victory at the Battle of the Nile: this was engraved and published. Titles to three volumes of Manuscript Musick, presented to the King by Mr. Linley. Honorary Freedoms presented to the celebrated Generals and Admirals for their splendid Victories in all parts of the Globe during the last 40 years; framed duplicates of which may be seen in the Chamber of the City of London*. Addresses to their Majesties on many Public Occasions, particularly from the Royal Academy; duplicates of which were unanimously voted to be preserved in the Library, as choice specimens of ornamental penmanship. Mr. Tomkins was well known and highly respected by the most eminent British Painters, and possessed many choice specimens of their abilities, which had been mostly presented to him by the respective Artists.- Of Mr. Tomkins's character, benevolence appears to have been a prominent feature. Never man studied more the happiness of those with whom he was connected, or laboured more assiduously to promote it. His religious principles were strictly those of the Church of England; and with respect to Civil Government, the King had not a more dutiful subject, nor the Constitution a friend by whom it was more revered.-Mr. Tomkins was the Author of an elegant and in

*To these exquisite specimens of Caligraphy we have recently had occasion to allude; see p. 78.

structive

structive publication intituled "Rays of Genius, collected to enlighten the Rising Generation," in 2 vols. 8vo: see vol. LXXVII. p. 338. - A very fine Portrait of Mr. Tomkins was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the last, we believe, which that eminent Painter finished; from which there is a good Mezzotinto by Charles Turner. Another good Portrait of Mr. Tomkins, painted by G. Engleheart, and engraved by L. Schiavonetti, is prefixed to his "Rays of Genius."

MRS. MARIANNE VIAS.

In the month of March 1813, the Rev. Weeden Butler, lecturer of Brompton, published in this work (page 198), a very remarkable appeal to general commiseration, in behalf of two as remarkable characters, Mesdames Palairet and Vias, sisters. To that interesting appeal we confidently refer our readers. In May 1813, we printed for our friend his very handsome List of Subscribers, on pecuniary terms for which he expressed his acknow. ledgments and thanks. In April 1814, we inserted his account of Mrs. P.'s decease, in her 94th year.

We have now, with due repetition of respect, to record the casting off of mortality of the last of the Vias race: she never married, and at her time of very protracted existence we believe she could assert with the American Logan, that "no drop of kindred blood flowed in her veins."

Died at East Sheen Vale, near MortJake, on Friday afternoon, July 12, 1816, Mrs. Marianne Vias, in her 94th year. (She was born on Sunday December 16, 1722.) Latterly, the Rev. Edward Owen, minister of Mortlake, very humanely noticed the good old lady and her valuable servant; and from him Mr. B. received a letter, dated April 9, 1816, "My dear Sir, I have taken my pen this evening that you may not be without some tidings beyond that of the mere existing of our worthy friend, in whom you take so kind an interest; in which I trust I not a little participate, if I am any judge of my own feelings. I saw Mrs. Vias about a week back, and am most happy to assure you that she appeared surprisingly well, much more active and less deaf than I have known her to be for some time past: she is indeed a wonderful woman; and, as far as we can form any opinion of other people's hearts who scarcely know our own, she seems most enviably endued with the Christian virtues; the great and final reward of which is yet at some distance. Do not, I request, fail to apply to me at all times when you require my assistance for your friend. It gives me real pleasure to be so employed. Believe me to remain, dear Sir, very sincerely yours, E. O." GENT. MAG. September, 1816.

The next favour from Mr. Owen, dated June 4, 1816, conveys a very awful proof of the frailty of human nature.

"Dear Sir, I sit down to perform what I think a much more melancholy office than it would be, had I to inform you of the death of poor Mrs. V. Within a short time she has fallen into a most dreadfully desponding state; out of which I have as yet found it impracticable to raise her, and which is most truly distressing to all around her. Frances Disturnell seems quite broken-hearted about it. Mrs. Vias imagines, poor soul! that every thing she has done, and now does, is wrong; and that nothing can preserve her from future damnation. Whether this sad state of mind proceeds from weakness of body, or from any other cause, God only knows, and he can alone remove it. I am inclined to view it in the light of partial derangement. I thought it right not to allow you to remain ignorant of these circumstances; leaving you to exercise your own judgment as to the utility of paying her a visit.

In all probability you would have more weight with her than any other per son. I am, dear Sir, very faithfully, E. O."

yours,

The crisis of mortality, from various unequivocal symptoms, was evidently and rapidly approaching; and, on Friday, July 12, 1816, Mr. Owen assured his friend Mr. B. of the event:

"My dear Sir, I have just had Franees Disturnell with me. She came to communicate the tidings of the decease of Mrs. Vias, who departed this (latterly to her afflictive) life, at half-past five o'clock in this afternoon. Her end was perfectly calm; though, as her servant told me,' she had suffered very much for the last two days. This, I trust, was more apparently than in reality the case, as she had lain during that time quite insensible, neither taking food nor speaking. Frances Disturnell seems to be much affected by this event; which is not to be wondered at, considering the time she has lived with Mrs. Vias, and the many acts of kindness she has received from the departed. Time, however, (which, by bringing to her consideration the very faint prospect which remained to poor Mrs. Vias of enjoying any farther portion of this life, will prove to her that this is a merciful release,) cannot fail to reconcile her to the separation. I desired Frances Disturnell to inform me if I could be of any service to her: allow me also to say to yourself, that, if there is any point in which I can be instrumental in promoting your wishes, you will find no one more completely at your command E. O."

than

WILL OF MRS. VIAS. “I, Marianne Vias, by the grace of Go i