Page:Precedents of Proceedings in the House of Commons (4th ed, 1818, vol I).djvu/19

Rh The public character of that Gentleman, his comprehensive knowledge, his acuteness of understanding, and inflexible integrity, are sufficiently known and acknowledged by all the world: but it is only within the circle of a small acquaintance, that he is admired as a man of polite learning and erudition, a most excellent Father, and a most valuable Friend; they only, who have the pleasure and advantage to know him intimately, know, that the warmth and benevolence of his heart, are equal to the clearness and sagacity of his head.

A very ill state of health has, at present, unfortunately withdrawn this Gentleman from the service of the Public; but all who remember his abilities in Parliament, will lament the loss of that information, which his knowledge of the History, and of the Laws and Constitution of this Country, enabled him to give, and which he was at all times so ready, in private as well as in public, to communicate.

Cotton-Garden, April 5 1776.