BLOUNT, Sir Henry, an English writer, born at his father's seat in Hertfordshire in 1602. After a regular education, he set out on his travels in 1634, and becoming acquainted with a janissary at Venice, accompanied him into the Turkish dominions. Having been abroad two years, he returned and published a relation of his travels in the Levant, which went through several editions. He was knighted by Charles I. and was at the battle of Edge-Hill, at which time he is supposed to have had the charge of the young princes; but after the king's death he was employed by the parliament and by Cromwell. Nevertheless, on the restoration of the royal family he was appointed high sheriff of the county of Hertford, and lived as a private gentleman for above twenty years. He published, 1. An Account of his Travels; 2. Six Comedies written by John Lilly, under the title of Court Comedies; 3. The Exchange Walk, a satire; and, 4. An Epistle in praise of Tobacco. He died on the 9th of October 1682.