Page:Life of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Peel.pdf/13

Rh mind, and his words have singular weight. He sits in the legislature, a man free from personal aims of every kind, at full leisure, and in full freedom to cast light where it is wanted on any hand, to give guidance and sanction, and material for speculation and action in future years, when he will be no more seen in his place. Men of all parties seem to agree on one point in regard to Sir Robert Peel,—that his last position in the British Legislature is the noblest that, in our period of time, can be held by any man."

From this period, Sir Robert Peel may be said to have occupied the position of Moderator of the House of Commons, supporting the ministry in every way, to enable them to carry out the new commercial policy, and it is remarkable, that the only occasion on which he opposed them, occurred the night before the accident which resulted in his death. On Saturday afternoon, the 29th of June, 1850, not more than ten hours after delivering a brilliant speech, condemnatory of Lord Palmerston's foreign policy, Sir Robert Peel rode out for exercise, attended by his groom. Having called at Buckingham Palace, and entered his name in her Majesty's visiting book, he proceeded up Constitution Hill, when his horse became restive, and Sir Robert was instantly thrown over its head, and fell heavily on his face. Having retained hold of the bridle, the animal was suddenly checked, and fell with force above the right honourable baronet. He was immediately raised by three gentlemen who saw the accident, and in answer to their question, as to whether he was much hurt, he replied, Yes, very much." While a carriage was being procured, he became unconscious, and remained in that state for a few minutes after he had been placed in the carriage. They had not proceeded far, when Sir James Clark, having heard of the accident, came to see if he could render any assistance. Dr. Foncart, one of the gentlemen who had first raised Sir Robert