We deeply regret to record the death, on Friday morning,
of Mr. J. Langton Sanford, the historian, who so long contributed to our own columns. An indefatigable student, possessed of a cool judgment, a great desire for truth, and the true historical instinct for character, Mr. Sanford, had he had even moderate health, might have been reckoned among the leading historians of our time. Even as it was, though incapable of sustained labour, weakened by a latent heart-disease (which ultimately carried him off), and for the later years of his life irremediably blind, Mr. Sanford's work was of the highest order. His book on the Commonwealth has become n: standard work, while his "Charac- teristics of the English Kings" called forth warm commendations from men like Mr. Freeman and Professor Stubbs. His know-
ledge of English history -
indeed was like other in knowledge of their own lives, and he was a mine of Parliamentary information. Like many historians, he had a fancy for genealogy, and had he had but the health, might have risen to fortune as a barrister pleading before the Lords Committee of Privileges. He died at last almost suddenly, leaving a blank in his circle which those who were most honoured with his friendship will find it most difficult.
to fill.
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