The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-07-24
MISC ELL AN Y.
From Rntler,s Reminisoenoes.l
1011/Z1I3I~
LORD THURLOW.

AOhO 1HOhLOtF.
At tines, Lord Thuriow was superla-
lively great. 1t was the good fortune of
the Reminiscent, to hear his celebrated
reply to the Duke of Grafton, during
the inquiry into Lord Sandwiches admin
istra,ion of Greenwich Hospital. The
Dukes action and delivery, when ne adj
dressed the House, we:c singularly Dig
siiied and graceful; bui his matter was
not equal 10 his manner. He reproach-
ed Lord Thuriow with his plebeian ex-
traction, and his recent admission into
the peerage. Particular circumstances
caused Lord Thurlow's reply TO make
deep impression on the Reminiscent
His Lordship had spoken too often, and
began TO be considered, Ito use the word
of the day,) bore. Under these cir
cumstances, he was attacked in the man
ner we have mentioned. He rose from
the woolsack, and advanced slowly to
the place, from which the Chancellor
generally addresses the house then fix
ing on the Duke look of lowering in
dignation-"I am amazed;' he said, in a
level tone of voice. s. at the attack which
the noble Duke has made on me-. Yes,
my Lords," considerably raising his
voice, 81 am amazed at his Grace's
speech. The noble Duke cannot look
before him, behind him, or on either
side Of him, without seeing some noble
peer, who owes his seat in this house to
his successful exertions in the profession
TO which | belong. Does he not feel
that it is as honorable to owe it to these,
as to being the accident of an accident
To all these noble Lords. the language
of the noble Duke is as applicable and
as insulting as it is to myself. But
don't fear to meet it single and alone.
No one venerates the peerage more than
do; but, my Lords, | must say that the
peerage solicited me, not the peerage.
Nay more, team say and will say, that,
a. peer Of Parliament, as speaker of
this right honorable House, as keeper
Of the great seal, as guardian of his
Majesty's conscience, as lord high chan
eellor of England, nay, even in that
character alone, in which the noble
Duke would think it an aTfront to be
considered, but which character more
can deny meas a NAN, am at this
moment as respectable. | beg leave to
add, am at this time, as much respect
ed, as the preudest peer now look
down upon" The effect of this speech.
both within the walls of Parliament and
ont of them, was prodigious. 1t gave
Lord Thurlow an ascendency in the
House, which no chancellor had ever
possessed; it invested him in pubhcll
opinion, with character Of independ-
ence and honour; and this, although he
was ever on the unpopular side of poll
ticks, made him always popular with
the people.
On many other occasions, his Lordship
appeared to advantage; but, speaking
generally, it was only on great occasions
that ne signalized himself.
He was kind of guGrda costa vessel,
which cannot meet every turning and
winding OF frigate that assaiis her f;
but, when the opportunity offers, pours
broadside which seldom fails of sinking
the assaiiant.
His Lordship, however, possessed a
weapon, which he brought into action
with great skill and effect. lie would
appear TO be ignorant upon the subject
in debate, and with affected respect, but
visible derision, TO seek for informa-
tion upon it, pointing ont with a kind Of
dry solemn shumour, contradictions and
absurdities, which he protested his own
apparent inability to explain, and call
ing on his adyersaries for their explana-
tion. II was kind of masked battery,
of the most searching questions and
distressing observations it often discom-
ited his adversary, ard seldom failed
TO force him into very embarrassing
position Of defence.
Il Is remarkable that both Lord Mans.
field and Lord Thurlow spoke most
slowly and deliberately, yet their peri