Holl. sculp.

WILLIAM BECKFORD.

OF the early years and education of this opulent and intrepid patriot, history has furnished no details.—Being one of the greatest proprietors in the West Indies, he became a representative in parliament for the city of London in 1770, and was also twice elected into the important office of Lord Mayor, viz. in 1763 and 1770. In his former trust, he was one of those members who acquitted themselves with great integrity and independence during a part of the administration of Lord North. It was at this period that Alderman Beckford stood forward in his public capacity, and in his private life, as the firm and invincible champion of the liberties of his country. Upon every question in parliament, which involved the three constitutional estates of King, Lords, and Commons, Mr. Beckford was not only strenuous in their support, but endeavoured to conciliate the views of all parties to the same laudable end. In the close of a debate of this kind, he invited both houses of parliament to a public dinner on the 22d of March 1770, on which occasion the Mansion-house was decorated with a splendour that surpasses all description. The company went in procession through the city from the houses of parliament; and among the noble personages present, were seven dukes, two marquisses, twenty earls, fourteen lords, four viscounts; besides a great number of other noble and independent members of both houses.

During the second period, whilst Mr. Beckford filled the chair of the chief magistrate, it fell to his lot at three different times to approach the throne, to deliver a petition, monstrance, and an address from the citizens and livery of London, praying for a redress of grievances and a dissolution of the then sitting parliament, and for the removal of evil-minded persons from the cabinet and councils of his Majesty. To the last petition delivered on the 23d of May 1770, his Majesty gave an answer highly repulsive; when Mr. Beckford, to the astonishment of the courtiers and every person present, rose up, and with great presence of mind, and fluency of language, delivered an extempore address to his majesty, concluding with these words:—“Permit me, sire, further to observe, that whoever has already dared, or shall hereafter endeavour, by false insinuations and suggestions, to alienate your majesty’s affections from your loyal subjects in general, and from the city of London in particular, is an enemy to your majesty’s person and family, a violator of the public peace, and a betrayer of our happy constitution, as it was established at the GLORIOUS and NECESSARY REVOLUTION.”

Mr. Beckford did not survive this memorable interview a month, as he expired in London in June following, aged 63; and if any thing could add to the lustre of his character, it was the manner of his death; for, notwithstanding he was extremely indisposed at Fonthill, he was so attentive to discharge the important duties confided to him, that he travelled near an hundred miles in one day to attend the public business. This violent exertion brought on a fever, which terminated a life that will ever be held in veneration. That his memory might be recorded to posterity, the corporation of London erected his statue in their Guildhall, and recorded in the inscription, in letters of gold, the magnanimous speech which he addressed to the King, in vindication of the people's right to remonstrate to the throne.

Most public personages have some shade in their character, which the finger of envy or malice might occasionally mark; but, in whatever point of view the character of Beckford may be scrutinized, whether as citizen, senator, or magistrate, it may be affirmed that, though all the honours of the state were within his grasp, his independent spirit was never shaken, but he preserved his consistency of character to the moment of his death.