with heroic composure, while William relaxed not a whit in his devotion
to the pursuit of knowledge. Happily, however, his musical proficiency
attracted the attention of Lord Durham, who offered him the appointment
of bandmaster to a militia regiment stationed in the north of England.
In this position he gradually formed a connection among the wealthier
families of Leeds, Pontefract, and Doncaster, where he taught music,
and conducted the public concerts and oratorios with equal zeal and
success. In 1764 he paid a brief but happy visit to his family, much to
the joy of his faithful sister, Caroline. Returning to England, for
which country he cherished a strong affection, he resumed his career of
patient industry, and in 1765 was appointed organist at Halifax. He was
now in receipt of an income which secured him due domestic comforts, and
enabled him to remedy the defects of his early education. With the help
of a grammar and a dictionary he mastered Italian. He also studied
mathematics and the scientific theory of music, losing no opportunity of
adding to his stores of knowledge.

In 1766 he obtained the lucrative post of organist to the Octagon Chapel
at Bath. Increased emoluments, however, brought with them increased
obligations. He was required to play almost incessantly, either at the
oratorios or in the rooms at the Baths, at the theatre, and in the
public concerts. When his sister Caroline joined him, in 1772, she found
him immersed in his various labours. For the choir of the Octagon
Chapel he composed anthems, chants, and complete morning and evening
services. A part of every day was occupied in giving lessons to his
numerous pupils. In truth, he was one of the busiest men in England;
yet in all his arrangements he was so methodical that he found time for
everything--and time, more particularly, for the studies in which his
soul delighted. His life furnishes an admirable example of what may
be accomplished by a man with a firm will and a strong purpose, who