Memoirs of the Political and Private Life of James Caulfield, Earl of Charlemont Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1812 Excerpt: ...and the inscription beneath, written by Lord Charlemont, occupies a part of the saloon, or rather newlibrary, which, though not large, is truly elegant, and is peculiarly graced by this, its best ornament. Part of Lady Rockingham's letters to Lord Charlemont, relative to its completion, may, it is to be presumed, be inserted) and with propriety, here. On no other subject perhaps, very few certainly, should I think myself entitled to give any portion of her correspondence to the world. But the same respect to that noble Lady, which justly withholds me from any such intrusion, in this instance impels me forward, as in no better way could I pay that tribute, however slight) to her memory, to which it has so entire a claim. To turn aside from politics at any time, or, at least, when politics are unaccompanied by any thing very dignified, or inspiring, cannot be a matter of much regret; but when such a deviation leads us to the contemplation of an illustrious matron, engaged in the sweet and grateful, though melancholy office of recalling to the sculptor, the features of a noble husband, for ever dear to her, and from the stores of her own memory, facilitating the labours of the artist; such a deviation is indeed soothing. With two or three letters of Lady Rockingham to Lord Charlemont, one also from Mr. Burke to him, is given, as in part adverting to the same subject. I fear I must have appeared extremely blameable to your Lordship, and I am free to confess, that I have partly been so: Neither the picture, nor Tassie's profile could be of any help, as Nollikens said; but in the summer, Q2 when his business permitted him, I got him te prepare a fresh model, and bring it down here; and he was so patient as to work upon it, after my instructions, two whole days, a...