Jifplayed, while managing the concerns of others, pointed him out as one who might be entrusted. He has often been heard to acknowledge his gratitude to the late who liberally, Mr. Thomas Longman, and unafked, offered him any fum, on credit, that might he wanted. In a thort time, however, thefe mati beginnings fwelled into concerns of importance. Mr. R's active fpirit, knowledge of bufinefs, and reputable connexion, foon enabled him to atchieve the higher branches of the bufinefs, and, in the purchase of copy- rights, he became the rival of the most for- midable of the old established houfes; and before the year 1780, he had the largest wholefale trade that was ever carried on by an invidual. In 1784, he took into partnership his fon and brother, who are his fucceffors. In the rife and progrefs of fo great a concern, Mr. R. was an eminent proof (if fo plain a truth requires a proof) how much may be done by habits of atten- tion, industry, and, above all, inflexible integrity and perfeverance.
authority to fay, from the most fuccefsful of his rivals, the first bookseller in London, and now a magiftrate of high rank, that "of too much George Robinfon's integrity cannot be faid." It was this which frequent- ly involved him in the troublesome, yet honourable offices of arbitrator in cafes of difpute, and executor and affignee in the events of death or bankruptcy; and there are probably none in the trade who cannot testify in his favour in fome one of thofe departments. He had, indeed, a na'ural -averfion to every thing little, mean, and partaking of fubterfuge and undue artifi e; and many will remember, that, when his indignation was routed by actions of this defcription, he expreffed it in terms pecu- liarly harth and inaccomodating. As his fuccefs, in business proceeded, he extended his liberality to authors in no common de- gree; and it will be difficult to find an in- lance where he did not amply gratify the with of the party, if at all compatible with prudence, or even the distant probabi- lity of return. It was his opinion, that libe- rality to authors was the true fpt of book- felling enterprize, and, perhaps, little can be done if occafional failures are allowed if the to break in upon this fiftem. writer of the prefent article, who for many years has enjoyed Mr. R's intimacy, were to venture on an objection, at a time when he feels nothing but regret, it would be that Mr. R. rather gave too much than too little, and that he fometimes gave a confe- quence to works, which neither their own merit, nor the opinion of the publick, could ever fanétion-Still another trait of bis character must not be forgotten. If, added to their concern with him as a publisher, his authors obtained his friendship, no man could ferve them with more active zeal in
every emergency; and, although he had on fome occafions the common fate of gene- rous minds, that of bestowing his favours improperly, he never permitted fuch a cir- cumftance to contract his defire to ferve those for whom he profefled an attachment. Few men will probably be regretted by a more extenfive acquaintance; and it is particularly noticeable in his history, that, amidst the strictest attention to business, he was throughout the whole of his early life enabled, by a due divifion of time, to ap- propriate more to focial pleasures than many men could venture to do with impu- nity. For the focial enjoyments of life, indeed, he was eminently qualified. He had improved the fcanty education of a Northern village by fome reading, but principally by the company of literary men, and by a memory uncommonly tenacious. His own mind was fhrewd, penetrating, and enriched by various experience. He had likewife a great fhare of wit and viva- city; many of his bons mots, which have been pretty extensively circulated among his friends, would do credit to men of the ficit reputation in this minor department of genius. His fenfe of ridicule was remark- ably strong, and few men excelled him in telling a story, of which he had a plenti- ful ftock, and which he varied with cir- cumftantial embellishments that were irre- fiftibly laughable. Verfed, too, in the li- terary and bufinefs-history of his time, his converfation was a rich fund of information, and his memory in dates and minutive gave an authority which made him be frequently confulted when points in difrute were to be accurately afcertained. Of late years he vifited lefs abroad, but was feldom happy without the company of his friends at home, who found themfelves welcomed to a well spread table, without ceremony and without afle&tation. He impofed no condition but that of punctuality to the hour of dinner, and in that particular, it is well known, he never relaxed to perfons of any rank or condition. Such were fome of the features of a character which will be long remem bered by a very extenfive circle of friends, and n which the writer of this article could expatiate at a greater length, were it neceifary. To have faid lefs would not have been refpectful to his memory; and to indulge the feelings of private friendship, in more ample recollections, becomes the province of memory ra ner than of public record. Mr. R. was feized with the line:s which proved fatal on Monday, May 25, while at a meeting of book! ers, at the accustomed place, the Chapter coffee- houfe: from this he was obliged to retire havily, and foon exhibited fymptoms of fever; this abated fo far, in the tubfequent week, as to give hopes of recovery, thefe hopes were particularly encouraged, even on the evening, June 5, preceding his
death, when he became calm, took his medicines willingly, and feemed, to all human appearance, free from fever. These fymptoms, however, were fallacious; the fnares of death were wound around him, and at 5 on Saturday morning he expired. He was interred, on Thurfday the rith, in the burying-ground belonging to St. Faith's, in St. Paul's church-yard."
