tigate into the condition of his ship the Romney when she left England, the repairs which she had undergone while absent, the necessity for these repairs, &c. A Report was prepared by the Navy Board, which became the subject of debate in the House of Commons. Sir Home endeavoured to see Earl St. Vincent, who declined the interview, and told him a copy of the Report would be transmitted to bim.

In 1802 Sir Home was returned for the Borough of Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight. But his own conduct was threatened with Parliamentary inquiry; the Hon. Charles, now Lord Kinnaird, gave notice of his intention to move for a Committee to inquire into the charges adduced in the Report of the Navy Board. An imprest was laid on his pay and half pay, and the charges respecting the expences of the Romney were to be laid before the Commissioners of Inquiry into Naval Abuses. A sudden change of Administration released him from his danger, and brought him into employment. Through the patronage of Lord Melville he was appointed to the command of the Antelope. He was afterwards appointed to the superintendence of a scheme for destroying a fleet by means never before heard of. The experiment was ludicrously termed the Catamaran Expedition; and two vessels were very effectually destroyed by it off Boulogne, in 1804. An attack on a larger scale was afterwards attempted at Fort Rouge, which disappointed pub lic expectation.

The Select Committee appointed to investigate the charges before mentioned, made two Reports, which wholly acquitted him. The next services which brought this enterprizing Officer before the public are sufficiently known to relieve us from the necessity of detailing them. His reputation, though clouded for a while by suspicions of mismanage. ment with regard to stores and repairs (we allude to his adventures in the river Plate, and their consequences), was happily cleared to the gratification of the public no less than himself. Sir Home lately accepted the command of the West India station. The appointment, in fact, is equal to a second acquittal in regard to the vast sums' which he was accused of having embezzled, under charges for repairs and storès; that command having been generally bestowed for the purpose of repairing the indigence which enterprizing Commanders might have incurred in the course of long services. We have little room for it, or we might specify more particularly some of the many advantages de

rived to the service from bis skill and zeal. The organization of Sea and River Fencibles has been mentioned already. His telegraphic improvements were no less conspicuous for professional ability and excellence. Perhaps Sir Home has not left one Officer behind of his own age who has seen more service, or been employed in more important affairs.

SIR EDMUND BACON, BARt.

Sept. 5. At Stratton, the seat of Robert Marsham, Esq. (in consequence of an injury he received in a fall from his carriage on Aug. 30), Sir Edmund Bacon, of Raveningham, in Norfolk, Premier Baronet of England. He was born in 1749; succeeded his uncle by the half blood in 1773; married, in 1778, Anne, daughter of Sir William Beauchamp Proctor, Bart.; and by her, who died in 1813, had issue two sons and two daughters; the eldest of whom, Edmund, born in 1779, succeeds to his titles and estates.

Sir Edmund's services in public, and his virtues in private life, will long be remembered with gratitude and veneration. Amongst those gentlemen who act in the execution of the Commission of the Peace, and who in that character gratuitiously devote a great portion of their time, and bestow much valuable labour in administering the laws of their country, he held a distinguished place, having been for many years an acting Magistrate for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, a most efficient Member of many of the Committees of the former county, and at the time of his death, Chairman of the Committee for superintending the Norfolk Lunatic Asylum. He was also one of his Majesty's Deputy' Lieutenants; and from the first of the incorporation of the Hundreds of Loddon and Clavering, he was a most useful director, and essentially contributed by his endeavours to the success of that establishment. But if any part of the discharge of various public duties were to be selected, more particularly entitling him to the grateful remembrance of posterity, it would be his unremitted exertions to improve the public roads of that part of the county in which he resided. It was one of his fixed opinions, that roads might be kept in a complete state of repair by the fair performance of the Statute duty, without the impost of tolls, and he practically evinced the truth of the opinion he had formed. In the attainment of this important object, he had to encounter the prejudices of the ignorant, and the complaints of the interested; but he steadily pursued his course, regardless of the unpopularity

which he thus excited, and at length had the gratification of making converts of his most decided opponents; and the gift to him of a valuable piece, of plate (purchased by public subscription), reflected equal credit on the donors and receiver.

Sir Edmund Bacon was a true and genuine Englishman, - he loved his country, and was a firm friend both to its civil and religious establishments; in his political attachments he was undeviating, but he was most tolerant towards all those from whom he differed in opinion. In private life he was the kind and affectionate parent, the steady and fervent friend, the liberal landlord, and the indulgent master. In short, the feelings of regard and attachment which he excited, and the high estimation in which he was universally held, can only be appreciated by the general concern felt and expressed for his death.

