The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-06-11 00:00:00

SULLY'S MEMOIRS.

The example of Sully shows that the study of history
is practically useful to a statesman, for he tells us, in his
Memoirs, that he was much given to it ; and he proved
the first of all ministers. "It is history, Madam: you
know how the tale goes." said Cardinal Mazarine to the
Queen Dowager of France. Bat in no respect is history
more uncertain than in the description of battles. Sully
observes, that when, after the battle of Autnale, the WE-
eirs were standing round the bed of Henry IV. not two
of all the number could agree in their account of the
engagement. Though the original folio edition of Sully's
Memoirs be very confused in the arrangement, it is worth
while to turn it over for many curious particulars. The
account of his embassy to James 1. is particularly inte-
resting, and lays open the politics of that day with a
masterly band. It appears, from Sully's original work, that
Ilenry IV. intended that all Europe should be composed
into fifteen dominations, so as to form ona vast republic.
peaceful in itself, and capable at all times of pacifying all
its constituent states. This scheme was to be adjusted 'At
' such a manner, that each state would find it west for its
own interest to support it on all occasions. I have marked
a passage in the first volume, p. 31, full of terrific truth.
I Look at it. " Lea plus grandea, magnitiques, et serieuaes
afraires (Festal tirerent leur origine, et leers plus violeris
mouvements, des niaiseries, jalousies, envies, et sum s
bizar•ties de la cour ; et se reelent plutost sur iceller, quo
sur les meditations et consultations birn digercles, ny sur
les considerations el' honneur, de gloire. ny du foi."—Thst
most grand, magnificent, and serious tfla'.rs of state derive
their (night, and their most violent movements, from the
silliness, jealousies, envies, and other whims of the court ;
and arc rather regulated by these, than by meditations, and
well-digested consultations, or by considerations of honour.
glory, or good faith.—Walpoliono.

The Irish Society are now erecting a buililin7 on part of
the site of Olti Blackwell Ball, in Guildhall Yard, next
to the new Courts. for the transaction of the momentum;
business of the establishment.
Da. BARRETT'S Wit.t..—The different charitable insti-
tutions are likely to receive considerable benefit from the
very large funds bequeathed by the late eccentric Doctor
Barrett, Vice-Provow of Trinity College. The public
may recollect that this extraordinary character made a will
two or three years back, by which ha left his large fortune,
acquired by the greatestpiniimony, to several public chari-
ties, leaving his only brother an annuity of less than 20s a
we...k. The consequence was, that the will was litigated in
every shape and form, and the Gentlemen of the long robe
were iikely to be more considerable gaicers than ever th
deceased intended they aheuld be. We are happy, bow
ewe, to state, that by the decision of the Lord Chancellor.
on Saturday hat, ample justice is about to be done to all
parties, and the large property of the deceased employed
to advantage. The lots Doctor's brother, Mr. Edward
Barrett. who litigated the will, is to have the real and
leasehold property, an.
interest. The residue
stand, amounts to'

charity, under the
and ue doubt it will
universal Slllisfartif

and be paid a sum of Moon!. with
ichie of the property, which, we wader-
newly 100,000 L, is to be disposed of in
is directlow of the Court of Chancery.
ill be distributed in such a way as to ist.t.
lion.—Dtiblim Pam.