John Hutchinson

“ Williams.’
It was for the part he took in the proceedings attending the trial of Queen Caroline in 1820, as junior counsel in the case, that Williams is best remembered. The ability he displayed on that occasion, especially in the cross-examination of the important witness Demont, won the emphatic approbation of his leaders, Lord Denman and Lord Brougham (Denman, Life, i. 164; Brougham, Life, ii. 386) . ”

“ His course of political conduct brought him into conflict with Lord Eldon, and was prejudicial to his professional advancement; but when the whigs joined Canning in office in 1827, Williams became king's counsel; and on the accession of William IV (1830) he was made solicitor-general and attorney-general to Queen Adelaide, in the place of Lords Brougham and Denman, promoted to the offices of lord chancellor and lord chief justice respectively. ”

“ He displayed in youth an aptitude for classical studies which distinguished him through life. In 1794 he proceeded as an exhibitioner to Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating B.A. in 1798, and he was elected fellow of Trinity, proceeding M.A. in 1801. ”