rcasms, but also by Percival's
legal knowledge, and by Lord Castlereagh's prolixity. These were thorns
in their sides; and as this active opposition had rendered Mr. Fox's
appearance in his place necessary, it told with great effect upon his
constitution at this time: indeed, Fox was dying from the effects of
disease augmented by the cares of office, and a laborious attendance on
the house; and though this was visible, no mercy was shown him by his
opponents. He did not long survive after the session was closed: he died
on the 13th of September, and was buried by the side of his great rival,
Pitt, in Westminster Abbey. His character as a politician has been seen
in previous pages; as a man, he seems to have been loved in life and
lamented in his death. Unhappily, however, a large portion of the
affection with which he was regarded by his contemporaries, was bestowed
on qualities which impaired the dignity of his moral character, and
rendered his talents less acceptable to the public. He was what is
called "the delight of society;" but his fascinating manners by no means
made up for his unsteady principles, and inconsistency of opinion.
The death of Fox involved some changes in the ministry. His nephew and
pupil, Lord Holland, was brought into the cabinet as privy seal, and Fox
was succeeded in the foreign department by his friend Lord Howick. The
other ministerial changes were simply these:--Mr. T. Grenville became
first lord of the admiralty, instead of Lord Howick; Tierney, president
of the board of control, instead of Gren-ville; and Sidmouth became
president of the council, in lieu of Earl Fitzwilliam, who resigned.
Lord Holland, therefore, was the only new member brought into the
cabinet.

NAVAL SUCCESSES.

The successes of the British fleets during this year were various, and
very encouraging to the nation to persevere in the struggle. Operations
were, indeed, naval and military, extended to the south of Italy and
Sicily, Portugal, the Cape of Good Hope, the East and West Indies, and
South America. At the close of the preceding year Admiral Villauruez,
accompanied by Joseph Buonaparte, succeeded in escaping from port
with eleven sail of the line, and a number of frigates. This fleet
subsequently separated: five ships of the line, two frigates, and
a corvette steered, under the command of Admiral Le Seigle, for
St. Domingo; but they were attacked off Ocoa Bay by Admiral Sir T.
Duckworth, and after a furious