66 phors are such as we scarcely ever met afore, yet when THE EDINBURGH DRAMA. We have nothing to record this week but two disap his last appearance in Pantomime, to be succeeded this evening by Mr Keeley, as Geoffrey Chitterlings, afterwards Harlequin fat," which we feel assured must be an improvement, and will, with the consequent alterations, very probably turn the scale in favour of Covent Garden. The Drury Lane drollery we have already stated to be a direct plagiarism. Its opening scenes are, or, perhaps we should say, were, certainly a little better, because they are rather less unintelligible, and far more humorous, than those of its rival. The loves of the immortal “Black-pointments: 1st, That Mr Jones's indisposition has preeyed Susan" and her "sweet William" are very cleverly and laughably burlesqued; though, for the soul of us, we cannot understand the joke of having two Columbines, and are decidedly of opinion that Harlequin in the person of Mr Howell is liable to an indictment for bigamy! The tricks are not only stupid, but they are also very antique, as well as "few and far between," and the scenery only can we eulogise, and even this not without some drawback. Stanfield's Diorama of the Military Pass of the Simplon," is the perfection of the scenic art, and can be duly appreciated by visual demonstration only. The "Boromean Islands" are, however, a most "lame and impotent conclusion," utterly ineffective and inadequate as a finale to so unrivalled a display; and, with an earnest recommendation to all our friends to verify these conscientious criticisms, by visiting both Theatres for themselves, here terminate our remarks upon them. 66 vented his appearance; and, 2d, That Miss Jarman's leave of absence was extended till Monday next. The performances in consequence have been dull enough. Deprived of Miss Jarman and Jones, the manager has to trust principally to opera, and opera can scarcely be expected to succeed with a first male singer who sings about as feelingly as a wooden clock. The manager should never have trusted to opera at all, and if he did, he should never have chosen his company from the Caledonian Theatre. He thought, no doubt, to be supported by those who puffed that establishment to the skies; but their support has turned out not to be worth much, simply because their judgment had been in fault all along, and the moment their favourites were brought before a more enlightened audience, they sunk into their proper place. The consequence is, that the present company is destined to fall to pieces before a season elapse. We speak a prophecy; let our readers recollect it when it' The Adelphi has this season' the universally admitted is fulfilled. Green has already given in his resignation, and merit of producing the best Pantomime of the year, under is about to enlist under the banners of Madame Vestris the taking title of "Grimalkin the Great, or Harlequin in London. Waldron's name has disappeared from the and the King of the Cats;" of which Mr Buckstone is bills; whether he be still on the establishment or not, the author, and much wit, fun, and drollery, has he con- we are ignorant. Neither Mrs nor Miss Turpin have trived to mingle with its catastrophe. "The Devil's made a hit, and will not remain, or, at all events, will Ducat," a new diableri, by Jerrold, has also been at- not return. When Horncastle sings, he is often rewarded tracting here for some weeks past; and Mathews is pre- with any thing rather than applause, so he will of course paring himself to appear in some new characters, which take his departure. Though Edmunds has a voice that promise, well, and will, we hope, perform so likewise. Of a good deal might have been made of, his style is far too the other minor Harlequinades we can tell nothing but vulgar for our boards. Miss Horncastle will evanish the names, since their scenes are all unseen by us yet. without being missed; and thus, of all our novelties, not The Surrey has " The New-Year's Gift, or Harlequin one will be left but Mrs Pettingall, who, if she makes it Jack of Newbury;" and the Coburg boasts "Harlequin's a rule never to take the pet on the stage, as we saw her Silver Penny, or the Old Woman in the Bottle!" The do one night, is pretty sure of becoming a favourite. Pavilion delights with "Harlequin and Tom Titler," But the poor manager has all his work to do over again; and Sadler's Wells has revived" Mother Goose." Such are he has new people to engage, and new efforts to make. our metropolitan attractions for little misses and masters We cannot help it. Such is the lot of managers until home for the holidays of 1830-31. In addition to which, they bring together a company that pleases the judicious Madame Vestris opens her Olympic Theatre