self, and under the conviction that these objects and this wish will, by these means, be to some extent accomplished, that his sons now give these papers to the world. THE following statement respecting that portion of Sir Samuel Romilly's papers which, not being of an autobiographical nature, forms no part of the present publication, is inserted by the Editors, at the request of their father's executor, Mr. Whishaw. "In a codicil to Sir Samuel Romilly's will, dated Oct. 1818, there is the following passage: "I have for some time past employed what leisure I have had in preparing materials for a work on Criminal Law, and have written some observations, and collected facts upon different heads, which would enter into such a work. What I have written is not by any means in a state fit for publication; but I should be glad if some friend of mine would look over it; and if he thought that there were any extracts or detached parts of it which it might be useful to publish, either as furnishing good observations, or affording hints which might be serviceable to others who may treat on the subject, that so much of them should be printed with my name. That such a publication may be injurious to my reputation as an author or a lawyer I am quite indifferent about; if it can be any way useful, that is all I desire. If my friend, Mr. Whishaw, would look over the papers with this view, and decide what should be done with respect to them, I should be highly gratified; they could not possibly be in better hands. If it were not to suit him to undertake such a task, perhaps my friend Mr. Brougham, who finds time for anything that has a tendency to the advancement of human happiness, would be able, notwithstanding his numerous occupations, to perform this office of friendship.' "In compliance with these directions, Mr. Whishaw carefully examined the papers in question, and, on full consideration, was of opinion that, under all the circumstances of the case, the publication of them was no longer a matter of importance, and, unless accompanied or preceded by a more general publication, was, on the whole, not advisable. The amendment of the Criminal Law had made great progress in public opinion, had engaged the attention of Parliament and the executive government, and several of the proposed measures had been anticipated by the legislature. He willingly admits that his peculiar habits, and aversion to publicity, may have contributed to this opinion. But on consulting others in whom he had confidence, and especially his excellent friend Sir James Mackintosh, then chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the amendment of the Criminal Law, his opinion was confirmed by their judgment. He intimated this to the Editors; and delivered up to them all their father's manuscripts at that time in his possession, including those which form the principal part of the following work, and respecting which no other directions had been left, but that they 'should be preserved for his children.' The papers on Criminal Law were then in the hands of Lord Brougham; but these also were subsequently returned to the family, with expressions of great kindness and approbation. To that distinguished individual Mr. W. gladly avails himself of the present occasion to record the deep sense of gratitude he, in common with every member of Sir S. Romilly's family, entertains for the repeated tributes paid by his Lordship, in his writings and in his speeches, to the talents and virtues of their departed friend.” CONTENTS father abandons France and settles in England; his marriage, difficulties, and death. His father's character. own infancy. Mrs. Facquier. Mary Evans. early disposition. French chapel. Day school. Plans of life. His self-education. His brother's marriage. Mr. de la Haize's legacies. Articled to Mr. Lally. His occupations. Friendship PART II.-Motives for resuming this narrative. Reasons for re- entitled Thoughts, &c. Ascough, Perceval, Bramston. Quarter mons. LETTER Pages 29-82 LETTERS TO THE REV. JOHN ROGET. 1780-1783. 83 I.-Lord George Gordon's riots. Meeting in St. George's Fields. Tumults at Westminster. Attack upon the II.-Lord George Gordon's riots-continued. Lord Sand- wich. The prisons broken open, and houses burnt. III.-Anecdotes respecting the riots. Character of Lord George Gordon. Steps taken by the Inns of Court. IV. Effect of the riots upon his own health. Character of V. His friends; occupations; and future prospects. Ame- 109 VIII. Remarks on a bill to disable contractors from sitting in Parliament. English judges in India. Petition of the IX.-Tendency to exaggerate the miseries of life. Mode of |