CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 17301 Burke born in Dublin, Jan. 1st (Old Style). EARLY LIFE. Being diligent is the gate by which we must pass to knowledge and fortune; without it we are both unserviceable to ourselves and our fellowcreatures, and a burthen to the earth. . . . I have a superficial knowledge of many things, but scarce the bottom of any.' Letter to Shackleton, 1744. 'I dined with your Secretary yesterday; there were Garrick and a young Mr. Burke, who wrote a book in the style of Lord Bolingbroke, that was much admired. He is a sensible man, but has not worn off his authorism yet, and thinks there is nothing so charming as writers, and to be one. will know better one of these days.' Walpole to G. Montagu, July 22, 1761. 1750 1754 1756 1757 Arrival in London. He Becomes a member of Macklin's Debating Society. Vindication of Natural Society. Inquiry into Sublime and Beautiful. Marriage with Miss Jane Mary Nugent. Newcastle Ministry. Account of European Settlements in America. Abridgment of English History. 1 The Editor has stated the facts which are in favour of this date in the 'Athenaeum,' June 26, 1875. 1759 Acquaintance with Johnson and Reynolds. Introduction to Hamilton by Lord Charlemont. CONNEXION WITH HAMILTON. 'Six of the best years of my life he took me from every pursuit of literary reputation, or of improvement of my fortune.' Letter to Hutchinson. My principles are all settled and arranged; and indeed, at my time of life, and after so much reading and reflection, I should be ashamed to be caught at hesitation and doubt, when I ought to be in the midst of action; not, as I have seen some to be, as Milton says, "Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek." However, this necessary use of the principles I have will not make me shut my ears to others which as yet I have not; only I wish to act upon some that are rational.' Draft of Letter to Bishop Markham, 1771. 1769 1770 1771 Agent for New York. 1772 Speech on Dissenters. Purchase of Gregories, Burke's estate in Buckinghamshire. Observations on Present State of Nation. Thoughts on Present Discontents. North Ministry. Opposes Petition of Clergy against Subscription. 1782 1783 Member for Malton. Rockingham Ministry. Paymaster-general. Death of Rockingham. Shelburne Ministry. Coalition Ministry. Speech on Fox's East India Bill. Lord Rector of University of Glasgow. Pitt Ministry. Death of Johnson. Speech on Nabob of Arcot's Debts. Proceedings against Hastings. 1784 1785 1786 1787 1789 French Revolution. Impeachment of Hastings. Speeches of Burke, Fox, Sheridan, and Windham. "The storm has gone over me, and I lie like one of those old oaks which the late hurricane has scattered around me.' Letter to a Noble Lord. |