The speeches of the Right Hon. Henry Grattan : to which is added his letter on the union, with a commentary on his career and character

Preface

Few things are more calculated to give pleasure to those interested in the welfare of our country, than the rapid progress which education has made amongst the people within the last few years.

In the Memoir of Grattau, prefixed to this volume, I have confined myself to indicating the growth of his character and genius, to commenting on the most important crisis of his life, concluding with a general review of his career, and with some plain remarks on the inestimable value of his example. I might have gone seriatim through all the facts of his life ; but, within the limited space assigned to me, there would have been room for scarcely more than a meagre abridgment of his biography. The course I have adopted seemed to be more useful.

This edition having been designed for the public, and not for students of oratory, 1 have refrained from extended criticism on Grattan's eloquence. The topic has been treated of by Lord Brougham, Sir James Mackintosh, the Rev. George Croly, the late

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Chief J ustice Bushe, William Taylor (of Norwich), and by a host of other eminent persons. Upon a critical subject so beaten it would be impossible to grow a blade of fresh thought. In the following Memoir, therefore, I have principally regarded the man and his life, rather than the orator and his style.

The valuable edition of G rattan's Speeches (published by his son in 1822) has long since been out of print. It was very carefully edited, and I have freely availed myself of some of Mr. H. Grattan's prefatory notes. I have also to acknowledge my obligations to that gentleman's interesting life of his parent ; but it will be seen that our views are not exactly in concurrence. In reverence for his father's memory, however, I believe all rational Irishmen of every party have long since been agreed.