Literary Cadet, And Saturday Evening Bulletin

MR. FARQUHAR AND FONTHILL ABBEY.

Early in life this modern Crœsus was a gay and gallant soldier, serving in the east. He knew the pass to a strong stockade or native fort; and although his military rank did not entitle him to command, he was ordered to lead the corps destined to sustain it. He guided them through the intricate jungles and mazes, and led them, with his brother officers to storm the works. While displaying the gallantry of an English officer, he was shot thro the leg: the wound proved troublesome, caused the lameness he now suffers, and so injured his health, that he was on the eve of returning to his native country. We believe that Lord Clive was then the Governor of India, who hearing of the wound and gallant conduct of young FARQUHAR, proffered him his protection. Mr. F. had studied chemistry, particularly the most improved method of making gunpowder; he had observed, in common with others, that the powder used by our troops was very inferior, and possessed even less force than that used by the enemy: he proposed to improve it: his proposition was acceded to, and crowned with success. He followed up his success, and soon became the possessor of considerable works, and had privileges granted him as a reward for the advantages derived through his skill. Money, at that time, in India, was more valuable than in the present day, and the produce of his industry soon increased both in principal and interest. Mr. F. pursued many of the mercantile methods then available, to add to his fortune. Among them was the formation of great iron works, which he now possesses, and in which a considerable portion of the iron implement and nails, used throughout British India, is fabricated. The revenue arising from these great manufactories accumulated until the aggregate amount constituted a princely fortune.— Mr. Farquhar continues his mercantile pursuits, and is now, we hear, the chief proprietor of Whit. Burd's brewery. He is also a considerable partner in the firm of Baring, Colvin & Co. one of the first and wealthiest among our East Indian merchants. A bank in the city also claims Mr. F. for one of the firm. He is also the proprietor of Fonthill; and the estate contiguous, purchased of Mr. Bennett. He is a great proprietor of houses near the new road and Portman-square; and possesses considerable sums in various funds and securities. His wealth is estimated at about three millions sterling.