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Gentleman's Magazine 1825 part 2 p.369

  obituary
  Earl of Carlisle
  Frederick Howard
Obituary, Earl of Carlisle


OBITUARY.

EARL OF CARLISLE.
Sept. 4. At his seat, Castle Howard, co. York, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, Viscount Howard of Morpeth, Baron Dacres of Gillesland, K.G. &c.
This distinguished Nobleman was the eldest son of Henry fourth Earl of Carlisle, by his second wife, Isabella, daughter of William fourth Lord Byron, who died Jan. 22, 1795; was born May 28, 1748. Being intended for a public life, he was early sent to Eton College, where he became the contemporary of Hare, Fox, and of the Duke of Lancaster. Here too he also formed a particular intimacy with Mr. Storer, who engaged his attention and rivetted his friendship so much, that they were considered the Pylades and Orestes of Eton. Some of his school-fellows he celebrated while there in some superior verses.
From Eton his Lordship went to King's College, Cambridge, and afterwards repaired to the Continent, making a grand tour of Italy, France, &c. During his travels he was , although not a Peer of Scotland, elected one of the Knight Companions of the Order of the Thistle, and was invested with the Ensigns thereof, Feb. 27, 1768, at Turin, the King of Sardinia representing his Majesty on that occasion. On the expiration of his minority, he returned to England, and his father having died Sept 4, 1758, took his seat in the House of Peers in 1769, and became one of the gayest noblemen of the capital. Possessing a small but elegant figure, in which symmetry was happily blended with agility and strength, he shone one of those meteors of fashion. Elegant in his dress and manners, with his green ribband across his vest, and a brilliant star sparkling at his side, he was considered one of the chief ornaments of the Court. At this period, his Lordship and Mr. C. Fox, though it will scarcely be believed, were considered as two of the best dressed men of their times.
After dedicating a few years to fashion, we find him resuming the original bent of his nature and education, and contending in the lists of Parliament for the meed of fame and the prize of eloquence. Previous to entering upon his literary character we shall notice a few incidents in his political career, which he commenced in 1777, by being appointed, June 13, Treasurer of his Majesty's Household, and Sworn Member of the Privy Council. In April 1788 he was chosen, on account of his acknowledged moderation, on of the Commissioners to treat, consult, and agree upon the means of quieting the disorders subsisting in his Majesty's colonies, plantations, and provinces in North America. With the rest of the Commissioners, among whom were Governor Johnstone and Mr. Eden, afterwards Lord Auckland, he went to America, but the disposition of the Colonies being adverse to a reconciliation, the object of his mission was defeated, and he returned without being able to render any service to his country; though it was universally acknowledged that he had executed the important office entrusted to his care in a manner that redounded greatly to his honour.
On the 6th of November 1779 he was appointed a Lord of Trade: on Feb. 9, 1780, made Lord Lieutenant for the East Riding of Yorkshire; and in October following appointed Viceroy of Ireland. On this occasion he was accompanied by his friend Mr. Eden, who, in the capacity of Secretary, managed the interests of England in the Irish Parliament, at this peculiarly arduous and critical period. Notwithstanding numerous adverses, his administration was accompanied with many circumstances calculated to conciliate popular favour and meliorate the condition of an unhappy people. A national bank was established, and many excellent plans formed and bills passed for increasing the trade of Ireland. About the end of March 1782, an entire change of administration taking place, Ireland fell to the share of the Duke of Portland, a nobleman at that moment one of the most popular men in the kingdom. This event occurred when Lord Carlisle was negotiating the repeal of so much of the statute of George I. as affected the legislative independence of Ireland, and was accompanied with some circumstances that rendered his recal particularly disagreeable. The Irish Parliament, however, on the 15th of April passed a vote of thanks to him 'for the wisdom and prudence of his administtration, and for his uniform and unremitted attention to promote the welfare of this Kingdom.'
In consequence of the demise of the great and disinterested patriot, Lord Rockingham, we find Lord Carlisle enjoying the honourable appointment of Steward of the Household; and he soon after obtained the more dignified one of Lord Privy Seal. But a variety of important alterations ensuing, it was difficult to preserve a firm footing amidst the frequent volcanic explosions.
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