this evening, few who guide the public. aided by Miss Foote and Mrs Glover, for a few nights, when, after an introductory address by Madame herself, we are to have "Mary Queen of Scots," Mary by Miss Foote," Olympic Revels,” and “Clarissa Harlowe,” all warranted new, and certain to be attractive. Old Cerberus. LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES. The Provincial Drama is, we much fear, in most places, at a discount; though the following verbatim et literalim extract from a Brighton play-bill of Monday last, will amply prove that this is from no lack of effort on the part of the managers. "The first night of the Grecian Daughter, now playing nightly in London, with unbounded applause! This celebrated tragedy is remarkable for being the only one from the pen of probably the greatest writer of comedy of his age. After having won the palm from smiling Thalia, he wooed the sombre goddess Melpomene, and, dripping with tears, she granted him the splendid wreath. The remarkable fact of a daughter preserving her starving father by the last act of filial piety, is well known, occurred during the reign of the elder Dionysius, remained unnoticed by dramatists until the master mind of Murphy snatched the jewel from oblivion, polished, and gave it to the world. It is not extraordinary that a work should be at this day extremely attractive and popular in London, which one of the best writers has left as the corner-stone of his monument!!!" There are trope, figure, and metaphor for you, A Popular Sketch of the History of Poland, by Mr W. J. Thoms, as plenty as noun-substantives; and though the meta-editor of the Early Prose Romances, is announced. DESTINY, or the Chief's Daughter, a Tale, by the author of "Marriage," and "The Inheritance," will appear speedily. Fragments of Voyages and Travels, including Anecdotes of a Naval Life, chiefly for the use of young persons, by Captain Basil Hall, R.N., are in the press. Count Robert of Paris, a romance of the Lower Empire, by the Author of Waverley, is nearly ready. unpublished pieces, from one hand, in prose and verse, comprising The Cameleon, a Scrap Book or Album of original and hitherto essays, tales, sketches, poems, &c., by a gentleman of the west of Scotland, is in the press. Memoirs of Rob Roy, and the state of clanship of Scotland, abridged from the work of Dr M'Lay, but with additional and curious matter, and numerous corrections, is announced. The Rose, a collection of the best English songs, is preparing for publication. On the 1st of February will appear No. I. of a new periodical Miscellany, to be entitled the Library of the Fine Arts. The title has been adopted, not so much in accordance with the popular predilection for the term, as on account of its peculiarly expressing the ob ject which the proprietor has in view, viz., to afford to the amateur relating to the fine arts of the present, and also of former times. and artist, in a cheap and easily accessible form, all the information Observations on the present defective state of English Timber, the causes which retard its growth, together with the means which ought to be immediately adopted to prevent the farther premature decay of this valuable description of property, by P. Lauder of Cardiff, is in the press. Mr Peake's comedy of the "Chancery Suit," which has recently been performed with success at Covent Garden, is about to appear in print. OUR STUDY TABLE.-We have overtaken as many books as we could this week, but our table is still covered with new publications which solicit our notice. Among these are The Reminiscences and Correspondence of the Right Hon. Sir John Sinclair, Bart., a work full of curious matter, (not yet published,) but with a perusal of which we have been favoured in sheets, and from which we promise some interesting extracts next Saturday ;-The Orientalist, or Letters of a Rabbi, by James Noble, which has also been sent to us in sheets, and which shall have our best attention;-Travels and Researches of Eminent English Missionaries, a new work by Andrew Picken, the able author of the "Dominie's Legacy;"-The Talba, or Moor of Portugal, a romance, by Mrs Bray, the popular authoress of "The White Hoods," &c.;-The eighth volume of the Divines of the Church of England, containing sermons by Dr Isaac Barrow ;-The thirteenth Number of the Family Classical Library, containing part of the works of Tacitus, translated by Murphy;-The Shamrock, a collection of Irish Songs edited by our friend Weekes, now of Drury Lane; -The High-Mettled Racer, a poem by the late Charles Dibdin, with designs by Robert Cruickshank, and an appendix containing a judicious selection of anecdotes from Captain Brown's "Biographical Sketches of Horses;"-Margate, a humorous poem, somewhat akin to the preceding;-Satan in Search of a Wife, another humorous poem of the same species, with some clever woodcuts and the Opera of Massaniello, by James Kenney, which, though one of the finest spectacles on the stage, is poor enough as a literary composition. CHIT-CHAT FROM ABERDEEN-The second annual dinner of the members of the Aberdeen Medical Society took place a few weeks ago. This society was established in the year 1789, and now possesses a museum, and an extensive library, containing upwards of 5000 volumes. Amongst the four original members, who are still alive, is Sir James M'Gregor, M.D., Director-General of the Army Medical Department.