267). His chief interest, however, centred in comparative language. He thought of writing a philosophical history of the European languages (ib. p. 289). In 1811 he translated, with approbation, an Ethiopic letter for George III, brought home by Salt the Abyssinian envoy, whose familiarity with the revised edition of Bruce's 'Travels prompted his suggestion of Murray to the Marquis of Wellesley as the only capable translator 'in the British dominions.' On 13 Aug. 1811 Murray wrote to Constable that he had mastered the Lappish tongue, that he saw 'light through the extent of Europe in every direction,' and that he trusted to unite the histories of Europe and Asia by aid of their respective languages. He added his conviction that the day would come when 'no monarch, however great and virtuous, would be ashamed of knowing him.'
In July 1812, after a keen contest involving some bitterness of feeling, Murray was appointed professor of oriental languages in Edinburgh University. His interests were materially served by the advocacy of Salt, and the active help of Constable (Scots Mag. August 1812; Constable, ut supra). He received from the university on 17 July the degree of doctor of divinity. He entered on his work at the end of October, publishing at the same date 'Outlines of Oriental Philology' (1812), for the use of his students. He lectured through the winter, against his strength, attracting both students and literary men to his room. His health completely gave way in the spring, and he died of consumption at Edinburgh 15 April 1813, leaving his widow and a son and daughter. Mrs. Murray survived about twelve years, supported by a government pension of 80l., which had been granted to her in return for Murray's translation of the Abyssinian letter. The daughter died of consumption in 1821, and the son, who was practically adopted by Archibald Constable, qualified for a ship surgeon, and was drowned on his first voyage (ib. p. 336). A monument to Murray was erected near his birthplace in 1834, and it received a suitable inscription in 1877. A portrait by Andrew Geddes, formerly in the possession of Constable, is now in the National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.
Murray's wonderful promise was not equalled by his performance. But he proved himself an ideal editor and biographer, and his impulse, method, and style had a permanent influence. To the 'Edinburgh Review' of 1803 Murray contributed a review of Vallancey's 'Prospectus of an Irish Dictionary;' to the number for January 1804 he furnished an article on Clarke's 'Progress of Maritime Discovery;' and in January 1805 he discussed Maurice's 'History of Hindostan.' His 'Letters to Charles Stuart, M.D.,' appeared in 1813. His great work, the 'History of the European Languages, or Researches into the Affinities of the Teutonic, Greek, Celtic, Slavonic, and Indian Nations,' was edited by Dr. Scott, and published, with a life, by Sir H. W. Moncreiff, in 2 vols. 8vo, 1823. The Life includes a minute autobiographical sketch of Murray's boyhood, in the form of a letter addressed to the minister of Minnigaff, Kirkcudbrightshire. He figures as a lyrist on his 'Native Vale' in Harper's 'Bards of Galloway.'
[Life prefixed to European Languages; Archibald Constable and his Literary Correspondents; Murray's Literary History of Galloway.]
MURRAY, AMELIA MATILDA (1795–1884), writer, born in 1795, was fourth daughter of Lord George Murray [q. v.], bishop of St. Davids, by Anne Charlotte (d. 1844), second daughter of Lieutenant-general Francis Ludovick Grant, M.P. (Burke, Peerage, 1891, p. 69). In 1805, when staying at Weymouth, she became known to George III and the royal family, and on her mother being appointed in 1808 a lady in waiting upon the Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth, she was frequently at court, where her brightness attracted much notice. One of the most intimate friends of her earlier years was Lady Byron. She became an excellent botanist and artist, and interested herself in the education of destitute and delinquent children, being an original member of the Children's Friend Society, which was established in 1830, and of kindred institutions. In 1837 she was chosen maid of honour to Queen Victoria. In July 1854 she started on a tour through the United States, Cuba, and Canada, returning home in October 1855 a zealous advocate for the abolition of slavery. Upon her proposing to print an account of her travels she was reminded that court officials were not allowed to publish anything savouring of politics. Rather than suppress her opinions, Miss Murray resigned her post in 1856, but was subsequently made extra woman of the bedchamber. She died on 7 June 1884 at Glenberrow, Herefordshire.
Miss Murray published:
- 'Remarks on Education in 1847,' 16mo, London, 1847.
- 'Letters from the United States, Cuba, and Canada,' 2 vols. 8vo, London, 1856. She had prepared, but did not publish, a series of sketches to accompany these volumes.
- 'Recollections from 1803 to 1837, with a Con-
