December 8th, Mr. William Sturgeon, celebrated for his scientific learning, his voluminous productions on electricity, and various branches of natural science. He had been originally a shoemaker, afterwards a soldier, subsequently scientific lecturer at Addiscombe College, and in his old age suffered much from poverty. Lord John Russell obtained him a grant of £50 per year from the Civil List, so paltry a recognition of such great merits and services as is exceedingly dishonouring to the country.
Several remarkable persons were removed by death from various walks of life unnecessary to classify. The following were the most remarkable instances:—
On the 24th of January, Sir Felix Booth, the celebrated brewer, a man of large wealth, and a patron of science. He fitted out, at an expense of £17,000, the expedition in search of the North-West passage, commanded by Captain Ross, who commemorated the name of his munificent patron by giving to the northern termination of the American continent the name of Felix Boothia.
On the 6th of March, Sir James Gibson Craig, Bart., who had distinguished himself as a leader of the Scottish Whigs for many years.
July the 8th, at Cambridge House, Piccadilly, H.R.H. Prince Adolphus Frederick, of Brunswick Lunenburgh, Duke of Cambridge, youngest surviving son of George III. He was a very benevolent prince, liberal in politics, patriotic in feeling, and much beloved by the country.
July 20th, Sir Robert Peel, Bart., the statesman and parliamentary leader. Such ample notice has been taken of his life and death, on former pages, that it is not necessary more particularly to refer to it in this place.
August the 7th, Louis Philippe, the exiled King of the French, aged 77 years. Few princes experienced so many and such great vicissitudes of fortune. He died at Claremont, in Surrey. When in his power the most obsequious homage was paid to him by the court and the citizens of London; in his exile, he was allowed to sink almost unnoticed into obscurity and death. His faithlessness to political engagements, his avarice, and want of principle generally, had created a universal obloquy round his name.
CHAPTER LXIII.
VICTORIA. 1851