-Our townsman, Mr David Grant, author of "The Beauties of Modern British Poetry," is preparing for publication, "Battles and War Pieces, in prose and verse, by the most eminent modern authors, now first collected, with an Essay on War." -The Rev. Robert Brown, the talented Professor of Greek in Marischal College, has been appointed to act as interim Professor of Divinity, during the present session, in that University, the vacancy in the office, occasioned by the death of his father, the late celebrated Principal William Lawrence Brown, not being yet filled up.-We have had some frost and snow; but as the rivers Dee and Don are rarely frozen sufficiently for skating, that winter amusement is not extensively practised here, and, what is more lamentable still, curling and bonspiels are little known. CHIT-CHAT FROM BANFF.-A society, similar to the Northern Institution of Inverness, was established here in the year 1828, under the name of "The Banff Institution for Science, Literature, and the Arts, and for the encouragement of Native Genius and Talent." The institution continues to flourish; it now possesses a number of resident members, in the counties of Banff, Moray, and Aberdeen, and a museum is in progress of formation. Few parts of Britain afford better opportunities for cultivating the science of Natural History in all its branches than the eastern district of Banffshire, adjoining the towns of Macduff and Banff. For geology, the rocky coast which extends from Macduff to the bold headlands of Gardenstown and Troup, and the marble quarries of Portsoy, afford an ample field. To the botanist, the extensive grounds of Duff House, the woods of Gelley-Mill, Mont Coffer, and Alya, the Tore of Troup, the banks of the Devron, and the romantic braes of Gamrie, produce almost daily plants in rich profusion. To the ornithologist and icththyologist, the whole coast of the parish of Gamrie presents many attractions ;whilst the sandy beaches, which here and there present themselves, yield many excellent specimens for the cabinet of the conchologist. CHIT CHAT FROM GLASGOW.-We had a public dinner of a very extraordinary kind here this week-one given by our operative artisans, to celebrate the progress of Reform. To this they invited several gentlemen,-tried friends of liberty, not recent converts,and the meeting was also attended by many of the same respectable class, not as guests. The feeling, ability, and eloquence of the operatives was astonishing, but still more so their prudence, tact, good taste, and propriety. On all hands, it is agreed that it was the very best political dinner ever given here.-We have had no other amusement, save a tea-and-turn-out meeting of a Temperance Society. New-Year's-Day passed very quietly over. Theatrical Gossip.-Sontag is not coming to London this season; but a rival of Sontag, from Munich, with the appropriate name of Vesperman, is to form the evening attraction at the Opera.-Signor de Begnis has committed an assault on the Editor of the Brighton Guardian,in consequence of a jeu d'esprit which enraged his Signor TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. REVIEWS Of" An Only Son," "Pitcairn's Criminal Trials,"" The Token, an American Annual," and other works, though in types, are unavoidably postponed. Interesting communications from Dr Memes, William Tennant, the Author of "An Autumn in 'taly," and others, are also unavoidably postponed. "Jottings from an Essayist's Portfolio" are in types.-William Mackay's papers shall be forwarded as he desires.-The paper on the "Economy of Nature" will not suit us. One or two of the poetical contributions of "G. M. B." of Nairne, he over for insertion.-" J. L." of Langholm perhaps in our next SLIPPERS.-The lines entitled " Beauty's Light" will not suit us. LITERARY CRITICISM. The Correspondence of the Right Honourable Sir John Sinclair, Baronet; with Reminiscences of the most distinguished Characters who have appeared in Great Britain, and in Foreign Countries, during the last fifty years. 2 vols. 8vo. London. Colburn and Bentley. 