Born 1761.—Died 1809.—George II.—George III.
The son of a Dr. Moore, born at Glasgow, became a brave general. He was at the taking of St. Lucia with Abercrombie, was employed in the Irish rising, and fought in Egypt and Holland. While commanding an English army in Spain during the Peninsular war, he made his famous retreat on and was killed at Corunna.
RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
Born 1751.—Died 1816.—George II.—George III.
An Irishman, born in Dublin, whose wit, oratory, and parliamentary eloquence won him a dazzling reputation. He was the personal friend of Fox, and the companion of George IV. as Prince of Wales, but was always in debt and many difficulties. He was also celebrated as a dramatist, and wrote the comedies of The Rivals, The School for Scandal, the Duenna, and a play called Pizarro. But he is chiefly known by what are called his bon mots, or witty sayings, which are unrivalled. He died in London in extreme want.
WARREN HASTINGS.
Born 1732.—Died 1818.—George II.—George III.
This remarkable man, born in Worcestershire, went to India at seventeen, and after filling several important posts was made Governor General of India in 1773. His administration was famous for the submission of the formidable enemies of England, Hyder Ali and Tippoo Sahib; but his cruelties to the Begums (princesses) of Oude and in the Rohilla war were the subject of his impeachment and trial before the House of Lords in Westminster Hall. Sheridan pleaded the cause of the Begums in what has been reckoned the finest speech ever heard in modern times. Warren Hastings was acquitted, but he was a ruined man until the East India Company nobly pensioned him for life with £4,000 a-year, paid his debts, arid lent him £50,000 without interest. He died in retirement at the age of eighty-six.
JAMES WATT.
Born 1736.—Died 1819.—George II.—George III.