Prescott
WILLIAM HICKLING, an American historian; born in Boston, Mass., May 4, 1796. He entered Harvard Callege in 1811, and graduated in 1814. While at college he had the misfortune to lose, by an accident, the sight of one of his eyes, while the other became weakened. Enabled by the rossession of an independent fortune to follow his inclinations, he spent two years in wandering in England, France, and PRESCRIPTION 342 PRESIDENT OF THE U. S.
Italy, returned to his native country, married, and settled down to a life of literary labor. Having made himself master of the literature of France, Italy, and Spain, he contributed critical papers to the "North American Review." In 1827, he selected the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella as the subject of a more extensive work. He devoted ten years to collecting material, and in 1838 published his great history which was received with enthusiasm in America, England, and Europe. In 1843 he published "The Conquest of Mexico" and four years later "The Conquest of Peru" which found equal praise here and abroad.
Prescott was chosen corresponding member of the French Institute; and in 1850 he paid a short visit to Europe, where WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT he was received with the highest distinction. On his return to America he began the composition of what he intended to be the greatest achievement of his latter years, "The History of Philip II." Of this work two volumes appeared in 1855, and a third in 1859, when he was suddenly attacked by paralysis. writer, a man of cheerful humor and af Prescott was an elegant scholar and fectionate character, methodical in his habits, and persevering in his pursuits.
He walked five miles regularly every day, composing as he walked. He gave one-tenth of his ample income in charity. He died in Boston, Jan. 28, 1859.