1831. (Unpublished) THE Bishop of Blois characterised Sir John Sinclair as "the most indefatigable man in Britain, and the man in Europe of the greatest acquaintance." The work now before us seems of itself to make good this praise, even without taking into consideration all the previous labours, voluminous as they have been, of the venerable Baronet. The mass of correspondence and reminiscences, both domestic and foreign, which these two volumes contain, is almost, if not entirely, without a parallel in any similar publication. Nor are any of the letters from persons of inferior note and consideration; but, on the contrary, are nearly all from those who have held the most prominent station among their fellow-men in every department into which society is divided, from the monarch on his throne to the man of letters in his closet. Classed under different heads, we have Imperial and Royal Correspondence and Reminiscences,-Correspondence with British Cabinet Ministers, and Reminiscences of them, -Female Correspondence,-Naval,-Military,—Cleri Price 6d. sisting of 600 men, the first of that description of force levied for the service of Great Britain, fencible corps having been formerly restricted to the defence of Scotland. He afterwards raised another battalion of 1000 men for the defence of Ireland. In the promotion of all useful public institutions he has ever exerted himself unweariedly; and was the founder and first president of the Board of Agriculture. His literary labours have been multifarious and important; among these, the "Statistical Account of Scotland," extending to twenty-one volumes octavo, the "Code of Health and Longevity," in four volumes octavo, and the "Code of Agriculture," in one, stand pre-eminent. From the mass of materials which the "Correspondence and Reminiscences" present, it is impossible that we can do more than select a few detached extracts, as specimens of the general contents of a work which abounds in entertainment, interest, and instruction, and which we have no doubt will be read with pleasure, not only by Sir John Sinclair's numerous friends and acquaintances, but by all who like to see additional sources of information opened up concerning the illustrious persons of the last half century. We commence our quotations with the following account of a sovereign who possessed the mind of a man in the body of a female: AUDIENCE OF THE EMPRESS CATHERINE, AND REMINISCENCES "On the 25th August, 1786, I had the honour of being presented to this great sovereign. The court commenced about half past eleven. The rooms were filled with about 400 courtiers. At twelve, the empress came from her private apartments to go to mass. A lane was made for her and her suite. She was preceded by the Princess Dashkow, and six or seven other ladies. The reason why there were no more present, was, that the ladies only came when the court was held in the evening, unless when they attended cal,-Agricultural,-Statistical,-Medical,-Political, Literary,-and Miscellaneous Correspondence and Reminiscences. Then, in the second volume, we have an abstract of the author's travels over the continent of Europe, with the correspondence and reminiscences of the most distinguished natives of every country through which he passed, together with some very interesting correspond-officially. Count Czernichew, vice-president of the admience with the first men of America. ralty, took me to the chapel to hear mass. It was a very Prefixed to the whole is an Introduction, containing a poor building for such a ceremony; but the priests, with short account of the author and his writings. Sir John their long beards and rich vestments, made a striking and Sinclair was born at Thurso Castle on the 10th of May, imposing appearance. The empress stood by herself, and 1754. The foundation of his classical knowledge was went through all the ceremonies with great decorum. When laid at the High School of Edinburgh, and he afterwards the service was over, I went to the hall where strangers attended the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and He was tall, (about six feet two,) and distinguished, not were introduced, and was presented to Prince Potemkin. Oxford. In 1775, he became a member of the Faculty only by his height, but by the strength and manliness of of Advocates, and was afterwards called to the English his appearance. His countenance was not unpleasant, when bar, not with any view to practice, but that he might he was disposed to be agreeable. He entered with great become acquainted with the laws of his country. In affability into conversation with me, which was uncominon 1780, he was unanimously elected the representative of at a first introduction. He spoke with much contempt of his native county of Caithness, where he had introduced