[9] An ingenious draftsman, well versed in all the dilatory knowledge necessary to protract a suit--the uncle, I believe, of the notorious Edward Gibbon Wakefield! [10] James Lowe of Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, a well-known solicitor, very fond of drawing his own pleadings, but which, it is said, he cannot often get counsel to sign. Koe obliges him occasionally with his sign manual, but I have understood that this gentleman’s conscience is too tender on some occasions to give perfect satisfaction. [11] To whom is the ignorant and blustering Francis Cross unknown; once captain of Militia, now master in chancery? His qualifications for the latter office are said to have been discovered by the late Lord Chancellor in the gallant exertions he displayed in assisting his Lordship and Lady Eldon out of the kennel, in which a broken down carriage had left them sprawling. Any scavenger would have done as much. Gratitude on this occasion really carried his Lordship too far, but as the only instance on record of any thing like feeling in his character, it is well worthy of admiration. The military genius of Captain Cross still displays itself in the repeated vollies of fire, ending in smoke, with which he attacks all those who have courage enough to dispute his erroneous opinions. [12] Samuel Compton Cox,--a worthy man, but one who lets his passions outstrip his judgment. The slightest observation will often give offence, and anger renders him deaf to all reason and argument. [13] Francis Paul Stratford--a gentleman, who frequently amuses himself with throwing books at the solicitors attending before him. [14] James Stephen--a great advocate for the abolition of the Slave Trade--much to be commended for having abolished in his office that shameful practice of giving to the chief clerk large un-authorized fees upon every report. Few men would have had courage enough to brave the odium, to which such a step, unimitated by the other masters, must have exposed this gentleman. [15] James Trower--the most trifling of all official babblers. [16] John Pugh chief clerk to Sir Giffin Wilson, and John Hone the same to Master Cox. Should a solicitor pay not handsomely these two worthies, let him expect but little attention. From the former, indeed, it is hardly possible by any means to secure civility. [17] Mr. Kensit and Mr. Jones; two men as remarkable for their abilities and civility as for the amiable contrast they exhibit to the two masters (Stratford and Cross) of whom they are respectively chief clerks. [18] Lord Lyndhurst--the present Lord Chancellor--late Sir John Singleton Copley Knight--a man of strong intellect and sound judgment, but totally inexperienced in the practice and principles of a court of equity. [19] The Earl of Eldon. The descriptive portrait of his Lordship is drawn from my own observation--my readers (if I should ever be fortunate enough to have any) will judge of its correctness.