In 1810, the houses of Baring and Goldsmid were contractors for the ministerial loan of fourteen millions. But Sir Francis Baring dying, the support of the market was left to his companion. The task was difficult, for a formidable opposition had arisen, which required the united energies of both houses to repress. It was the interest of this opposition to reduce the value of scrip, and it succeeded. Day by day it lowered; and day by day was Mr. Goldsmid’s fortune lowered with it. He had about eight millions in his possession; and with the depression of his fortune, his mind grew dispirited and disordered. Another circumstance occurred at this particular moment to increase his embarrassment. Half a million of exchequer-bills had been placed in his hands to negotiate for the East India Company; and the latter, fearing the result of the contest on the Stock Exchange, claimed the amount. His friends did not rally round him, as at such a moment, and with such a man, his friends should have done; and Abraham Goldsmid, dreading a disgrace, which his sensitive and honorable nature magnified a hundredfold, after entertaining a large dinner-party, destroyed himself in the garden of his magnificent residence, in Surrey. This sad event created a sensation in the city, unparalleled by the loss of any single individual. The death of the great loan-contractor was regarded as of national importance. Expresses were sent with the news to the king and the Prince of Wales. The funds fell three per cent. The journals united in eulogizing the man whose death they recorded. The jobbers of Capel Court crowded in anxious inquiry. The merchants of the Exchange assembled before the accustomed time. The thoroughfares resounded with rapid questions and hurried replies. Little or no business was done; and, it is said, the great question of peace or war never created a similar confusion. The jury recorded their opinion, and, when the remains were carried to their home, the procession was followed by a crowd, who, partaking of his charity in life, thronged to honor him in death. Sobs and suppressed moans attested the reality of their sorrow, and bore a fitting testimony to his worth. The high-priests and elders paid every distinction which the Mosaic ordinances allowed; but, in conformity with the commands of the great lawgiver, they withheld from him the customary rites; and unconsecrated ground received the remains of Abraham Goldsmid, the Hebrew suicide.