Advertisement. No exertion has been spared to collect and arrange accurate accounts of every speech delivered by the late Mr. Sheridan; and those efforts proving successful, it may boldly be asserted, that pages more abounding with brilliant wit, depth, solidity, and sound argument, have never been presented to the public. Many of these speeches have been candidly admitted, by all parties, to exhibit every oratorical effect the human mind is capable of suggesting; but as Mr. Sheridan possessed, in a most extraordinary manner, the power of giving, by the happy turns of his wit, interest to subjects of the dryest and dullest nature; it has been considered that the public should be in possession, not only of those which are most celebrated, but of every speech and opinion that could be collected. To those parliamentary friends of Mr. Sheridan, who, on this occasion, have voluntarily favored the Editor with communications and assistance, the thanks of the country are due, inasmuch that they have enabled him to record the public sentiments, during a period of thirty years, of one of the most brilliant and accomplished senators who ever sat in the British house of parliament. August 19th, 1816. |