the King of Sweden. He afterwards talked of my intended many of the most important agricultural and other im- journey to Poland, where he had great estates; and expressed a wish that I should give him some advice how to provements. He continued an active member of the improve them. The return of the empress being announced, House of Commons, with the exception of a short inter- the foreign ministers, and those strangers who had been val, till July 1811, a period of nearly thirty years. His already presented, kissed her hand. I was then introduced eldest son, George Sinclair, Esq., succeeded to the seat by Count Osterman. She asked me how I came to Peterswhich he then resigned. In 1786, Sir John took a very burgh?-if I had had a pleasant voyage?-and added, that extensive journey through the northern parts of Europe, she hoped I would find my stay in Russia agreeable. A in the course of which he visited Gottenburg, Copen-wards introduced; but she spoke to none of them. In short, Swedish officer, and some of her own subjects, were afterhagen, Stockholm, Riga, Petersburg, Moscow, Kiew, I found that I had met with what was considered to be a Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, and most gracious reception, as she hardly spoke to any but Paris. In 1794 he raised a regiment of fencibles, con- persons of considerable distinction. The court had fallen off much from its ancient splendour. To check the spirit of luxury and expense, provincial, and even official uniforms had been introduced, and none but foreigners were richly habited. "The mode of sing adopted by the empress was extremely regular. She rose between six and seven, and dedicated the morning entirely to business. She dined about one, and after dinner retired to her cabinet. The evening was devoted to amusements of a general nature, either at the theatre, or in the palace, with a select company of her private friends. "Her information, particularly in regard to political subjects, was very general and extensive. The instructions, written by her own hand, for drawing up a code of laws, is a most extraordinary performance for a woman; being, I believe, the only instance extant of female judicial legislation.* I have seen her correspondence with the famous Buffon, which proves how well she was acquainted with philosophical subjects. She knew the French belles lettres perfectly, and, in 1786, was reading Shakspeare in the German translation. She also wrote comedies herself; and in any part of the world would have been accounted, in private life, a most accomplished woman. "Her skill in government was great. In any progress through her dominions, she suffered the meanest peasant to address her; and they universally called her by the friendly and emphatic name of matouskin, or mother. To the army, and to the guards in particular, she was very attentive; and on certain fixed days dined at a table with the officers of the different corps. Neither was the church neglected; for besides much attention to individuals of character and respect in that order, and a strict performance of all the outward forms of religion, she proved her zeal and devotion, by working, with her own hands, as the priests believed or asserted, the most magnificent vestments, for the use of the principal ecclesiastics of her empire, when they celebrated public worship on any important festival. "She had a number of personal favourites, to whom she was very liberal. She was particularly attached to Landskoi, and attended him personally during his sickness, like a wife. She was, for some time, as inconsolable for him as Elizabeth of England was for Essex. It is said, that he was the handsomest man that could be seen; but naturally of so weak a constitution, that he was unable to support the life of a courtier. Potemkin made the quickest of all possible journeys from the Crimea, in order to console her. He came in a kibicki, or common cart, the whole way. Rushing into her apartment, he said, What is the matter with my empress?' and when she answered that she was weeping for the death of Landskoi, he replied, Why, he was a fool! Ah!' said the empress, but he had an honest heart.' distinguished statesmen which France then possessed; and to dedicate the evening to the society of the gay. Being a Member of the British Parliament, and known, from my History of the Revenue, as an author, I everywhere met with a most friendly reception. Having received an invitation to a family dinner with Monsieur Necker, I went early, and had the pleasure of finding the ladies occupied in a manner peculiarly gratifying to the national feelings of a Scotchman; for Madame Necker was reading Blair's Sermons, and Mademoiselle Necker playing Lochaber no more,' on the piano. Monsieur