436 A TOPOGRAPHICAL, &c. 



reader to form some judgment of this extraordinary person. Such 

 was the enthusiasm with which he engaged in all schemes of inland 

 navigation, that he seemed (if we may credit report) to regard all 

 rivers with contempt, when compared with canals. To this pur- 

 pose, it is said, that in an examination before the House of Com- 

 mons, when he was asked by a Member, for what purpose he ap- 

 prehended rivers were created ? he replied, after some delibera T 

 tion, " to feed navigable canals/' As to his private character, 

 those who knew him well, and had an opportunity of conversing 

 familiarly with him, respected him in a high degree " for the uni- 

 form and unshaken integrity of his conduct; for his steady at- 

 tachment to the interest of the community ; for the vast compass 

 of his understanding, which seemed to have a natural affinity with 

 all grand objects; and, likewise, for many noble and beneficial 

 designs, constantly generating in his mind ; and which the multi- 

 plicity of his engagements, and the shortness of his Jife, prevented 

 him from bringing to maturity." 