7. At Horsham, Suffex, where he went for the recovery of his health, in a decline, Mr. Henry Lewis Galabin, of Ingram court, Fenchurch-str. printer, having fur- vived his wife and infant fon but a few days. He was the eldest son of the junior Bridge- master of the city of London, and a young man of great accomplishments and elegant manners,
After a long illness, aged 48, jof. Wal- ker, efq. of Afton upon- frent, co. Derby. Mr. White, fhip-builder, of Broad-itairs, Margate, while ftanding on a plank, giving directions to his workmen, flipped into a dock, and was 'fo much bruifed that he ex- pired in a few hours, in his 72d year.
At Bradford, aged go, Mrs. Tugwell; in whom the poor experienced a constant and liberal benefactress.
8. At Chichester, in his 68th year, Ma- jor-general Thomas Jones.
At Liverpool, aged 77, Mr. John Black- ftock-Alfo, Mrs. Summervail, wife of Mr. James S. merchant.
In her 67th year, after a fhort illness, Mrs. Gullett, widow of Chriftopher G. efq. formerly of Exeter.
Mrs. Mary Duncan, relict of Alex. D. efq. late of Cumberwell, Surrey.
9. Mr. Brutton, of Exeter, cornfactor. In St. James's-street, Bath, Mís At- wood, only child of Richard A. efq.
In his 74th year, Mr. James Wheble. Mr. Elias Ward, of Clare-mark. butcher. 10. At the feat of Mr. Latonche, in the county of Wicklow, Ireland, in an apo- plectic fit, Lieut.-gen. Charles Euitace. He was on a tour through his district, to infpect the fortes ftationed in various pofts; had rode from Dublin that morning, and was in apparent perfect health.
Of apoplexy, aged 67, Arthur Rothwell, eft. of New Bond-street.
At Weft-hell, Wand(worth, Surrey, of a fingering complaint, Mrs. Tritton, wife of Mr. T. brewer there, and mother of 5 children.
In Surrey-road, Black frers, in his 77th year, after a tedious illness, Mr. Peter Par- num, formerly in a v ry execfive (phere of action as a king's officer upon the quays, but had retired into private life many years, on a fortune which, though far from being abundant, enabled him to do much good.
At Worcester, in her 31ft year, Mrs. Rob- fon, wife of Mr. G. R. folicitor, of Ciftle Atreet, Leicester-fields.
Mr. Robert Parki fon, late partner with Mell J. Bogle, French, and Sun, West Ludia merchants, Swithin's-lane.
At Clapham, Surrey, after a lingering ill nefs with a cancer, aged 77, Mrs. S. Dyer. The eldest daughter of Archibald Paxton, efq. of Buckingham-street, Strand.
11. At Clifton, Mrs. Webb, relict of John W. efq. late of Cote, near Bristol, and M. P. for the city of Gloucester.
At Fulham, aged 75, Mr. Tho. Auftin. At Enfield, aged 94, Mr. Spicer, for- merly a publican in that town.
At his father's houfe in South Lambeth, aged 17, Mr. Robert Alexander.
12. At Carnfalloch, in Scotland, John- fton Hannay, efq. of Corrs.
Aged 52, Mr. Richard Smee, of the Globe inn, Lincoln.
At the Green Man, Braintree, Effex, aged 75, Samuel Rand, of Black Notley. In life, he denied himself the common ne- ceffaries, yet he is reported to have left to his relations, in eftates and cath, near 4000l. A few days before his death, he requested fome friends to go to one of his cottages, and take a brick out of a certain place in the chimney; which done, they found concealed a confiderable fum of money, in banknotes and cash, Portogal money, and other coins.
14 Found dead in his bed, whither he went in apparent good health, aged 29, Mr. Martio Sharpe, jun. draper, of Bury.
Aged 54, Mr. Meredith, an eminent far- rier, of Feftone, rear Bofon, co. Linc. Rev. Geo. Campbell Brodbelt, of Loud- water, Bucks.
After three days illaefs, Mr. James Hob. fon, of Andenthaw, near Manchetter.
At his houfe in Gloucester-place, Briga- dier-general Arnold. His remains were intered, on the 21ft, at Brompton. Seven mourning-coches and four state carriages formed the cavalcade.
15. At Ketton, in Rutland, fuddenly, by an apoplectic Broke, Mr. Baxter, a land- durveyor, of great profesional ability.
At Belmont-lo ge, in Hertfordshire, Jn. Henry Ware, ely.
At Leatherhead, Surrey, in confequence of the buying of a blood-veffel, Ms. Har- vey, wife of the Rev. Richard H. vicar of that parish.
At Daddington, in Weft Lothian, the Hon. Capt Patrick Napier, R. N.
16. At Reddish's hotel, in St. James's- ftreet, Charles Edwin, efq. of Clear Well, co. Gloucefter, many years M. P. for the county of Glamorgan.
