HOUSTON. 323 induced him steadily to resist every solicitation of that nature, and he went alone. He died suddenly during the early part of the year 1794; but not before he had accomplished the business on which he was deputed by one of the British settlements in Africa, to some of the princes of that immense con tinent. He was found dead in his bed, when within two days’ journey of an English colony; and although without any visible signs of violence, there is much reason to fear he was murdered by those who attended him, for the sake of the presents, &c. with which he was returning. There were few men better qualified than Major Houghton for the expedition in which he was engaged. Though upwards of o years of age, his constitution was vigorous, and his frame manly and robust. He possessed uncommon courage and resolution, with a cool and well regulated temper. His address was insinuating, and he had in a very peculiar degree the art of varying h i s man ners, and accommodating himself t o the dispositions and characters of those he had t o deal with. He had the advantage o f a liberal education, and his reading was various and extensive. RICHARD HOUSTON, An eminent mezzotinto engraver, was a native o f Ire land. He was lamentably dissipated. Sayer the print seller, advanced him money; but the more Houston became involved, the less he hiked t o meet him; the con sequence o f which was, Sayer arrested him, and confined him i n the Fleet, i n order (as h e said) that h e might know where t o find him, and have him under his eye. He remained confined for many years, and was not released until the accession o f his late majesty George III. He died about the age o f fifty-four. He engraved a great number o f portraits, and many miscellaneous subjects, the major part o f which are highly esteemed.
