R. PITT was the second son of that truly illustrious statesman and celebrated minister, William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, by Lady Hester Grenville, and aunt to the Marquis of Rockingham and Lord Grenville. He was born at Hayes, in Kent, May 26, 1759, the year in which his father's triumphant and successful administration was at its zenith. The education of his early years, and the elements of his knowledge, were acquired with private tutors, under the immediate eye and correction of his father, who, even at a very early period, delighted in teaching him to argue with logical precision, and to speak with elegance and force. At the early age of fourteen, Mr. Pitt was taken from domestic tuition, which was from the age of six years old under the superintendence of that accomplished scholar, the Rev. Dr. Wilson, and entered at Pembroke College, in the University of Cambridge. He was there chiefly under the guidance and tuition of the tutor of the College, Dr. Farmer, afterwards Dean of Norwich, and the celebrated Dr. Prettyman, afterwards Dean of London, and Bishop of Lincoln: both of whom, as far as relates to classical and mathematical attainments, a better choice perhaps could not have been made. With respect to the important powers of eloquence, the best instructor of his day was certainly his father.

After the usual course of study in the University of Cambridge, he was entered a student of Lincoln's Inn, and made so rapid a progress in his legal studies, as to be soon called to the Bar with every prospect of success. He went once or twice upon the Western circuit, and appeared as counsel in several causes. He was, however, destined to fill a more important station in the government of his country, than is usually obtained through the channel of the law. At the general election in 1780, he was nominated by some of the most respectable persons in Cambridge, as a candidate to represent that University, but, notwithstanding the high character he had obtained there, he found very few to second his pretensions. In the following year, however, he was returned for the borough of Appleby, by the interest of Sir J. Lowther. On taking his seat in the house of Commons, he enlisted himself on the side of the party which had constantly opposed

the minister, Lord North, and the American war, and which regarded him with a degree of veneration; recognizing in his person the genius of his illustrious father revived, and acting, as it were, in him. His first speech was in favour of Mr. Burke's Bill; and one of the first acts in which he took the lead in that house, was extremely well calculated to increase his popularity. This was his motion for a committee, to consider upon the most effectual means to accomplish a more equal representation of the people in parliament. His propositions were, indeed, rejected; but he continued to repeat and renew them from time to time, and thus kept up the public attention to this great object, which was consequently more generally canvassed than it ever had been before.

On the death of the Marquis of Rockingham, the old Whig party fell into a state of disunion, nearly bordering upon dissolution. Lord Shelburne became the first Lord of the Treasury, assisted by Mr. Pitt, who astonished the country, and indeed all Europe, by the phenomenon of a Chancellor of the Exchequer at the age of twenty-three. He began his career with a prematurity of talent, which has no example, and in a time of difficulty, which required the most determined resolution, the utmost vigour of exertion, and a mind of the most potent grasp, and unbounded comprehension; he not only possessed them all, but applied them with incomparable energy and effect to the advantage of his country.

His popularity at this period effectually screened him from every charge which his youth and inexperience might justly have warranted, and which were strongly urged against him by the adverse party. The situation of the country was extremely critical. The American war had become generally odious; and all hearts panted for a cessation of hostilities. This object was, therefore, the first consideration with the new ministry.

The combined powers had recently experienced great humiliations, and consequently the opportunity was not to be lost. A general peace accordingly took place; but the terms of it were reprobated by a considerable part of the nation. On this occasion, Mr. Pitt delivered a most masterly defence of himself and his colleagues, which produced a corresponding, though not successful effect. The administration, of which he was one of the most distinguished members, was therefore short-lived. On its dissolution, the young statesman withdrew into retirement, and afterwards went abroad for some time, visiting Italy, and several of the German courts.

On the coalition-ministry coming into place, Mr. Mansfield's seat for the University became vacant, by accepting the office of Solicitor-General, and Mr. Pitt determined to oppose him. With this view he went down to Cambridge but he was not supported by the heads and senior members, one almost threw the door in his face, and wondered at the impudence of the young man, thus to come down and disturb the peace of the University, though the assurance of support from several independant Masters of Arts, kept alive the scanty hopes of future success. A few months, however, changed the scene; he repaired to the University, was received with open arms, carried his election by means of a considerable majority, and was able also, by his influence, to make Lord Euston his colleague.

An occasion, as we have just remarked, suddenly offered, for bringing Mr. Pitt forward once more in the great theatre of politics, as a candidate for fame and power. He brought in a bill for the abolition of fees in the public offices. The subject is still so amusing, from the extravagance of this old