word or look betray the exquisite distress it occasioned him. In the
interim, all which could soothe the remorse of a prisoner, every means
which could save (which did, at least from public execution,) were
exerted for him, with a characteristic benevolence, active and
unobtrusive.'

Smeaton was a man of indefatigable industry and great moral probity.
With ample opportunity of amassing wealth, he rendered its acquisition
but a secondary object on all occasions; his first aim always being to
execute the task intrusted to him in the most skilful and perfect
manner. Had his object been to amass a fortune, he might have received
many lucrative appointments besides those which he actually held. The
empress Catherine of Russia attempted to secure his services for her
own country by most magnificent offers; but Smeaton preferred to
dedicate his time and talents to the service of his country. 'The
disinterested moderation of his pecuniary ambition,' says his
daughter, 'every transaction in private life evinced; his public ones
bore the same stamp; and after his health had withdrawn him from the
labours of his profession, many instances may be given by those whose
concerns induced them to press importunately for a resumption of it;
and when some of them seemed disposed to enforce their entreaties by
further prospects of lucrative recompense, his reply was strongly
characteristic of his simple manners and moderation. He introduced the
old woman who took care of his chambers in Gray's Inn, and showing
her, asserted 'that her attendance sufficed for all his wants.' The
inference was indisputable, for money could not tempt that man to
forego his ease, leisure, or independence, whose requisites of
accommodation were compressed within such limits!' Before this, the
princess Daschkaw made an apt comment upon this trait of his
character; when, after vainly using every persuasion to induce him to
accept a carte blanche from the empress of Russia as a recompense for
directing the vast projects in that kingdom--she observed 'Sir, you
are a great man, and I honour you! you may have an equal in abilities,
perhaps, but in character you stand single. The English minister, Sir
Robert Walpole, was mistaken, and my sovereign has the misfortune to
find one man who has not his price.'

In all the social duties of life Smeaton was most exemplary; and he
was a lover and encourager of real merit in whatever station of life
he found it. To strangers