The Sun.
London, England, 1839-10-19 00:00:00

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE RIGHT
HON. HENRY GRATTAN—BY HIS SON.—The follow-
ing remarks on this work, which has of course created
a great sensation in the political world, are from the
Naval and Military Gazette :—" That the Life of such
a man as Grattan should so long have remained un-
written, we cannot but regard as no less singular than
we must deem it fortunate, since it has now been exe-
cuted in a manner that we could scarcely have hoped for,
had it been undertaken by any any one else but the pre-
sent author. The Life of Grattan is so intimately and
entirely bound up with the history of his country, during
the period comprised between his arrival at man's estate
and his death, that the present volumes offer us a com-
plete history of Ireland during that period—and not only
so, but the only efficient history of that period which has
yet been placed on record. But for the general reader
they do more, and infinitely better than this ; they offer
us under the best possible form—that of an epistolary
autobiography—one of the most interesting histories
that can be conceived of the mind and heart of one of
the most extraordinary and gifted men that have illus-
trated and benefited modern times. The large body of
private correspondence which is here brought to bear
upon the early and private life of Grattan, will be read
with an eager and intense interest. Moreover, there is
a fund of personal anecdotes scattered through the vo-
lumes, all of which are characteristic as well as new.
This truly valuable work will unquestionably form one of
the most important and interesting additions to our bio-
graphical and historical literature that our own day has
produced.
COMMISSION OF LUNACY —On Tuesday last
a Commission of Lunacy was held at the Cups Inn.
Colchester, to inquire whether John Shaw King, Esq.
of Head-street, was of sound mind. F. Smytbies, sen.
Esq. sat as Chief Commissioner. It appeared that the
unfortunate gentleman has for the last eight or nine
years been in a complete state of nudity, and that
during the time he had not been shaved nor had his
hair been cut. Other symptoms of insanity were
proved, and the jury returned a verdict, finding that
POST.—The prospects of the Money Market havegreen, yellow, and crini-
ofthe lovely rose colour,
some entirely
Nwsl
Qren.7l(aoinfndgvsahrai
various
been
colours,of
b unsoundrow n , mind since the 15th of
October, 1831.—Chelinsford Chronicle.
A FLIGHT OP CttossstLLs.—Last week, at
West Felton, Shropshire, this rare and beautiful bird
was seen in a flight of about eighteen or twenty,
alighting on the tops of pine trees and larch, the cone
of which it opens with adroit neatness, holding it in
one claw, like a parrot, and picking out the seeds. They
ue.lergone but little change since yesterday. There is hanging and climbing in fanciful attitudes, and ranch
certainly no improvement to be perceived, and we ac- resembling a group of small paroquets ; their unusual
cordingly adhere to the opinion we ventured to express note, resembling the quick chirp of linnets, but much
last week. as to the views entertained by the most in- louder, first attracted attention. These birds are na-
telligent and influential class of merchants upon fioan- Lives of Germany and the Pyrenees.
cial subjects. A distrust prevails which is now becoming The tax on hats commenced Oct. 2, 1784. The
eaahraftouriltlibsouliteethneseutoovseerllamhaetast,
satnadmpif
apparent to every one engaged in money and other
ahagteteartlpemaidaa2al.seady
business-like pursuits.
The public Funds are becoming i
exceedingly heavy, in it he forfeited 101. The tax was 2s. per hat if worth
'and matters are by no means better n the produce 12s. ; Is. if worth 75., and 3d. if it were made of leather,
market and other commercial departments. Consols wool, stuff, or any thing else, and worth only a shilling.
left off this evening at 90i to ~ Money and 904 to i 1 Mr. Pitt introduced this tax.