inware trade for Bellingham. This shop was in
Oxford-street; but a fire occurring in it, Bellingham asserted that he
had a large number of bank-notes destroyed. It was suspected he was
cognizant of the origin of this fire; but nothing could be proved against
him. In 1794 he became bankrupt; but his creditors were so disgusted
with the statement of his affairs, that they would not grant him his
certificate, and he never obtained it. We next find him obtaining
employment in a merchant's counting-house; and after being with them some
time he was sent out by them to Archangel. He remained there about three
years, and then entered into partnership with a firm there. He then came
to Hull where he entered into contracts for the delivery of 12,000 pounds
worth of timber, but only 4,000 pounds worth was ever delivered upon the
bills drawn, accepted, and paid. Upon this transaction Bellingham was
arrested and imprisoned in Hull, where he remained seven months. On his
release he went back to Archangel, where he had no sooner arrived than he
was again thrown into prison. He appealed vehemently against this arrest
to the English Consul, and also to the British Ambassador at St.
Petersburg, Lord Levison Gower; but they both declined interfering, as
they considered his arrest legal and justifiable. On his release he came
to Liverpool, whence he went to Dublin, where he met his future wife,
Miss Neville, a native of Newry. Having become possessed of a legacy of
400 pounds, left him by his aunt, Mrs. Daw, he returned to Liverpool,
where he commenced business as an Insurance and General Broker. He now
began memorializing the government on the subject of his claims upon
Russia. General Gascoigne presented his petitions. All he got was a
constant refusal of interference. There is no doubt that some of the
wrongs he complained of were partly imaginary, and that he perhaps
inherited his father's malady. Finding his appeals of no avail he
determined upon being revenged in some way or other upon somebody. On
the 11th May, 1812, he posted himself, soon after five o'clock, near the
door of the lobby of the House of Commons, and as Mr. Spencer Percival
approached, he drew a pistol from his breast pocket, and fired at the
right honourable gentleman. The shot took effect, and Mr. Percival died
almost immediately afterwards. General Gascoigne, one of the members for
Liverpool, was one of the first to recognize the assassin, and, in f