Hament being assembled, he addressed them in a speech, of which the following is an extract. It is strongly expressive of a dignified character, and of a truly patriotic king: "Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Briton, and the peculiar happiness of my life will ever consist in promoting the welfare of a people, whose loyalty and warm affection to me I consider as the greatest and most permanent security of my throne; and I doubt not, but their steadiness in these principles will equal the firmness of my invariable resolution, to adhere to and strengthen this excellent constitution in Church and State, and to maintain the TOLERATION inviolable. The civil and religious rights of my loving subjects are equally dear to me with the most valuable prerogatives of my crown; and as the surest foundation of the whole, and the best means to draw down the Divine favour on my reign, it is my fixed purpose to countenance and encourage the practice of true religion and virtue." The sentiments contained in this speech are worthy of being held up as a mirror to princes on their inauguration, and of being transmitted to posterity with the name of George the Third. The manner in which this address was delivered, excited at the time the warmest admiration. QUIN, the celebrated actor, who had given to the young Prince some private lessons on elocution, was so enraptured on the occasion, that in a burst of enthusiasm he exclaimed, "It was I who taught the boy to read." Nor were the expressions of His Majesty the mere effusions of a mind melted into ostentatious benevolence, on the moment of his exaltation to the highest pinnacle of earthly glory; the sentiments which he delivered flowed from the noble principles which he had imbibed in his early years,-which had taken deep root in his mind,-and to which he invariably adhered during his long and eventful reign. Among the earliest of his public acts, he magnanimously made two voluntary sacrifices, which to a monarch are of no mean importance. The hereditary revenue was nobly given up to Parliament; and the tenure of the judge's office was made independent of the crown. Of this latter act Sir William Blackstone speaks as follows. "By the noble improvements of the law in the statute of 1 George III. c. 23, enacted at the earnest recommendation of the King himself from the throne, the judges are continued in their offices during their good behaviour, notwithstanding any demise of the crown, (which was formerly held immediately to vacate their seats,) and their full salaries are absolutely secured to them during the continuance of their commission: His Majesty having been pleased to declare, that he looked upon the independence and uprightness of the judges as essential to the impartial administration of justice, as one of the best securities of the rights and liberties of his subjects, and as most conducive to the honour of the crown." It was not long after His Majesty's coronation, that some clerical sycophant, thinking to ingratiate himself with his monarch, before whom he had the honour of preaching, regardless of his own sacred function, and ignorant of His Majesty's sterling character, took an occasion to fill his discourse with such fulsome adulation, that many who heard him were much disgusted. The King felt the insult, and took an occasion to express his disapprobation. He gave the clergyman to understand, "that when he went to church it was with a design to hear the praises of the Almighty, and not his own," forbidding in future any such disgusting and parasitical preaching. At the time of his coronation, when he was about to receive the sacrament from the hands of the Archbishop, he inquired if it were proper for him to receive such a solemn ordinance with the crown on his head? The archbishop hesitated. This the king perceived; and to put an end to a dubious question, immediately took off his crown and placed it by his side, while he considered himself as more immediately appearing in the presence of the King of kings, and Lord of lords. On the same night, when retiring to rest, he composed a solemn prayer to God, imploring his blessing on his future reign. This was discovered on his table the next morning. On the 8th of July, 1761, His Majesty announced to the Privy Council his intentions to marry. By his calm and manly advisers, Her late Majesty was approved as the object of his choice, and as calculated to secure the national prosperity. In the following | tality, nor from those accidents which month their nuptials were solemnized, are unhappily too often the lot of and on the 22d of the following Sep-kings. In the month of August 1786, tember, their Majesties were crowned together. Their union was long and happy; exhibiting to the base and profligate, in every station of life, a bright example of connubial virtue. About six months after His Majesty's accession, when the Parliament was dissolved, instead of using any secret endeavours to procure in the ensuing election a return of members whose sentiments were favourable to the measures of Government, it has been generally understood, that he gave particular orders, that no money should be expended to procure an unconstitutional return; observing at the same time, that he would be tried by his country." Lord North was therefore justifiable in his expression when he said " The king would live on bread and water, to preserve the constitution of his country. He would sacrifice his life, to maintain it inviolate." as his Majesty was alighting