Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter iii. william beckfobd the youngeb--his bieth and education. The late William Beckford of Fonthill Giffard, Wilts, and afterwards of Bath, was born at the former place, September 29th, 1759. His mother was the second wife of the member in parliament for the city for fourteen years preceding, and twice Lord Mayor. She was daughter and coheir of the Hon. George Hamilton, M.P. for Wells. Young Beckford was christened early, the year following his birth, as appears by the following letter from his father to Mr. Pitt, afterwards Earl of Chatham. "Fonthill, January 7th, 1760. "my Dear Sir, "Your very obliging and much-esteemed favour was duly received. I consider it the greatest honor to have such a sponsor to my child. He was made a Christian last night, and Lord Effingham was your proxy. No endeavours of mine shall be wanting (if it please God to spare his life), to instil into his mind principles of religion, honor, and love of country. It is true those are old-fashioned principles; but they are such as you approve and practise. "Nothing could give me more pleasure than to take your opinion on my present works, and to regulate my future operations by your advice and judgment. But I cannot flatter myself so much as to think it possible to enjoy that comfort, until you have first procured for your country a safe, honorable, and lasting peace. "I am, my dear Sir, "Your ever faithful and affectionate, "Humble servant, "W. Beckford." At the earliest possible time that impressions of any value in education can be made upon the youthful mind, a preparatory tutor was provided for young Beckford, under whom he remained until he had seen eleven summers; at which time, in 1771, Dr. W. Cleave