Necker, overwhelmed by the pressure of public business, did not appear till immediately before dinner; and even before the cloth was removed, he received two or three letters, which he seemed to peruse with considerable interest. Madame Necker said, that they probably related to the great political contest, which he was then carrying on with Monsieur de Calonne, and which ultimately terminated in the removal of that minister from the helm. "When preparing for my return to London, I sent a note to Madame Necker, containing many grateful acknowledgments for the attention paid me by her family, and a promise, at the same time, to send her daughter (afterwards so celebrated as M. de Stael) some Scotch music, the beauties of which, I hoped, would induce her to honour Scotland with a visit. Though young, the answer she sent is expressed with that vivacity and elegance which distinguished her future writings.† Mademoiselle Necker to Sir John Sinclair. "Je suis bien reconnoissante de l'aimable attention de Monsieur Sinclair, et je suis chargée de l'en remercier au nom de Maman et au mien. Je chanterai ces airs avec un intérêt nouveau. La patrie de Monsieur Sinclair me sera moins étrangère. Nous serons charmé de le voir. Mon père et ma mère n'ont aucune commission qu'ils puissent le prier d'executer; mais ils lui renouvelleront, avec plaisir, l'assurance des sentimens distingués qu'il leur a inspiré." Among the Correspondence with the British Cabinet Ministers, and Reminiscences of them, we find a number of highly interesting names, such as those of North, Pitt, Fox, Melville, Perceval, Castlereagh, Canning, Thurlow, Erskine, Lansdowne, Hastings, Bathurst, Windham, and others. The following passage cannot fail to attract attention: REMINISCENCES OF LORD MELVILLE. "Lord Melville began his political labours by enquiries into the affairs of the East India Company, to whom he performed the most important services. In 1784, he prevented the extinction of the Company as an independent Corporation. In the space of eighteen years, he raised the "To her ministers she was very liberal, and in general value of the stock from 118% to 214, or 93% of additional followed their advice, except when she chose to let them price per L. 100 stock; and by his means some of the ablest feel, that there were times when she preferred being both and most distinguished characters in the kingdom were her own, and their mistress. When left entirely to herself, sent to India, under whose auspices the territorial possesand compelled to determine on matters of importance, it is sions of the Company became an immense empire, prosaid that she was apt to betray some versatility and weak-ducing a great revenue, and containing above sixty millions ness. "When I visited her court, she was puffed up, beyond all bounds, by the success of her reign, and the consideration in which she was held by every power in Europe. She certainly in her heart preferred the English to the French, and the Danes to the Swedes. In regard to the Germans, it was more from personal attachment to the emperor, and their joint views upon Turkey, than from a full conviction of the policy of the measure, that she preferred the Austrian to the Prussian alliance."" To this amusing narrative we shall add a notice of another female hardly less distinguished, but whom Sir John Sinclair knew before she stood forth in the blaze of her reputation: MADAME DE STAEL. "In January 1786, I took an excursion to Paris, and, in the employment of my time there, endeavoured to combine useful and agreeable occupatious. With that view, I was accustomed to spend my mornings with the learned; to dine with the Count de Vergennes, M. Necker, and the other Upon examining the original MS., which is carefully preserved in the repositories of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, I observed, that the whole of it was not published. The following paragraph, in particular, upon the subject of marriage, was omitted: "Les filles sont assez portées au mariage. Ce sont les garçons qu'il faut encou Tager." of inhabitants. He also brought the affairs of the Company into so high a degree of order, that he was enabled, for the first time, to lay before Parliament, An Indian Budget.' He was afterwards appointed Secretary of State for the War Department; and by his means a martial spirit was spread over the whole country, and a military force accumulated, which secured the nation from any risk of being conquered, should an invasion be attempted. His talents were next directed, first as Treasurer of the Navy, and afterwards as first Lord of the Admiralty, to the improvement of our naval resources; and impartial observers have justly considered him as the best friend the navy ever had. If Lord