from his carriage, a poor woman, named Margaret Nicholson, approached him, and under pretence of presenting a petition, attempted to assassinate him with a knife. The weapon, however, being blunt and weak, did him no injury. The woman was instantly secured; and on examination being found insane, was committed to confinement, and provided for during life. On the 29th of October 1795, His Majesty proceeding to open the session of Parliament, observed a vast concourse of people assembled in the Park. At first, a sullen silence prevailed among them, and this was succeeded by groans and hissings, accompanied with "No war, no king, give us bread!" On passing the office of ordnance, a small bullet entered the glass on one side of the carriage, and went out at the other, where the window was down. From what source this proceeded, was never known with certainty, as no report was heard ; but through the watchful care of Providence, His Majesty and all who were with him escaped unhurt. Nor was the attachment of His late Majesty to the religious principles -established in this country, less ardent than his regard for the civil constitution. The solemn oath which he took at his coronation, made an impression on his mind, which the doctrine of ex- On returning home, they found the pediency, and the intrigues of party, mob considerably increased. The were never able to efface. It has been coach was assailed with stones, which recorded, to his immortal honour, that, broke the glasses in pieces, and seamidst all the exertions which have veral of them struck the King, but did been used to promote the "Catholic him no serious harm. He bore the Claims," and to give to the ecclesias- insult with patient fortitude; and on tical system of the Papal See, an taking from the cuff of his coat a stone approximation towards Protestantism, that had lodged there, His Majesty if not towards the British throne, the gave it to the Earl of Onslow, who was resistance of His Majesty has been with him, saying, "I make you a preuniform and invincible. On one occa-sent of this, as a mark of the civilities sion, when pressed by Lord Grenville we have met with on our journey toto favour the Catholic Bill, he is said day." to have returned the following dignified and sententious answer.-" "My Lord, I am one of those who respect an oath. I have firmness enough to quit my throne, and retire to a cottage, or to place my head on a block, if my people require it; but I have not resolution to break that oath which I took in the most solemn månner at my coronation." But whatever firmness His late Majesty might have manifested on these momentous occasions, neither his firmness, his patriotism, his station, nor his public and private virtues, could shield him from the common afflictions which are attendant upon mor In the month of May, 1800, another attempt was made to assassinate His Majesty in the theatre, by James Hadfield, who, on examination, was proved, like Margaret Nicholson, to be a maniac. Scarcely had the King entered the royal box, when Hadfield, who was in the pit, presented a pistol, which he cocked, and immediately levelled at him. A gentleman who sat near him, on perceiving his apparent intention, attempted to seize his arm, as he was in the act of pulling the trigger; by which means the muzzle of the pistol became somewhat elevated, and the contents which were dis charged, entered the Royal box, with- | order had undergone no sensible alteration; that his bodily health had partaken of some of the infirmities of age, but had in general been good during the last month." out producing any other mischief than that which resulted from the agitation, confusion, and tumult, which the alarming incident occasioned. But while a watchful Providence protected His Majesty from the bullet and the knife, an afflictive malady from the greater Arbiter of life and death, began to make inroads on his mental faculties. The first symptom of this distressing visitation appeared suddenly in 1788; but from this attack His Majesty obtained considerable relief. In 1810 the complaint returned again, with more confirmed violence; and although many lucid intervals appeared, his mental sun had suffered an eclipse, in which it finally sunk beneath the horizon of this mortal state. In the summer of 1814, His Majesty having a lucid interval, the Queen was instantly made acquainted with it, and hastened to his apartment. On entering the room, she found him singing a hymn. When this was finished, he knelt down, and solemnly prayed aloud for Her Majesty, the Royal Family, and the Nation, concluding with a petition, that God would be pleased to remove the heavy calamity from himself, with which he knew he was afflicted; or if not, that he might be resigned to the Divine will. Having proceeded thus far, he burst into tears, and his reason again departed. As His Majesty advanced in years, his awful malady became more and more confirmed, his lucid intervals appearing less frequent, and of shorter continuance. During the latter years of his life, his residence was at Windsor, where, secluded from all society, except some branches of the Royal household, his medical attendants, and the necessary appendages in waiting, he spent his time in unconscious retirement, till death released him from his sufferings, and called him to the abodes of immortality. Although the long indisposition of His late Majesty had concealed him from public observation, his character, and his melancholy condition, had engraven his name too