Cobbett, the Contentious Man
Part I From His Birth, in March, 1762, to His Quitting the United States, June 1st, 1800
Son of a small farmer.—Boyhood spent in the country.—Runs away from home.—Becomes a lawyer’s clerk.—Enlists as a soldier, 1784.—Learns grammar and studies Swift.—Goes to Canada.—Remarked for good conduct.—Rises to rank of sergeant-major.—Gets discharge, 1791.—Marries.—Quits Europe for United States.—Starts as a bookseller in Pennsylvania.—Becomes a political writer of great power.—Takes a violent anti-republican tone.—Has to suffer different prosecutions, and at last sets sail for England.