BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR. THE subjects of the following Memoir were the sons of Robert Smith, an eminent legal practitioner of London, who held for many years the office of Solicitor to the Ordnance. JAMES SMITH Was born on the 10th of February, 1775; and HORACE SMITH on the 31st of December, 1779. The elder son was educated by the Reverend Mr. Burford at Chigwell, in Essex, was articled to his father on leaving school, and finally succeeded to his professional business and his appointment of Solicitor to the Ordnance. Horace received the same education as his brother, became a member of the Stock Exchange in London, acquired a fortune, and retired with his family to Brighton. For nearly half a century they were both distinguished in London society for their social accomplishments, and their clever contributions to the literature of the period. Horace Smith entered active life as a clerk in a merchant's counting-house, where he was more attentive to light literature and the drama than to bills of exchange, invoices, and charterparties. His first literary effort was a short poem lamenting the decay of public taste in theatrical exhibitions, and the encouragement given to dumb shows, to the neglect of such sterling productions as the West-Indian and The Jew; to the author of which comedies he dedicated his effusion, and forwarded it to him by the post, with his own name and address. The communication brought to the counting-house an old gentleman of distinguished appearance, whose large and profusely powdered head was flanked with cannon curls, and endorsed with a substantial pig-tail; his corbeau-colored suit was of antique cut, and he bore a golden-headed cane. This apparition inquired for Mr. Smith. "We have two of that name," replied the nearest clerk, "which of them do you want?" "I want Mr. Smith, the poet." The clerk was astounded at such a demand, and the grave master |