deeply on the memory of the people, to cause him to be either neglected or forgotten. Bulletins of his health were regularly published by his physicians, and these invariably excited a lively interest. The last, which was dated January 1, 1820, states, that" His Majesty's dis It was not till several days after the preceding bulletin was published, that any alarming symptoms of his Majesty's dissolution appeared. But his disorder at length returned with a degree of violence which defied the utmost skill of his physicians, and made formidable inroads on his once vigorous constitution. Through the increase of his affliction, and his refusing to take any animal food, he was reduced to a mere skeleton before his departure. It was not, however, until within two days of his death that he kept his bed entirely, though for some time he had not risen at his accustomed early hour. On the night of Friday, the symptoms of danger became so alarming, that Sir Henry Halford came express to the Duke of York, with whom he had an audience very early on Saturday morning, in consequence of which, his Royal Highness immediately hastened to Windsor. At ten o'clock, His Majesty's medical attendants and Lords in waiting, seemed assured that he would not be able to survive the day. As the evening approached, he gradually became weaker and weaker, until about thirty-five minutes past eight o'clock, January 29, 1820, when, without a struggle or a groan, His Majesty breathed his last. The intelligence of this melancholy event was soon communicated to the Prince Regent, to the other branches of the Royal Family, and the Ministers of State. The information soon spread through the metropolis and through the country, and although it was an event which, from the age and infirmities of our venerable Monarch, the nation had long been prepared to expect, it was received with such a universal burst of sorrow as might have been supposed, if no such presages had been given. It will not be in our power in this sketch, to enter into a minute detail of the funeral solemnities of His late Majesty. This must be reserved for the Memoir which is now publishing. His mortal remains lay in state at Windsor Castle during two days; namely, on Tuesday from eleven o'clock in the morning until four in monarch, who had so long been the Father and the Friend of his People. This truly patriotic King, whose mortal remains were thus consigned to the depositories of death, still continues to live in the affections of his numerous and loyal subjects. He has bequeathed to his successors, a noble evidence of the security of a throne; and the art of acquiring, possessing, and retaining the gratitude, homage, and affection of a nation. It was the lot of His late Majesty to rise in honour, as he sunk in infirmity and advanced in years. This was evinced when his exit was announced; for even under the conviction that death would release him from his sufferings, all the gradations of society mourned his departure, as though he had been cut off in the bloom of life; and the sighs of an afflicted empire seemed to accompany his disembodied spirit to the regions of immortality. the afternoon, and on Wednesday | a farewell tear over the grave of a from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon, during which time the spectators were almost innumerable. The necessary preparations being made, accompanied with all the insignia attendant upon departed royalty, the grand procession, on a signal being given, began slowly to move towards the place of interment. At nine o'clock on the 16th of February, 1820, the symphony to the dead march in Saul, reverberated as from a distance, through the Castle walls. After a short interval, the trumpets sounded the same symphony. The minute guns joined in the mournful sound, and the band of the Coldstream regiment struck up the dead march. This was repeated several times before the coffin came into the lower yard. At length it burst upon the public view, as it passed along the dense line of spectators; and the solemnity which it occasioned, produced a most grand and memorable effect. Every person, as the corpse approached, instantly became uncovered, and remained so for some time, as the last tribute of respect that could be paid to a Sovereign, who, when alive, had been so much beloved. The procession having reached St. George's Chapel, and the necessary arrangements being made, the Dean of Windsor, assisted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, commenced the service, which, with some anthems, and additional petitions, was that of the Church of England, which is used on common occasions. It is impossible to describe the peculiar sensations which the throwing of dust upon the coffin occasioned, as, apparently without hands, it gradually disappeared. After the service was ended, thousands of persons were admitted into the chapel to behold the magnificence with which the body lay entombed. The ceremony was far more splendid than any British subject, perhaps now living, had ever witnessed in this country. It was not merely accompanied with those appendages of pomp which regularly attend the obsequies of departed monarchs, but it was rendered truly sublime by the voluntary and heartfelt homage of countless thousands, who had thronged to the interment, not merely to gratify the curiosity which an exhibition so magnificent must always excite, but to shed MEMOIR OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS [Concluded from col. 198.] It has been already