306 THE WEDGWOODS. 



occasion ; and that if, in pursuit of these objects, I have found it 

 necessary to blame the conduct of those whom nature bids you to 

 love and reverence, I have done it with reluctance, as it is far more 

 pleasing for me to bestow praise than blame upon my neighbours." 



The " Address " met with universal approval, and had the 

 desired effect of restoring peace and order in the district. 

 In Mr. Hall's possession is a letter from Josiah Wedgwood, 

 dated " Etruria, 12th May, 1783," in which is an interesting 

 allusion to this pamphlet, as follows : " Dear Sir, I am 

 much obliged to you for your partiality to my pamphlet, 

 which was written solely with a view to produce good order 

 and satisfaction among the young and unthinking part of 

 my neighbourhood Your much obliged and affec- 

 tionate friend, and humble servant, JOSIAH WEDGWOOD." 



In April, 1786, the magnificent collection of antiquities 

 and articles of vertu belonging to the late Duchess of Port- 

 land (Margaret Cavendish, daughter and heiress of Edward 

 Harley, second Earl of Oxford), who died in the July of the 

 previous year, were sold by Messrs. Skinner and Co. In 

 this sale was included that unique and truly magnificent 

 work of ancient art, the " Barberini Vase," so called from 

 having belonged to the famous Barberini family at Rome, 

 from whom it came, by purchase, to Sir William Hamilton, 

 who sold it to her Grace, when it received the name by 

 which it has since been universally known, of the " Portland 

 Vase." This gem of ancient art, Wedgwood determined 

 to possess, that he might carefully examine, study, and, if 

 possible, reproduce in all its exquisite beaut} 7 ". He attended 

 the sale, and contested the purchase with the then Duke of 

 Portland (son of the late duchess). I have before said 

 that one of his great characteristics was a determination of 

 mind and a fixedness of purpose in whatever he undertook, 

 that was not to be moved, but only strengthened, by oppo- 

 sition. Thus it was over the Barberini Vase. He had 

 determined to examine and reproduce it, and he was not 

 to be diverted from his purpose by a few or many pounds, 

 or by having for his opponent a wealthy duke, the son of its 



