File:Illustrated biography; or, Memoirs of the great and the good of all nations and all times; comprising sketches of eminent statesmen, philosophers, heroes, artists, reformers, philanthropists, (14595912577).jpg

Identifier: illustratedbiogr00sava (find matches)
Title: Illustrated biography; or, Memoirs of the great and the good of all nations and all times; comprising sketches of eminent statesmen, philosophers, heroes, artists, reformers, philanthropists, mechanics, navigators, authors, poets, divines, soldiers, savans, etc
Year: 1856 (1850s)
Authors: Savage, Charles C., 1820-1907
Subjects: Biography
Publisher: Buffalo, Phinney & Co.
Contributing Library: New York Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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February 5,1788. Destined by his father for a political life, he waseducated first at Harrow, and afterward at Oxford, at both of which places hedistinguished himself by his patient diligence, his correct taste, and his schol-arly achievements. At Oxford he took a first-class degree in both classics andmathematics. No sooner was this accomplished, than his father, in 1809, hadhim brought into parliament as member for Cashel, while he was little morethan twenty-one years of age ; and the house of commons became thencefor-ward the arena of his life. He had not sat long in it until he proved himselfan able speaker, and a laborious and sagacious worker. This led to his speed-ily finding his way to office. In 1811 he was appointed under-secretary ofstate for the colonies, under the Percival administration. In 1812 he wasmade chief secretary for Ireland—an office which he held with much advan-tage to the country till 1818. In 1817 he was elected one of the members for SIR ROBERT PEEL 577
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Portrait of Sir Robert Peel. 37 578 SIR ROBERT PEEL. the university of Oxford. After remaining out of office for nearly four years —which, however, were signalized by his carrying through his famous currencymeasure, and many other useful acts—he in 1822 became secretary of statefor the home department. Among many other useful measures identified withhis name during this period of his career, may be mentioned his plan forthe reform of the criminal code of England, which he brought forward andcarried in 1826. On the accession of George Canning to the premiership in 1827, Mr. Peelrefused to take office under that distinguished stateman ; but he returned in1828 to the office of home secretary under the duke of Wellington, and heldthat post during the difficult times which preceded the dissolution of the torygovernment in 1830. Hitherto, his political career had borne the aspect ofdevoted adherence to toryism; but, on accepting office under the duke of Wel-lington, he entered upon a co

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