stated, that the regulations introduced by his Royal Highness, operated as a formidable attack on his revenue. The fees of his predecessors had varied from 10 to 20,000l. per annum, while his were reduced within a sixth part of this sum. Being aware of this, he had, prior to his departure from England, some communications with Lord Sidmouth, from whom he received a full assurance that he should be no loser by the sacrifice he might make for the good of his country. Whether his Lordship's memory was not retentive, or what other causes intervened, we know not; but facts seem to have proved that these promises were never accomplished. When Mr. Pitt returned into of fice, his Royal Highness revived his claims, and again received the most unqualified assurances, that all the promises which had been held out in 1800, should be fulfilled. In 1805, being pressed with his creditors, the application was again repeated, and this was met by a renewal of those promises which had begun to diminish in value. Mr. Pitt, however, continued to promise until he died; when the hopes of his Royal Highness from this quarter being cut off, he applied, through Lord Liverpool, to his Royal | death, was an inflammation in the Brother, the Prince Regent, and was lungs, too violent to be counteracted finally answered, with his " sincere by any medical aid. About ten days regret, that it was not in his power to prior to his death, he had taken a walk afford the relief solicited." Being with Captain Conroy, in which his thus repulsed, he finally applied to boots were completely soaked with Parliament, for leave to dispose of his wet. On his return, he was advised seat at Castle Hill, near Ealing, by to change them and his stockings, but lottery; but this application also prov-being possessed of a vigorous constied unsuccessful. In August 1816, his Royal Highness removed to the continent. Here he continued, residing chiefly at Brussels, until May 1818, when he was married at Coburg, according to the Lutheran rites, to her Serene Highness Victoria Maria Louisa, now his disconsolate widow, youngest daughter of the reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg, widow of the Prince Leineugen, and sister of our much-beloved and highly-esteemed Prince Leopold. Shortly after the solemnization of their nuptials, the Royal Pair arrived in England, where they were re-married at Kew Palace, according to the rites of the English church, on the 11th of July, 1818. Resolving to persevere in that economical plan, which, prior to his marriage, had led him to the continent, the Duke and his Royal Bride, after residing a few weeks in this country, repaired to Amorbach, the residence of the Duke of Leineugen, which the Duchess, who was left by her late husband guardian of her son, a minor, and regent of the principality during his minority, had occupied during that period. During their residence at this palace, her Royal Highness proving pregnant, it was mutually agreed between herself and her illustrious husband, that the child should draw its first breath on English ground. Under this impression, they again repaired to England, where she was delivered of a daughter at Kensington Palace, on May 24th, 1819. The name of this infant Princess is Alexandrina Victoria. Not many weeks previous to his decease, his Royal Highness took his Duchess and their lovely infant into Devonshire, that they might enjoy a milder climate, and more salubrious air than the metropolis could afford. The place of their residence was at Woolbrook Cottage, in the environs of Sidmouth. The complaint of his Royal Highness, which has terminated in his tution, he disregarded the admonition, and continued playing with his lovely infant, until he prepared for dinner. As night approached, he felt a sensation of cold, accompanied with hoarseness, for which Dr. Wilson prescribed a draught, composed of calomel and Dr. James's Powders. But this also was disregarded; his Royal Highness, relying on the strength of his constitution, concluded that a night's repose would restore his wonted health. Unhappily, however, in the morning the symptoms of fever were increased, and although he lost 120 ounces of blood, the malady continued to grow more and more alarming, until the morning of Sunday, January 23, 1820, about ten o'clock, when he breathed his last. As the disorder increased, he seemed sensible of his approaching dissolution; and, when it was too late, manifested his regret for not attending to the seasonable advice of Dr. Wilson. Towards the closing scene, he would take nothing from any other hand, but that of his Royal consort, who watched over him with true conjugal solicitude, and for whom he was heard to pray in his last moments. As to himself, he continually repeated, "I am resigned;" "I am resigned." The intelligence of this melancholy event was immediately transmitted to London, and communicated to the Royal Family. It was not long before it became public in the metropolis, and obtained circulation through every part of the united kingdom. Prince Leopold, on hearing of his indisposition, hastened, in company with Dr. Stockmar, to Woolbrook, which they reached about two o'clock on the day preceding his death, and continued with his Royal Highness to the last. His mortal remains lay in state for a short time at Woolbrook Cottage, previous to their removal to Windsor. His body was embalmed on the Wednesday preceding his in terment, which took place on Saturday night, February 12, 1820, in the Royal vault at Windsor. |