The Sun.
London, England, 1834-07-12 00:00:00

MR. SHERIDAN.

The late Mr. Green's posthumous " Diary of a Lover
of Literature," published in the Gentleman's Magazine,
contains the following curious notes of Mr. Sheridan's con-
versation during an evening spent in the society of that dis-
tinguished man :
Jan. 15, 1808. Called on Pearson, and went with him
to dinner to the Moore's ; brought hiM out after dinner.
Spoke slightingly of Fox, pronounced him to possess no
judgment, easily led away by man, woman, and child.
Called his avowal of his marriage with Mrs. A. an epoch in
the morals of the country. Exhibited and led away by
her ; cold to his friends ; a gentleman who had strenuously
supported him for twenty years in the country, wished
to be introduced to the object of his idolatory on
coming to town. Sheridan effected it, and was quite
shocked at the cold and ungracious reception he met with.
Reprobated his visit to Buonaparte. Began to disparage
Burke. Spoke of his manner as so coarse, ungracious, and
vulgar, that he could with difficulty listen to him, but al-
lowed that his speeches were delivered nearly as they were
published, with very little after-polish ; not in general
happy in reply, as he wanted preparation of matter ; but
spoke of a most exquisite one, full of classic taste and allu-
sion, on the subject of the Board of Trade, when he " un-
caged those nightingales." Called Parr versatile, once
fierce against the Dissenters ; wrote a long letter to
Fox on the subject, and a short one to him, begging
him to get Fox to read his. Called on Fox some
days after, who said that Parr had begun with so rea-
sonable a proposition, expecting him not to answer his
letter, that he thought he might go a step further and
dispense with reading it. Mentioned a confidential letter
from Mackintosh to Parr, pressing on his feelings the state
of banishment and solitude in which he lived, which Parr
had_handed about. Gave a history of the conference of
the heads of the party for the purpose of appointing a
leader ; declined it himself as impatient of the fatigues of
the office, and as desiring to be free. Wished no leader to
be appointed, nor regular vexatious opposition formed.
Said he reflected with most delight on those parts of his
political conduct when he had departed from Mr. Fox's
lead, and the old Opposition before, as in the Mutiny of
the Fleet. Objected to a leader under the Grenvilles
(T. Grenville), when Lord Grenville led above. Was
much devoted to the Russells, Cavendishes, but did not
feel quite the same respect and attachment for the Gren-
villes. Hoped, since the deed was done, and the national
character committed, that Ministers would be able to jus-
tify their attack on Copenhagen, and instanced this dispo-
sition, as well as some other differences, as disqualifying
him from the lead of the party. Derided in contrast, the
violent conduct we had pursued with the Danes, as a mea-
sure demanded by the crisis in which we were placed, and our
absurd squeamishness in obstinately refusing to strengthen
and consolidate the Empire by doing only fair justice to
the Irish Catholics. Spoke with much warmth on this
topic. Resolved to devote the remnant of his days to
this cause ; and though he should forfeit the good opinion
of the King, who he understood was at present favourably
disposed towards him, was resolved to push the measure
of Emancipation with all vigour. Ridiculed with much
humour the Allies to which we were reduced, the frantic
King of Sweden, himself to death—the King of Naples
expatriated—the King of Sardinia driven to a barren rock,
and the mad Queen of Portugal. Played off his ridicule
on General Whitelock, forced, as he believed, on Wind-
ham, to get rid of him, as a compromise for his appoint-
ment of Crauford, for which Windham will remain sad-
dled with the responsibility. His elections at Stafford,
though without opposition, and indeed on that account,
cost on an average 3,0001. a time. Proposals for a peace
certainly made through Count Starenberg, which, though
no basis was proposed, he thought ought to have been ac-
cepted. Strong opposition intended on this ground.—
Corrected lately at Kelly's a copy of the Duenna, from
which they were going to act, full of false grammar and
nonsense. In conversation with Mr. Pearson on his Lotter
to Perceval, of which he highly approved the style and
merit of the argument, said he was a strong friend to esta-
blishments ; that were he a legislator organizing a State,
he would institute an Established.' Church for the purpose
of directing the superstitions of the people, but when there
was an establishment ready formed, there could be no ques-
tion about retaining it ; but then he would reform, he would
make the Clergy execute their duty as Ministers of the
State ;no abominable pluralities, non-residences, &c. In
the drawing-room, would not listen to Spence's pamphlet ;
called his doctrine absurd and preposterous, unless we choose
to revert to our ancient condition, feed on acorns and paint our
bodies. Impossible to subsist on our internal resources, and
support our army and navy. After expending our blood and
treasure in extending our commerce, when in danger of
losing it, now turning round and voting commerce a nui-
sance. Could not prevail on him to give such nonsense
five minutes attention. Against Spence's grand argument,
however, he had nothing to allege, and was manifestly vexed
at being thus gravelled. He Mentioned Louis XVIII. as
being a most enormous feeder, and apparently caring for
little else.r te, t
his company began abusing
Buonaparte, spoke
anin
of him with much gentleness
and moderation, and turned the conversation. Spoke of a
iutge Louisntle gentleman
uoa
silver cup presented him by the tobacconists for his exer-
tionsin their cause, exhibited as Hercules destroying one
of the heads of the hydra. Spoke handsomely of Crabbe's
Poems. Quite easy, unaffected, and natural. Affected to
muzziness with very little wine. Had much chat with Jones,
the manager of the Dublin theatre. Spoke of La Rive, as
far the finest actor he had ever seen. limbic' not to be
named in the same breath with him.