300 HAMILTON. the customs and manners of the East. In 1788, Mr. Hamilton quitted his agreeable retreat at Ingram's Crook, and Mr. Marshal willingly allowed his niece to pay her first visit to London under his protection. There she was introduced into an intellectual and polished circle, and became more alive to the consciousness of her own pecu liar talents. In the summer Miss Hamilton returned home, and in the autumn Mr. Marshal was attacked by an epidemic complaint, which in a few days conducted him to the grave. Miss Hamilton had now no motive for remaining at Ingram's Crook; she therefore speedily re joined her brother and sister, with whom she spent nearly two years, chiefly in the metropolis. In whatever scene she appeared, she obtained the consideration due to sound sense and discriminating judgment. At this period it was her happiness to form a friendship with a literary family, who, next to her brother, fostered her rising talents, and contributed to her future fame. In the Rev. Dr. G–, whose life was an honour to his profession, her grateful heart delighted to acknowledge the judicious adviser to those literary pursuits, which made her so extensively useful. In his wife, she found a woman congenial to her taste, who, in mind and manners, realised a l l she had con ceived o f female excellence; she became her chosen, cherished friend; and the various vicissitudes o f thirty years only confirmed the strength and tenderness o f this mutual attachment. About this time Mr. Hamilton pre pared for his return t o India, and the sisters took their leave o f him. Miss Hamilton resumed possession o f In gram's Crook, where she was rather unexpectedly gratified b y a parting visit from her affectionate brother, who took the opportunity t o re-urge what h e had often recom mended her, t o engage i n some literary pursuit, which, b y affording constant occupation t o her thoughts, might beguile the tedious season o f their separation. He took his departure from thence i n September 1791, and returned t o town; but owing t o some unexpected circumstance, his embarkation was deferred t o the spring. I n December
