reception of the young adventurer was kind and affectionate, and by his advice he entered the Middle Temple, in 1773, and as appears by the registry, was called to the Irish bar in Trinity term, 1776.

For two years he continued at the Irish bar without being able to command a remunerating practice, or of seizing on an opportunity to display those talents. which in a few years afterwards shone so brilliantly in a focus of fame and emolument. Mortified perhaps by disappointment, and conscious, no doubt, of the powers of his own genius, he again repaired to London, big with hope, and through some interest was admitted as a barrister, and until 1790 practised in the courts of England.

In 1780, when the wild enthusiast, Lord George Gordon, and his band of fanatics, attacked the House of Lords, Mr. M'Nally succeeded in preserving the life of the Bishop of Lincoln, brother to Lord Thurlow, against whom the mob seemed to be infuriated. The moment he saw them breaking down the Bishop's carriage he flew to his assistance, led away by that impetuosity of feeling which makes an Irishman reckless of his fate when distress claims his succour, and rushing through the bludgeons with which they were beating the prelate, threw himself, at the risk of his life, like a shield over the breast of the prostrate dignitary, and raising him up, hurried him into a house, which with the assistance of two more of his countrymen he guarded, and kept the assailants at bay until the Bishop, dis guised in the dress of a woman, made his escape over the roof. The Reverend father in God required and received the address of his spirited and generous protector, but never after made any return of gratitude to M'Nally for the obligation; as if the waters of oblivion had obliterated the recollection of the danger which he averted from his memory.

After this event, he was employed as one of the Editors of the PUBLIC LEDGER, and his essays, more than any other of the contributions that filled the columns of that paper, were remarkable for the elegance of their taste, felicity and strength of expression, as well as striking originality of conception. He also exercised his nervous pen, much to his honour, often in the service of his country. In 1782 he published a pamphlet entitled the Claims of Ireland, vindicated on the principles of the English Whigs. This work was written with such force of argument, and conceived in such a warm glow of spirit as to attract great attention, and to operate in a powerful degree, in influencing the opinions and prejudices of the nation in favour of the land of his birth. The work was bought up with avidity, and a second edition was immediately called for. The fame of this performance increased his practice at the Bar materially, and gained for him the friendship of the immortal Fox, who at the memorable election of Westminster, in 1783, employed Mr. M'Nally as his leading counsel, on which occasion his eloquence and legal research contributed essentially to the triumph of his illustrious friend.

On the indisposition of George III. at this crisis, he warmly espoused the cause of the party who were endeavouring to raise the Prince of Wales, the present King of England, to the regency, and so cogent and apposite were his arguments in the assertion of the Prince's right, that they were quoted and eulogised, in both houses of Parliament. His professional business became, in consequence, so extensive, that he was obliged to withdraw from the editorial department of the Ledger, which he had raised to the highest pinnacle of success, in order to devote his entire attention to the duties of his profession. We should not omit to mention, that the liberal Proprietor of the Ledger, on his secession from the editorial chair, made him a present of £600. In 1789 and 90 he produced several dramatic pieces at Covent Garden Theatre, which were eminently successful.Among these, the following still hold their places on the stage, viz. Retaliation and Tristram Shandy, Farces; Robin Hood* and Richard Cœur de Lion, Ope

"The Opera of Robin Hood had great success; his uncle Mr. Murphy, coming to London, McNally brought him to Covent Garden Theatre to see it; when to the surprise of the author, and the vexation of both, the opera was that night performed as an after-piece, having been, without his knowledge, cut down into two acts: such is the mortification of even a successful dramatic poct.”—O'K‹efe's Recollections.