SIR HUGH INglis, Bart. Aug. 21. At his house, in Queen Anne street, London, Sir Hugh Inglis, Bart. of Milton Bryant, Bedfordshire, in the 77th year of his age. He went to the East Indies in 1762, and returned in 1775. Having been chosen a Director of the East India Company in 1784, he served deputy-chairman in 1796-7, and chairman in 1797-8; again deputychairman in 1799-1800, and chairman in 1800-1801; and was appointed Colonel of the 2d regiment of Royal East India Volunteers. In June 1801, he was created a Baronet; and in 1802, was elected M. P. for Ashburton. Sir Hugh Inglis was a man of singular excellence, and of uniform consistency of conduct in all the relations of life; of great gentleness of manners, disciplined and improved by many Christian graces. Few men enjoyed better opportunities, and none were more industrious, to rescue useful talent from the shade of indigence, and to assist its meritorious progress in the world. His loss is severely felt by his family, and scarcely less so by an extensive circle of old and attached friends; some of whom have witnessed his upright and honourable principles, and duly appreciated their value, through all the transactions of his life. His remains were deposited in the family vault, at Milton Bryant. On this solemn occasion the impressive looks of the humble cottagers, accompanied with many tears, and indeed those of all descriptions of people assembled from Milton and the neighbouring parishes, gave interesting proofs, that the unassuming benevolence of this good man and truly pious Christian had

long maintained a powerful ascendancy over the best affections of their hearts,

SAMUEL PIPE WOLFERSTAN, ESQ. Of those whose names have been in a degree perpetuated by a brief transcript of their characters in these pages, few have left the world more uniformly respected, and more deeply regretted, than the subject of this short memorial; whose death we announced in our last Part, p. 567. If we were, in a single word, to attempt a delineation of his principles and conduct through life, we should say that Mr. Wolferstan was, as far as a human being can claim the hallowed appellation-Truth itself. From Truth, complete, strict, severe Truth, he never deviated; and even in his favourite studies and amusements, the investigation of Truth was his object. He was born at Tamworth, Feb. 5, 1750-1, and received the earliest part of his education from the Rev. Simon Collins of the freeschool in that place, of whom he never spoke but in terms of veneration and respect. He was afterwards removed to Newington Green, to the school of Mr. James Burgh, author of "The Dignity of Human Nature," and other works; partly because his father was pleased with Mr. Burgh's writings, and partly because the sons of a neighbouring gentleman were sent there. On Mr. Burgh's endearing affection towards him he always dwelt with peculiar pleasure: it was, no doubt, the reward of those pure morals, accompanied by a persevering fondness for study, which marked his character from its earliest years. Symptoms of consumption rendering parental care necessary, he was (after how long a residence at Newington Green is not known) brought home to Walton-uponTrent, where his father, as Rector, then resided. There the late celebrated Dr. Darwin attended him; and by his simple prescription of a milk and vegetable diet, with daily exercise on horseback, restored him to perfect health, and laid the foundation of that vigorous constitution, which, seconded by his own habitual temperance, promised a much longer continuance on earth: for, though in general Nature seems to have performed her perfect work when she has. brought a human being to the verge of seventy years, he was still so hale, so active-his mind still so energetic, su awake to all that had ever occupied and pleased it, that those to whom he was endeared had promised themselves many added years of happiness with him; but that God, in whose hands are the issues of death as well as of life, in his inscrutable wisdom decreed otherwise.

Mr:

Mr. Wolferstan has often been heard to say, that it was during the rides advised by his Physician, that he learned to quit the beaten track, and explore new and untried paths in search of picturesque beauties—a taste to which he was indebted for much of the happiness of his life. The Spring, in that period of it when the swollen buds are but half expanded, and the trees only clothed in part, enable the eye to range over a wide extent of country, was to him the season of delight. He loved to ramble, unfettered by attention to accustomed meals, which were ever a secondary object with him; and, as he expressed himself, would "carol as he went." Nor was it simply the beauties of Nature that at such seasons he explored. In this, as in every thing, the pursuit of Truth was still in view. Perhaps no one was ever a more correct Topographer; and his Map, whether in a near or distant excursion, was always consulted and corrected.

After the recovery of his health, he was entered of Pembroke College, Oxford, which he quitted for chambers in the Temple; and was called to the Bar; but soon after, succeeding to the estate of his maternal grandfather, whose name he then took, he gave up the profession of the Law, and resided wholly at Statfold.

