Biographical Sketch Of The Late Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., &C,

his long eventful , though somewhat critical , judicial career , can for a moment deny . That he hacl a marvellousl y quick apprehension of the characters of those with whom he came into contact ; that he had a rare faculty of dealing with the most

contradictory and conflicting mass of evidence ; and that in the treatment of cases he had a peculiar sense of what Avas right and just—an adherence to the principles of common sense and truth is indisputable . In dealing with cases which absolutely

required Sir Archibald ' s concentrated energies , the -arguments he employed Avere acute and poAverful , -Avhile his lucid ideas were couched in language admired for its copiousness and elegance . Besides , he had a large and firm grasp of mind , ancl when

he had once decided upon what course of action 'he meant to pursue , formidable obstacles or intricate perplexities did not disturb the serenity of his mind . No one can have watched his career Avithout being agreeably struck with his admirable

vnnmoveableness and boldness of character . Sir Archibald Avas thoroughly consistent with himself —sham and hollow pretence , which obtains so largely noAV-a-days , being foreign to his nature . He had too much solidity and consistency to be

swayed by prejudice , or to be carried off with the poor breath of popular applause . He invariably gave utterance to the thoughts of his heart with an honest and frank boldness Avhich was peculiarly agreeable . While the minds of other men were

shifting like an April sky , his mind remained calm as a lake , and in the midst of emotions at once novel ancl impetuous , aud influences the most biasing , he maintained his magnanimity and calm stability of judgment . Although pressed with

business of the most perplexing and unpleasant nature , he sedulously devoted himself to the pursuits of literature , as his voluminous Avorks abundantly testify . The " History of Europe "the latest library edition of which is in fourteen volumes—from the commencement of the French

Revolution to the restoration of the Bourbons in 1815 ; the " History of Europe" from the fall of Napoleon in 1815 to the succession of Louis Napoleon in 1852 , in six volumes ; a " Life of the Duke of Marlborough "—said to be one of his

most masterly productions ; " Lives of the Brothers Castlereagh and Londonderry "; a work on the " Principles of Population "; legions of contributions to literary periodicals on various subjects , besides his legal treatises . One naturally Avonders how this enormous amount of literary work could

have been accomplished by a mind so fully occupied as his Avas in the discharge of the assiduous duties of his profession . His chief delig ht Avas to roam at leisure over the wide fields of literature , culling how and where he might . Sir Archibald was

largely gifted Avith great powers of application and resolute endeavour , and anything in the shape of politics , history , novels , and the drama , was devoured Avith an insatiable appetite , Avhich lie persistently fed . Had his writings not been so

voluminous he would have passed through the ordeal of a rigid criticism Avith more success , and stood the test much more satisfactorily of this fastidious and mealy-mouthed age . While devoutly anxious to give quantity , he Avas frequently

regardless of the quality , but it were ungallant ancl ungenerous to say that Sir Archibald Avas incapable of writing well . While some of his hasty and inconsiderate productions we acknoAvledge are unsatisfactory , notwithstanding , some of his

writings , ' such as his "Life of Marlborough" and his legal treatises , indisputably exhibit a deal of subtlety , and soundness of thought , as well- as consummate finish . No man could have unfolded

Avith greater discrimination and success the animated and perpetually changing historical drama of the last seventy years . His descriptions are graphic and vigorous , ancl are as a historian ' s should be , free from the colouring of national

partiality and prejudice . His style at times is easy and floAving , and Avhen under the influence of feeling he assumes a tone of deep aucl touching pathos . Seldom have we met Avith a historian who moves

Avith a surer hand the springs of sensibility , or Avho shoivs a moi * e intimate acquaintance with the mysteries of the human heart , or ivho gives utterance to sentiments Avith more truthfulness and impartiality . Had Sir Archibald , instead of using

an " overwhelming deluge of Avords , " consequently making his sentences long , lumbering , and intricate , aimed more at conciseness , and at making them short and decisive , as it is remarked battles should be , he would have certainly occupied a much

higher place on the platform of English literature ; but as it is , he is entitled to our reverence and respect for his useful ancl valuable contributions . Sir Archibald was always an interesting speaker , because his speeches ivere carefully prepared , and

his Avords were Aveighty , ancl expressed iu tones of voice accommodated to his subject . He generally began in a clear aud audible voice , and when he had fairly launched out on his subject , especially