ras, that are admired for their diversified incident and fine sentiment. His comes dy of Fashionable Levities, has been extolled by the critics of the day, for the vivacity of its dialogue, and the striking individuality of its characters, which are hit off with the force and felicity which he could so happily combine in his dramatic delineations. He possessed a vein of pungent, but delicate irony, almost peculiar to himself, so that the keenness of his ridicule was so tempered by gentleness of manner and flowing language, which concealed its point, that while he wounded, he seemed only solicitous to heal. About this period he became enamoured with a Miss Janson, a lady who had mental and personal charms, that enslaved many hearts as well as his, on whom he wrote the celebrated song, the "Lass of Richmond Hill," which enchained the lady's affections, and the author was prefered before a host of rival suitors. But as "true love is ever crossed," her father, who was a very rich attorney of London, refused to sanction the union of the lovers; but their romantic passion was so fanned by the warm breath of Cupid and Apollo, (Miss Janson wrote poetry in the Ladies Magazine,) that in spite of parental opposition, they made their way to the altar of Hymen. In relation to this marriage, Sir Jonah Barrington, in his interesting" personal sketches," gives the following anecdote. "When the father refused his consent, Mr. M'Nally took advantage of his dramatic knowledge, by adopting the precedent of Barnby Brittle, and bribed a Barber to lather old Janson's eyes as well as his chin, and with something rather sharper too, than windsor soap. Slipping out of the room while her father was getting rid of the lather and the smart, this Sappho with her limping Phaon escaped, and were united in the holy bands of matrimony the same evening. They continued extremely attached to each other after their union; old Janson partly forgave them, and made a settlement on their children." By this lady he had two daughters. Mrs. M'Nally died in the space of two years after her husband came back to his native city, in 1796.

Shortly after the death of this lady, he married Louisa, the third daughter of the Rev. Dr. Edgeworth, of the county of Longford, and aunt of the celebrated Miss Edgeworth, whose writings are known and appreciated by all the readers of Europe and America. Like his first wife, this lady too, united in her mind and form, the charms of all the muses, and all the graces. By her he had three sons and two daughters, who, with their amiable mother, have been left by the lamented death of the most affectionate of parents, and the most devoted of husbands, in a state of comparative indigence. Mr. M'Nally died at his house in Dublin, in the beginning of 1822. It is unnecessary for us to enter particularly into a detail of this gentleman's professional career in Dublin and London, because the history of the Bar will show that its course was a solar orbit that was ever illuminated by independence of spirit, fertility of genius, and profundity of legal research.

His works are the monuments that will record his merits, and perpetuate his fame to future ages. His "Rules of evidence on pleas of the crown illustrated,” are legal authorities in the Courts of Westminster and Dublin.

They have been commended by the London and Edinburgh Reviewers, and Lord Erskine, while Lord Chancellor of England, took occasion to bestow upon them an encomiastic notice; and his "Justice of the Peace for Ireland," has drawn forth a panegyric from Dugald Stewart, as well as from Mr. Kirwin, in his work on logics, and its utility acknowledged in critques, written by the ablest Lawyers in the British Empire.

The "Rules of Evidence" are dedicated to him, who was indeed the Demos thenes of Ireland, the illustrious CURRAN, in the following elegant language:"To John Philpot Curran, Esq. one of his Majesty's counsel, this work is inscribed from an affectionate attachment, and from a proud wish to make known to posterity that a reciprocal and uninterrupted amity subsisted between the author and the man whose transcendant genius and philosophic mind soars above all competition; whose honest and intrepid heart was never influenced in the senate nor intimidated at the bar from exerting with zeal, independence, and spirit his love to his country, and his duty to his client."

This would be an appropriate and just epitaph for the foreign tomb of the most incorruptible man Ireland ever produced; but alas! when will his country honour his memory with a monument worthy of his virtues?

On the occasion of the trial of Patrick Finney for high treason, in January, 1798, Messrs. Curran and M'Nally were counsel for the prisoner. The case was stated by the latter, though junior counsel, and Mr. Curran replied to the Attorney General. In the introductory part of his argument, looking on his friend with benevolence and affection, as he had just concluded his speech, he said, "I wish to state with all possible succinctness and clearness the nature of the charge against the prisoner; and I am glad that my learned colleague has done so much before me so much that when I repeat any thing which he has said, I run a risk of weakening it much. I am not in the habit of paying compliments where they are not deserved; neither am I in the habit of receiving them myself. But I trust the honesty of his heart must have gained from you that respect and credit which a statement flowing from a clear judgment and an animated heart deserves." The prisoner was acquitted, and the perjury of the crown witnesses stripped of the deception in which they had coiled themselves, by the ingenious cross-examination of M'Nally, who in that keen and sarcastic wit that abashes and confounds a false swearing deponent, excelled all his contemporaries. By the employment of this effective, legal weapon, he rescued many a victim from being immolated on the altar of PERJURY.

When the verdict of not guilty was announced by the jury, Judge Chamberlain, after complimenting Mr. M'Nally on the power and eloquence of his speech, observed-"Brother Mac, your conduct to-day reflects honour on your talents; no defence could be more ably conducted." And Baron Smith observed-" Mr. M'Nally, there never was a nobler display of forensic talent than you have made in Mr. Finney's defence."