He has been heard to say, that, from the accidental purchase of a small Edition of Stowe's Chronicle of a poor man at Orton, where au old and valued friend, Mr. Perkins, resided, his taste for Antiquarian research was first excited. In this, as in every thing that engaged his attention, he rested not till he had made himself, as far as it is possible for the mind so to do, master of his subject; and what he has achieved in this particular branch of study, which may be called the Science of Truth, so long as men shall live who find pleasure in the same investigations, will never die. Not wholly absorbed in this his darling pursuit, he sometimes turned to Classical Literature; and not many, perhaps, have been more familiar with the writers of Greece and Rome. Few could boast a truer taste for the beauties of real Poetry, much of which was treasured in his memory, without effort, and almost without design. Gray held a high rank in his estimation, especially his exquisite "Elegy ;" and, among more recent Publications, Graham's "Sabbath" was read with continual and increasing delight. But, above all, that Book, his converse with which can now alone avail to himself, or yield consolation to his surviving friends, was never neglected. Of his

deep-rooted and fervent piety no one indeed could doubt, who had ever heard him read, as was his custom, daily Prayers in his family. Even the reverence with which he pronounced his short Gruce, proved that his was a Religion of the heart as well as lips. In the strictest sense he obeyed the sublime injunctions of the Prophet:—he "did justly, he loved mercy, he walked humbly with his God." His hand was as open to relieve, as his heart was to compassionate distress in every form. His pity was extended to animals-to insects-to all that lived, and was capable of feeling. He was indeed, if it be possible, too much alive to pity; for the relation of sufferings, which he could not mitigate would prey upon his mind in a degree that induced those anxious for his comfort to withhold from him, as far as was in their power, whatever had a tendency to shock the feelings.-Deeply interested in the Abolition of the Slave Trade, he gave the subject, as he did every other in which benevolence was concerned, his support in every way. His private charities were numerous and silent: he could not indeed be ostentatious, because be considered that in every good deed he was but performing a common and necessary duty. In his Antiquarian researches he discovered a distant relation whom he had known only by name, and supposed to have been dead. She was poor, and old, and childish. He supported the unconscious sufferer while she lived, bestowing every comfort that in her state she could receive, and at her death consigned her to the grave respectably. Two valued old servants, at different periods, resided as members of his family and partakers of every mark of kindness and care, till, at the age of 80, each breathed her last under his roof.-Extremely patient of every bodily pain himself, he was never unmoved by that of others, and would watch over the slightest ailment in those he loved with the tenderest solicitude. Nor was his care confined to them. His poor neighbours had often the best medical advice through his means; and his servants were never more certain of reproof than when they concealed their illness, and neglected to apply for advice. To his domestics he was indeed as a parent, and several bave numbered more than 20 years in his service.-To those who love to trace the influence of the benign affections on minds of superior endowments, it would have been delightful to watch his countenance while at play with his little grandchild, or to see how completely he could divest himself of the gravest studies to give her pleasure.

pleasure. As a friend, he was sincere and unchangeable; and, once thoroughly known, ever after revered.

The following Extracts will show in what estimation he was held by those possessing his friendship; they are part of what was written to his afflicted family during the recent anguish of their loss. The first is from a female friend: nor am I untouched and unconcerned. In the death of Mr. Wolferstan I have lost an old, a tried, and most valued friend,-the friend of my family my father's friend! Looking back on our long intimacy, I see it marked only by good offices, kind thoughts, kind actions; by continued partiality and unwavering esteem esteem which, from a man of his excellent character, it was a gratification to possess, and an honour to maintain."

*

A coincidence of circumstances added not a little poignancy to your mournful communication; having just taken up, for the first time, a late Publication*, I was in the act of cutting the leaves, and of attending con amore to those interesting additions penned with all the wonted accuracy, and sanctioned by the well-known and respected initials of S. P. W.-Judge, then, of my feelings, on being suddenly and but too well assured, that the pen so long and so anxiously devoted to Truth had already dropped from the writer's hand, and,

*The Rev. Thomas Harwood's Edition of Erdeswick's Survey of Stafford ́shire (reviewed in our present Number, p. 236), in the Preface to which is this tribute of respect to Mr. Wolferstan, which he lived not to read: "The Copy in the possession of Samuel Pipe-Wolferstan, Esq. is probably a transcript from the last draught of Erdeswick himself, and is enriched with numerous elaborate notes by this eminent Antiquary, who may be called, in the language of Burton, applied to Erdeswick himself, singularis et unice colendus vir literatissimus et ornatissimus.""

1

alas! that my good and worthy friend Mr. Wolferstan was even then no more!"

Mr. Wolferstan was seized with shiverings at Church, during the Sacrament on Sunday, May 21; but, in the fear of exciting alarm in those most dear to him, concealed the threatening symptom at the time. In the evening of that day his fatal illness (apparently an inflammatory one, followed by low fever) began; and only 13 days after, on Saturday, June 3, his pure spirit left its earthly abode.

Mr. Wolferstan was son of the Rev. Samuel Pipe and Dorothy, eldest daughter of Stanford Wolferstan, by Sarah, daughter of Sir Edward Littleton, Bart. -He was twice married; first, to Margaret, daughter of Walter Biddulph (by whom he had issue Margaret, wife of Charles Salt, esq.; and Stanley, married to Elizabeth Jervis, daughter of Swynfen Jervis): and secondly, to Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Jervis, who survives him.