Mrs. Attwick, wife of William A. eiq. of Portna >-fquare.
After a few days illness, Wm. Richard. fon, efq. of Finden-place, Suflex.
At Handfworth, co. York, Mrs. Barbara Idle, relict of the late Loid Chief Baron 1. of the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, and fifter to the late Sir Philip Mulgrave, bart.
17. At his father's house in Gröfven re place, Rabert Mols, eiq. of the Dake of
INDEX to the POETRY in VOL. LXXI. PART 1.
E. ELEGY on the miseries of
Genius 164. during a Burial in a country Church- 260 yard Emelia, from the Spectator 348 Epilogue to the Farce of Crofs Purpofes 163
Phedrus, Tranflation from the 2d Fable of 351. Ap- plication of the fame 252 63 Pindaric Addrefs Pye's Ode for the New Year 65. for his Majesty's Birthday 548
N. NAVAL Poetry 258, 352, 548 Nickols, Joln, Verfes to a Daughter on her Birth- day 448 Nocturnal Contemplations, Parody on Gray's Elegy 549
ODE for the New Year 65. to Zephyr 67. to Fortune 67. on a Rofe 68. for his Majefty's Birthday 548., FEVER, Tertian, Li es du- on our Atchievements at ring a 548 Copenhagen P. Fortune, Ode to Frankin, Maria, in Mortem PARENTS, the afflicted, an 261 Elegy 550 66 Perambulatory Mufings
Store Gardens, extempore Lines in
Perez, Story from inVerfc161 YEAR, Ode to the New 65
R. J. fays, "If the leg flature fhall at fome future time agree upon a law to prevent the frequent and growing crime of adultery, I fhould hope, that a prohibition to publish the trials would materially conduce to the defired preventative. I have before me a provincial news-paper, in which an adver- tifement, near a column in length, an- nounces an "entire new volume of trials for adultery, &c." to he just published. Then follows a long lift of thote heroes and heroines who have fo diftinguifhedly ftamped themfelves with notoriety; not forgetting a N. B. and P. S. which fays, "thofe gentlemen or ladies, who prefer having the above volume fent to them un- der cover, may direct," &c. I believe, Mr. Urban, and your readers will be of the fame opinion, that if thefe reports can be fo conveniently admitted under cover to our farms and cottages, as the purport of the advertisement holds forth, more mischief may refult than many are aware of. The peace and happiness of the community muft proceed from virtue and honour, parents should hold them up as a pattern for their children, and they will experi- ence from it natural affection and do- mestic felicity; but, if the reverse of this takes place, if parents become diffolute, and children profigate, the bonds of fo- ciety will be difunited, our manners will become ferocious and cruel, and states will expire in convulfions and anarchy."
A CORRESPONDENT informs us, that Mr. HOLLAND, the Architect is in poffeffion of a fine collection of antique fragments purchased for him at Rome by Mr Tatham, previous to the Revolution. It confift of fome of the heft fpecimens of ornamental fculpture, and may therefore b confidered an acquifition to the country, as the study of fach models ferve in an eminet degree to form a correct tafte in ftudents of ar- chitecture
about the time of Edward III. The le- gend is an abbreviation of "Sigillum Jo- hannis Champenes," and the whole is ex- actly in the ftyle of that period annexed to antient deeds in his poffeffion.
X. X. (of Oxford) recommends an ap- plication of Melaffes, effectually to prevent or remove Chops of the Skin.
W. D. (of Neath) fays, the following paffage in Macbeth, A&t II. "Hark! peace,
It was the owl that fhriek'd, the fatal bellman
Which gives the ftern'ft good night," was unintelligible to him, until he hap- pened to take up an old Newgate Ca- lendar, where he read that it had been the custom for the bell-man of St. Sepul- chre's, the night before execution, to warn thofe that were condemned to die to make preparation for their unhappy fate, in the following, or fimilar words: "All ye who in the condemn'd hole dolie, Prepare ye all, to-morrow ye muft die, And when St. Sepulchre's bell doth toll, The Lord of Heaven receive your foul,"
This is evidently the cuffom alluded to by Shakspeare; and as he hath not found it noticed by any of his commentators, thinks it may not be unacceptable to our readers to point out t'e allufion as expla- natory of the great dramatic peet.
A CONSTANT READER, Who is a fub- fcriber to the GOVERNMENT TONTINE, would thank any of our readers to inform her, how it is known when the lives orop which were nominated by Government, they not having any intereft in it; and Go- vernment oeing gainers by foppofing them living will not take any means to certify their death. She knows there are hits printed, but as no certificates are required for the receipt of their tha es, and many of the partes fo nominated living and dp- ing in obfcunty, the things the d fcovery S, (of Portsmouth) obferves, that the mult he together cafual, to the great de- feal, fig. 2. ta . 497, appers to be of triment of the re 1 fcbfcriber. [NICHOLS and Sex, Printers, Red-Lion-Palage, Fleet-Sticet j
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