him was too short to furnish more numerous incidents, but all its parts are replete with glory.

James Wolfe was the son of a military officer of ránk, who had gathered laurels under the duke of Marlborough. He was born at Westerham, in Kent; but notwithstanding the brilliant part which he played on the theatre of life, not a single circumstance is preserved that can afford the least insight into the habits of his early years. It would have been a pleasure to trace the future hero in the pastimes of the boy, and to mark the dawnings of superior intellect in the rude essays of untutored fancy.

That Wolfe received a military education, and was destined for the profession of arms almost from his infancy, can admit of no dispute. Honourable mention is made of his conduct and bravery at the battle of La Feldt, which was fought when he was only in the twentieth year of his age. His royal highness the duke of Cumberland saw his promising talents, and rewarded them by promotion; but the gradations of his rise are not ascer tained. It is only known, that during the whole war he without interruption advanced his military character, and carried off laurels from every contest.

Even when he might have reposed in the lap of peace, he disdained ignoble ease, and cultivated the arts of war. He had the honour of introducing, by his example and perseverance rather than by the exercise of severity, such a perfect discipline into his own regiment, that as long as the plains of Minden are remembered, so long will Kingsley's (as the regiment was called) be mentioned with applause. He continued lieutenant-colonel of that body till new hostilities broke out. He was endeared to his men no less by his affectionate concern for their wel fare, than by his personal courage, which had never received the slightest imputation of dishonour. They obeyed his commands from a higher principle than duty, i and little does that officer consult his glory or his interest,

Men

who trusts to the influence of authority alone. may be ruled by force, but the mind can only be gained by respect and love.

In the year 1756, war was formally declared against France. Its commencement was an uninterrupted series of disgraces and disappointments, till Mr. Pitt was called to the helm of state. He immediately began his virtuous career by bringing forward men of the most enterprising and active genius, and the tide of success was soon turned by their talents. Wolfe, whose youthful exploits had not been forgotten, and could not be overlooked by a statesman like Pitt, was raised to the rank of brigadier-general, and put under the command of general Amherst. They were sent against Louisbourg, and Wolfe was employed to cover the landing of the troops; which he effected,' amidst a storm of fire from the enemy's batteries, and an impetuous surf which dashed some of the boats to pieces. Calm and collected, he displayed an energy equal to the occasion; and the conquest of the place was in a great measure ascribed to his judgment and his fortitude.

Scarcely had he returned from this expedition, when the honourable share which he had borne in it pointed him out as worthy of a higher command. He was raised to the rank of major-general, and sent to reduce Quebec. The generals who served under him were all young men, whom a less sagacious minister than Pitt would have hesitated to trust; but he wisely measured abilities by another standard than years. Age may inspire prudence, but it is apt to cool enthusiasm; and the veteran general is more solicitous to prevent disgrace, than to hazard enterprise. Wolfe and his associates, on the other hand, saw glory before them, and overcame almost insurmountable impediments to pay her homage.

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Here the abilities and courage of Wolfe shone forth in the fullest lustre. Undaunted by difficulties which would have cooled the ardour of an ordinary man, disregarding

the strength of situation and superiority of numbers, and even refusing nature the respite which she solicited, (as he was suffering under a fever and a flux,) he persevered with unwearied judgment and attention to open the way to victory. His military council desponded at the contemplation of their prospects, and the general himself would have been justified in yielding to the pressure of unfortunate circumstances; but he, singly and alone in opinion, projected the plan which was to annihilate the French power in America. He did more; he executed it with a success on which the most sanguine could scarcely have presumed. Having gained the heights of Abraham, on which side the city of Quebec was most exposed, he bastened to give battle to the enemy; who advanced to the charge with much superior numbers, and in good order. The gallant Wolfe stationed himself in the front of the line, in the hottest point of action. He was early wounded in the wrist, but neither pain nor danger could prevail on him to desert the post of glory; he wrapped a handkerchief round the wound, and continued to give his orders without emotion. Advancing at the head of his grenadiers, with bayonets fixed, a ball pierced him through the breast; and he fell at the moment when the enemy began to give way, and the British arms became triumphant. He was instantly carried to a small distance in the rear; and the tide of life was ebbing fast, when he was roused in the agonies of death by the cry, "They run! they run!" Catching the sound, he eagerly asked, "Who run?" He had the satisfaction to hear it was the French. In a faultering voice he exclaimed, "Then I thank God, I die content:" and with these words expired.

Such was the lamented end of general Wolfe, one of the most enterprising and accomplished officers which this nation ever produced. He lived to be the con queror of Canada, for the event of that day sealed its fate; but he died too early for his country, and the joy of conquest was embittered by a reflection on the dear◄

ness of its purchase. A mixture of every passion that can agitate the generous heart, attended this national triumph. Mr. Pitt, in the house of commons, pronounced the eulogy of the deceased in such strains of affecting eloquence, as drew tears from every eye. The minister was absorbed in the better feelings of the man, and he wept at the immortality which he had given.

When the body of general Wolfe was brought to Portsmouth, the scene was impressively solemn. Minute guns were fired from the men-of-war at Spithead, from the time the corpse was taken from the ship, to its slow landing at the Point. Bodies of military marched down to receive it. It was put into a hearse, and proceeded in funeral pomp through the garrison under arms. During this awful procession, the colours on the fort were halflowered, the bells were muffled, and tolled in solemn concert with the dead march; minute guns were fired from the platform; and troops, with arms reversed, preceded and followed the hearse. The body was afterwards privately deposited in the family vault at Greenwich church; and a superb national monument was erected to his memory in Westminster-abbey, at the expense of four thousand guineas. These were some of the unavailing honours paid to the conqueror of Canada, which remains a faithful appendage to Great Britain. His name still continues to inspire martial enthusiasm in the youthful bosom, and to allure the aspiring to the field of glory. But while his public character serves to excite emulation, his private also is entitled to warm esteem.

He seems to have been formed by nature for military greatness. Not only was his constitutional bravery uniform and daring; but he possessed that higher species of courage, that strength, steadines, and activity of mind, -which no difficulties could vanquish, no dangers deter from the pursuit of his own and his country's glory.

Though subject to a vivacity of disposition almost

bordering on impetuosity, he was betrayed into no un guarded sallies of passion; and with a generous independ ence of mind, he was free from pride. His bounty almost bordered on profusion, and he depised the arts of gain. It was his highest gratification to assist the deserving soldier, and even the inferior officer in distress has frequently experienced his liberality. In his attach ments he was constant and discriminating; and gentle, kind, and conciliating, in his manners.

It was the peculiar good fortune of general Wolfe, not only to enjoy a large share of the friendship, but al most the universal good-will, of mankind. He was one of those who appear to have vanquished envy by the indisputable superiority of professional talents, and ac knowledged excellence of heart. This is the most exalted compliment that can be paid to man; for that character must be sublime indeed which envy and malice

will not venture to attack.

A

GEORGE, LORD ANSON.

Born 1697.--Died 1762.

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From 8th William III., to 2d George III. FATALITY attends the best concerted plans of some able men; while a mediocrity of talents, without energy, almost without effort, not unfrequently carries prize. The prudent must often encounter combined dif ficulties which no foresight can avoid, while the rash and unreflecting escape the dangers which they seem to provoke. But patient fortitude, united to skill and enterprise, will generally prevail at last; and fortune, weary of buffeting the brave, will leave them near the haven of their wishes.

Whoever has read the history of Anson's voyage round the world, will be able to apply some of these reflections to the particular case of this eminent officer; who, amids