A copious Pedigree of the family of Wolferstan, characteristic of the minute accuracy of its Compiler, may be found in Shaw's History of Staffordshire, vol. I. p. 416. In the progress of that History bis valuable assistance was frequently given to Mr. Shaw; as it had previously been, in an eminent degree, to Mr. Nichols, whose History of Leicestershire bears many marks of the accurate communications of Mr. Wolferstan.

THOMAS PECKHAM PHIPPS, Esq. May 27. At his seat at Little Green, Sussex, Thomas Peckham Phipps, esq. having completed his 70th year on the 2nd of the preceding month. Mr. Phipps received his education at Eton, and at Trinity College, Cambridge: at these Seminaries he contracted with several distinguished individuals, friendships which were of a character to be dis

solved only by death, and there he acquired that taste for letters and useful knowledge which adorned his blameless and beneficent life. After quitting the University, he devoted himself to his family and neighbours, from whom he seldom, and only for short intervals, suffered himself to be separated. Averse from the distractions and agitations of public life, he declined every pursuit that might have led him to civic distinctions. In 1814, he was nominated High Sheriff of the County of Sussex. He looked forward to this appointment, while in prospect, with great apprehension, and did what he could to be excused; but to escape was impossible, and he went through the duties of the

He wished to be the guardian, not the king,

Tyrant far less, or traitor of the field: And sure the sylvan reign unbloody joy might yield."

To him it was a source of pure and unmixed delight. He had an exquisite relish for the beauties of the landscape scenery that surrounded him. No man more enjoyed, or better understood these beauties than he did, and his taste was conspicuously shown in the disposition of the grounds in the immediate vicinity of his house.

The writer of this article does not know whether he devoted much of his time to literary composition. His epistolary style was distinguished for purity and ease, and his familiar letters were the genuine transcript of an elegant and cultivated mind. His manners were those of the best-bred men of the last age, an age which did not value itself on a real or affected disregard of the accommodations and feelings of others: on the contrary, he entered with a genuine and entire sympathy into the wishes of every one with whom he conversed. The principles on which his behaviour to others was founded, may be understood from this, that it was usual for him to bestow the most delicate and assiduous attentions to those who almost subsisted by his bounty. If such was his kindness in trifles, it will be readily believed that the larger scale of his benevolence was limited only by the ample means and opportunities which he enjoyed of doing good. "When the ear heard him, then it blessed him, and and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish, came upon him; and he caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.. He was eyes to the blind, and feet was he to the lame. He was a father to the poor; and the cause which he knew not, he searched out." He was sincerely and zealously attached to the doctrines and discipline of the Church of England. His piety was fer

vent and habitual, and his resignation under the infirmities which he suffered in his latter years most exemplary. Through life he was universally beloved and honoured, and his memory will long be embalmed in the tears of relatives, friends, servants, dependants, and numberless individuals to whose prosperity he contributed, or whose distress he relieved.

JAMES FERGUSON, ESQ.

Sept. 6. In St. James's Place, James Ferguson, Esq. of Pitfour, M. P. for Aberdeenshire, in his 85th year. He had been engaged in writing his letters, as usual, till within a few minutes of his without a struggle. It was caused by death, which was instantaneous, and apoplexy.-Mr. Ferguson, though the steady supporter of Administration, was most independent in his principles. Through the whole course of his Parliamentary service, he never solicited from Ministers, nor received, either for himself or for any of his relations, the most trifling favour. He was an excellent landlord. For forty years he never moved a tenant nor raised a rent. His great anxiety was to improve the state of the country in his neighbourhood; and he spared no expence in this patriotic labour. He cut a canal, eight miles in length, for the benefit of his tenants; and he left that a garden, which, when he came to his estate, was almost a desart.

PHILIP CIPRIANI, ESQ.

Sept. 17. In Harley-street, Philip Cipriani, Esq. one of the Chief Clerks in the Treasury. He was the eldest son of the celebrated Artist, whose works are characterized by grace, elegance, and beauty. They were the favourite subjects for the graver of his friend Bartollozzi, who derived a great share of his well-merited estimation from the admirable skill with which he copied the beautiful originals. The gentleman who has just paid the awful debt of nature possessed an hereditary taste for the fine arts, as well as for musical excellence. He was a skilful performer on the flute, and his private concerts were admirable treats for his friends. But he was better characterized by worth, knowledge, and good sense, than by accomplishments. His manners were kind, conciliating, and marked by an easy and unaffected frankness. His health had long been declining, and he was subject to the gout, which debilitated his frame, and at length brought him to the grave, though not far beyond the meridian of life.

DEATHS.