I had never known my father so entertaining as at these moments, when his life was but too evidently drawing to a close.

I had no idea that he knew and had seen so much; my respect for him increased, and I looked upon him almost with admiration.

His anecdotes were in general highly curious; some of them related to people in the highest stations, and to men whose names were closely connected with some of the brightest glories of our native land.

He had frequently conversed--almost on terms of familiarity--with good old George.

He had known the conqueror of Tippoo Saib; and was the friend of Townshend, who, when Wolfe fell, led the British grenadiers against the shrinking regiments of Montcalm.