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Personal Sketches of His Own Times, Vol. II.
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JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT OF ADMIRALTY IN IRELAND, &c. &c. &c.
LONDON: HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
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PRINTED BY A. J. VALPY, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
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The general approbation of a literary work must be highly gratifying to any Author. But the cordial approval of an eminent individual, whose grave, sound judgment, and profound erudition, give authenticity to his opinions, affords a gratification of an higher order.
Such was my feeling on your Lordship’s suggestion to me of a _third_ volume of those Sketches, “composed of _similar materials_.” To have amused you gives me pleasure—to have informed you excites my vanity. My gratitude for your kindness (when in office) has met no alloy by retirement from a station where your repute will find no rivals. Your _suggestion_ is in progress.
Time and declining health impair the vigour of men’s intellect,—in that point I must bow to Providence. But such as my coming volume may be, if it does not arrive at my own wishes, I hope it will not stop very short of your Lordship’s expectation.
I am, my Dear Lord, With true regard and respect, Your Lordship’s sincere Servant, &c. JONAH BARRINGTON.
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Passion for duelling in Ireland—Ancient duel before the judges and law authorities, &c. &c. at the Castle of Dublin—List of official and judicial duellists in author’s time—Family weapons described—The Fire-eaters’ Society—Their chiefs—Elegant institution of the Knights of Tara—Description of them—Their exhibitions and meetings—The rules of duelling and points of honour established by the fire-eaters, called the Thirty-six Commandments—Singular duel between the author and Mr. Richard Daley, a remarkable duellist and fop—Daley hit—Author’s second the celebrated Balloon Crosby—His singular appearance and character p. 1