Melville, however, had done nothing else but planned and executed the expedition to Egypt, his fame would have been established as one of the greatest benefactors to his country. Who can think of the battle of the Nile, or the victory of Alexandria, without gratitude to that great Minister, by whom those achievements were planned, and without whose exertions and genius they could never have been successfully executed? These magnificent events first roused the different nations of Europe secretly to indulge the hope of emancipation from the yoke of France. They proved the immense resources of the British empire,-the She was born at Paris, on April the 22d, 1766, and consequently was then in the twentieth year of her age. † Madame de Stael's Works, when collected, amount to 18 vols. 8vo. talents of those who governed the country,-the valour of its sailors and soldiers,-and the superior skill and ability of those by whom they were commanded. opinion as to the measures that ought to be pursued at such a crisis.' I suggested the idea of a Loyalty Loan, and that every individual should be called upon, in proportion to his "Lord Melville, when he first became a member of the income, to lend a sum of money to Government, at a fair House of Commons, never thought of entering into the interest, according to the rate at the time. He entered at field of politics; he was considered merely as an able Scots once into the idea. It was subsequently carried into effect, lawyer. It appears, indeed, from the subjoined letter, that and ultimately produced those taxes on income and prothe Ministers at the time had no idea of availing them-perty which enabled us to carry on the war, and to bring selves of the great talents he possessed, as an orator and it to so happy a conclusion." champion in the House. Letter from the Lord Advocate Dundas to Sir John Sinclair. Edinburgh, 20th November, 1781. "Dear Sir,-I have received yours of the 11th. It is only your partiality which overvalues the importance of my presence in Parliament, for no person whatever has made any request to me to attend. "Indeed, it would be most disagreeable and inconvenient for me to come before Christmas; but I am so little accustomed to put my own convenience in competition with the wishes, or the interests, of my friends, that I volunteered in offering to come, if there was any anxiety about it; but there is none, for I have never received any answer to my letter. "As to the small stills, it is simply impossible that any movement can be made in it, at least before the holydays. Hitherto I have found all my attempts to get at the truth very unsuccessful. I send you enclosed some observations made upon your calculations, the author of which is very positive as to the truth of the data upon which he proceeds. I am, with great regard, dear sir, yours sincerely, "HENRY DUNDAS. "JOHN SINCLAIR, Esq. "But he whose presence in Parliament was not requested by the Minister, and for whose attendance no anxiety was felt by any one, soon afterwards burst forth a great political meteor, and became the chief prop of the party whose interests he had espoused. "I have often heard him, however, lament his having abandoned his original profession as a Scotch lawyer. Had I remained,' he said, 'at the Scotch bar, I must soon have reached one of the highest judicial offices in Scotland, and might have spent a life of comfort and independence. In the important capacity of a judge, I might have been of use to my native country; whereas, by entering on the career of politics, I have been exposed to much obloquy, and have latterly experienced the basest ingratitude.' "My private intercourse with Lord Melville led to some events which it may be proper here to detail. "In December 1805, I happened to meet with the noble Lord at St James's, when he said to me, It is a long time, Sir John, since you have been at Wimbledon. Name any time when you can spend a day with us, and we shall be most happy to see you.' By accident I fixed upon the last day of that year. Upon reaching Wimbledon to dinner, I found Mr Pitt there. Lady Melville, and the beautiful Miss Duncan, (afterwards Lady Dalrymple Hamilton,) were the only ladies present. We spent the evening principally in conversation, but also played a short time at cards; and about eleven we went to bed. As soon as I got up next morning, I proceeded to Mr Dundas's library, where I found him reading a long paper on the importance of conquering the Cape of Good Hope, to add to the security of our Indian possessions. I said to him, on entering, 'I come, Mr Dundas, to wish you a good new year, and many happy returns of it.' His answer I shall never forget; I hope that this year will be happier than the last, for I scarcely recollect