As Sir Jonah Barrington has given the history of the duel fought between him and Mr. M'Nally, in his valuable publication, it is only necessary for us to say here, that both gentlemen evinced in that contest, in which both parties were wounded, a chivalric spirit, worthy of the national character, and that since the period of the rencounter they have, until Mr. M'Nally's death, conducted themselves towards each other with cordiality and friendship.

No man could be more amiable in private life than Mr. M'Nally; he was the centre of attraction in every social circle in which he mingled, for his colloquial powers, which were ever animated with the flame of wit and vivacity, kept cheerfulness alive, and the sun of gaiety still standing high in the convivial horizon. He liked to associate with men of kindred spirit; with a mind more disposed to be led than to lead; rising and descending with ease to any level; with the learned, the witty, the careless, or the ignorant, he was always the equal and unassuming companion. He confined himself much to the enjoyment of his domestic circle, and passed those hours which his professional avocations did not urge into activity, either in composition, or in company with a few select friends. The muses and the graces presided at his hospitable board, which was always spread with plenty, and a hearty welcome and elegant politeness, beckoned the guests to enjoy its festivities. The writer of this sketch had the honour of enjoying his hospitality and elegant conversation two or three times, and he can, with confidence, assert that the heart of Mr. M'Nally was as warm and benevolent, as his talents and genius were great and extensive. Early in life he unfortunately broke the pan of his right knee, and he was ever after lame; and when about sixteen, his left thumb was shot off by the bursting of a gun.

These personal imperfections, the consequences of casualty, were never thought of by himself, and from the good-nature of his disposition, and the continued flow of his spirits, accompanied by wit and humour, they soon familiarized and were forgotten by those who were his intimates; the clouds of personal imperfection were lost in the blaze which a splendid intellect kindled around him. This is but a feeble tribute of gratitude to the memory of a man whose attributes VOL. I.-17

and patriotism, we hope a Lady Morgan, or a Thomas Moore will encircle in a BIOGRAPHICAL light, that will endure as long as the unextinguishable torches which they lit in the fame of SALVATOR ROSA and LORD BYRON.

PRESENT STATE OF IRELAND.-NO. II.

That the present state of Ireland should attract the attention of all Europe, is evident, and that the friends of civil and religious liberty, throughout the world, should feel a deep interest in the proceedings of the Catholic Association, is equally obvious that the Philanthropist should reflect seriously on the passing events,' and shudder at the thoughts of the sanguinary conflict that ill-fated ERIN is very likely to witness, is also very natural, and that Irishmen in particular, and the descendants of Irishmen, should expect the emancipation of the IRISH CATHOLICS, and probably the deliverance of " OLD IRELAND" from the oppressive "SASSANAGH YOKE," from religious dissentions by which she has been so long afflicted, and from domestic tyranny by which she has been oppressed, will no doubt be readily admitted, as being equally manifest.

Let the present state of Ireland be taken into consideration and attentively examined, and it shall be readily perceived that 6 or 7 millions of inhabitants irritated by a partial administration of the laws; excited by religious prejudices; divided by a Machiavelian ministerial intrigue; oppressed by foreign inexorable tyrants and governed by arbitrary despots, cannot, and will not remain long stationary. They must advance; they know their strength; they have lately experienced an accession of power formerly unknown to them. The rapid progressive advancement made by the IRISH towards independence for the last 20 years, bears ample testimony. What they solicited in 1808 as a boon, they demanded as a right in 1828.

Lord Donoughmore presented a petition from the Roman Catholics of Ireland, not many years ago, praying the Imperial Parliament to take their grievances into consideration, and repeal some of the Penal Laws. This was the theme of his prayer: and strange as it may appear, he could scarcely find a nobleman in the House of Lords to second the motion of having the petition even read or laid on the table for future discussion. Some years elapsed before GRATTAN obtained leave, in the House of Commons, to have the Catholic Question discussed the next session, but at the same time the meetings of the Roman Catholics of Ireland to petition Parliament according to the British Constitution, was prohibited, and a number of gentlemen were arrested in the city of Dublin, for having the audacity to meet publicly and discuss the subject. The CATHOLIC BOARD then existing, was dissolved by an act of Parliament, and the British ministry had recourse to every stratagem which might enable them to suppress any meeting whose object would be Emancipation. Subsequent to this period, the Catholic Association was formed under the auspices of DANIEL O'CONNELL, and by prudence and perseverance overcame all resistance: like the morning sun which dispels the mists and clouds that envelopes and overshadows the horizon, enlivens and invigorates the earth as it ascends towards the meridian, so has the Catholic Association dispelled the mists and clouds of ignorance and prejudice which overclouded and dimmed the minds of the infatuated Irish, illustrated their true interest to them as clearly as the meridian sun; enlightened the peasantry by their instructions; guided them by sage counsels, and by prudence and perseverance united them as a consolidated body, great, powerful, and irresistible.

THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION, is to all intents and purposes, an Irish Parliament: they levy money, and the people pay it cheerfully; they call on the inhabitants throughout the kingdom to meet at a certain hour, on an appointed day, in

The Irish term for Saxon.

their different parishes, and 6 or 7 millions obey: they tell the peasantry to abstain from all petty quarrelling, illegal meetings, and forget all former animosities; and those who were turbulent and discordant become mild and peaceable; former contentions are forgotten; inveterate foes become steadfast friends: they request the freeholders to vote for some favourite at the election; and the 40 shilling voters set both landlord and government influence at defiance, vote as they are told, return a friend to Parliament, even at the risk of being "turned out of house and home." They order a body of disaffected men, 40 or 50 thousand, armed and seemingly determined to be revenged on their oppressors, to disperse, return to their respective homes, deliver up their arms, and the order is cheerfully obeyed. What 40 thousand bayonets could not effect for the British government, 40 lines published in a common newspaper by Daniel O'Connell fully accomplished. Such is the astonishing unanimity prevailing amongst the inhabitants, such is the powerful influence of the Legislative Body of Catholic Ireland, such are the mighty advances made by the gigantic strides of their eloquence, in twenty years, towards emancipation !

Ireland has the means; she has the power, and no doubt is ready and willing to undertake the noble and glorious enterprize; the memorable epoch is arrived; the grand undertaking is already commenced, and the "Heavenly expression, ERIN IS FREE," is already whispered from cabin to cottage, from mansion to castle, throughout the kingdom: every Irish heart throbs; each nerve and sinew strengthens, and every Irish patriot is prepared to proclaim to the world, that Ireland is and shall be free, and the "glad tidings" are reverberated from Cork to Derry ;

By contrasting the present state of Ireland with those of other countries previous to their becoming independent nations, we shall find that most of them were nearly circumstanced as Ireland has been. Switzerland, when governed by the house of Hapsburgh, was cruelly oppressed. Portugal, at the accession of the house of Braganza, was treated as a conquered province. Holland, under the Spanish yoke, suffered severely, and the British provinces, (now the U. States,) when governed by the house of Brunswick, tasted the loathsome cup of bitterness. These countries driven to desperation by despotism, which, as Bacon says "makes wise men mad," compelled their tyrants to renounce forever, all claim, authority and jurisdiction in their respective territories, and finally proclaimed to the world, that they were "free and independent."

As" similar causes produce similar effects," we may naturally expect that the effect produced by the Irish Cause,' will be ultimately similar to those of other countries. Ireland is as fully competent to assert her rights, constitutionally or otherwise, as either Switzerland, Portugal or Holland, so that it necessarily follows, that Erin must and shall become a great and independent nation.

By contrasting the formidable powers of Great Britain with the seemingly impotent resistance the Irish can possibly make (by their moral and physical capabilities,) we might reasonably conclude, that an "Irish Rebellion" would be crushed in its infancy-that the estates of the Roman Catholic gentlemen would "as formerly," be transfered to English, Scotch, and Dutch adventurers-that the Catholic Association would be forever suppressed; emancipation, as Wellington would have it," buried in oblivion"-that the chains which bind Ireland would be more firmly rivetted, and that the Irish spirit of liberty and independence would be totally annihilated. This conclusion might be drawn from the surface of appearances, but in our next essay we will, we hope, show that the volcano concealed in the political bowels of Ireland, if ignited by the expulsion of O'CONNELL from the House of Commons, will explode in an eruption which shall annihilate oppression.

B.

[It will be perceived by our readers, that the above essay was written before the late arrivals apprised us of the dissolution of the CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION. But though that assembly has changed its nomenclature, its spirit lives, and the genius of O'Connell shall transmigrate it into another body of renovated power.