PRESCOTT. WILLIAM HICKLING, an American historian; born in Boston, Mass., May 4, 1796. He entered Har vard Callege in 1811, and graduated in 1814. While at college he had the mis fortune to lose, by an accident, the sight of one of his eyes, while the other be came weakened. Enabled by the pos session of an independent fortune te fol low his inclinations, he spent two years jn wandering in England, France, and 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 pa pers to the "North American Review." In 1827, he selected the reign of Ferdi nand 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 re ceived with enthusiasm in America, Eng land, 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 mem ber of the French Institute; and in 1850 he paid a short visit to Europe, where he was received with the highest dis tinction. On his return to America he began the composition of what he in tended 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. Prescott was an elegant scholar and writer, a man of cheerful humor and af 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 char ity. He died in Boston, Jan. 28, 1859.