having spent one happy day in the whole of it. On this remark the following reflections naturally occurred: Here I am living in the same house with the two men the most looked up to, and the most envied of any in this country. I have just heard the declaration of the one, and I am convinced that the feelings of the other are not materially different. Can any thing more strongly prove the miseries attending political pursuits?' "After breakfast Mr Pitt asked me to return to London in his carriage, when he immediately commenced a political conversation. He said, that the finances of the country were getting into a state of great disorder, from the enormous expenses of the war; and he was apprehensive that it would be extremely difficult to raise the necessary supplies for carrying it on much longer. He then added," As you have attended so much to those subjects, and have written the history of our finances, I should be glad to have your We do not recollect to have seen before the two amusing anecdotes of the Lord Chancellor Erskine which we subjoin: ANECDOTES OF LORD ERSKINE.-"Lord Erskine was the youngest of three brothers, all of whom were remarkable for their wit and powers of conversation. The learned Lord was particularly addicted to punning, of which I recollect the following instance :-I happened accidentally to inform him, that a female relation of his was unwell. He asked me what was the nature of her complaint. My auswer was, Water in her chest.'-' If that is the case,' he replied, she is not much to be pitied. It is very lucky, in these hard times, to have any thing in one's chest.' "Lord Erskine used frequently to compose short epigrams, which often contained much point and humour. As a specimen, may be mentioned four lines he wrote on hearing that the spurs of Napoleon had been found in the imperial carriage after the battle of Waterloo. Lord Erskine said, they ought to be presented to the Prince Regent, with this inscription: These Napoleon left behind, Flying swifter than the wind; Needless to him when buckled on, Wanting no spur but Wellington.'' Lord North's: Not less entertaining is the following good saying of ANECDOTE OF LORD North. North's happiness of allusion, and playfulness of mind. He "The following anecdote will give some idea of Lord was often lulled into a profound sleep by the somniferous oratory of some of the parliamentary speakers. Sir Grey Cooper (one of the secretaries of the Treasury) meanwhile took notes of the principal arguments of his opponents, which, by glancing his eye over the paper, Lord North was enabled immediately to answer. On a naval question, a member thought proper to give an historical detail of the origin and progress of ship-building, which he deduced from Noah's ark, and, in regular order, brought down to the Spanish Armada. Sir Grey inadvertently awoke his lordship at this period; who asked, to what era the honourable gentleman had arrived? Being told, to the reign of Queen Elizabeth,' he instantly replied, Dear Sir Grey, why did you not let me sleep a century or two more ?'” Among his female correspondents, Sir John Sinclair has the good fortune to rank, besides Madame de Stael, the Princess Daschkow, Madame de Genlis, the Duchess of Gordon, Lady Craven, Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Abington, Miss Joanna Baillie, and Mrs Hannah More. following account of the circumstances which led to the production of Miss Baillie's play of "The Family Legend" on the Edinburgh stage will be read with interest: MISS JOANNA BAILLIE. The "There is no dramatist of modern times more distinguished for splendour of genius, or poetic powers, than Miss Joanna Baillie. In her style of composition, she often resembles Shakspeare. It was much to be lamented, therefore, that her plays, though fitted to make a powerful impression in the closet, were less adapted for representation on the stage; and that she had taken a particular prejudice against the London theatres, in consequence of a play written by her, though possessed of great merit, not having succeeded. "From respect to her great talents, and desire to see them successfully employed, I took the liberty of suggesting to her the composition of a tragedy, more adapted for stage effect; and, as an inducement to undertake the task, proposed that she should dedicate the profits of the play to a specific charitable purpose. I had sket hed out the plan of a tragedy, On the Fall of Darius,' which seemed to me an excellent subject; and had sent the plan to Dr Baillie, to be communicated to his sister. The following is the reply which I received from the Doctor, enclosing Miss Baillie's answer to my proposal. As it does her much credit, I think it right to preserve her letter in this publication. |