In his transactions with the world he was
always open, candid, and sincere; whatever he said might be depended on
with implicit confidence. He adhered to the strict truth, even in the
manner of his relation, and no brilliancy of thought could induce him to
vary from the fact. But although so frank in his own proceedings, he had
seen too much of life to be easily deceived by others; and he did not
often place a confidence that was betrayed. He did not, however, think
the world so degenerate as is commonly imagined; ‘and if I did,’ he used
to say, ‘I would not let it appear; for nothing can tend so effectually
to make a man wicked, or to keep him so, as a marked suspicion.’ He knew
well how much the happiness of mankind is dependent on honest industry,
and received a pleasure but faintly described in words when any of the
objects of his charity, cleanly apparelled, and with cheerful and
contented countenances, came to pay their respects to him. He treated
them as his acquaintance, entered into their concerns with a paternal
affection, and let them know that on any real emergency they might apply
with confidence to him. It was this rather than the largeness of his
gifts that endeared him so much to the common people. He never walked
out but he was followed by the good wishes, silent or expressed, of some
to whom he had afforded relief. To meet the eye of the person he had
served was to him the highest luxury; and no man enjoyed it oftener. His
own misfortunes, I believe, never caused him to shed tears; and if the
miseries of others had that effect, which was very rare indeed, he was
particularly careful to conceal it. Yet the sight of a regiment of
soldiers under exercise, of the charity-children in their annual
assembly at Saint Paul’s, the Marine Society’s boys marching to join
their ships, or in procession, were objects which he could not resist.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANTONIO DE ULLOA.
Born 1716—Died 1795.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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