Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-09-07
From HE London Statesman, July 81
Nh. SHERIDAN.


IL Is with deep r. greet We announce to onr read
ers the death of the right honorable Richard Brins-
Iy Sheridan, who, after a severe and prOtracted ill.,
ness, expired yesterday at noon, in the G5th year of
his age.
The various sensations under which we, With the
rest of the world, contemplated the course OF this ex
traordinary while living, have been So far Recall.
led to us by the recent evert OF his deceasr that We
cannot dismiss the account % IL like common place
article of the obituary. We do not strive to chcc.
the feelings OF ref and pity Which mngle With our
admiration for lost son Of genius II is always in
teresting, whether gratifying painful 10 meailae
the history ut distIngu5hed man and more espe.
CHILLY OF 4 man, from the materials of whose chara
ter even more Of warning than example may be col
lected From the mixture and confederation of
high enaowments, with vulgar ioirroies and unfor-
tunae habits, ordinary derive lessons Of candor
and contentnent. We cease to murmur at any
seeming partiaiiy in the distribution of intellectual
gifts among mankind, when we see the most usefu,
qualities withheld from OF disdaned by those upon
whom the most splendid ones have been miinfeent-
" lavs,ed. II extends our charity and abates our
pride, 10 reflect with eamness on the fate of one
who equally the delight OF society," and the
grace oflueranue--whom il has been for many
years the fashion to quote bold reprover of the
selhah split OF party and throughout period fruit.
ful OF able men am trying circumstances, ~ the
most popular specimen in the British senate ofpoli-
teal consistency, intrepidty and honor
Panegyric becomes worthless when il is no lon
ger true and do not mean tn eulOgise Mr.. She
rdan in unqualified terms. Neither fact nor prin-
cipe W III bear out the silly alteration with which for
ZONE days past, he has been wOrslpped by the most
furious of his old detrsctors; by men who seem in
cned to pay their debts To- his character with usu
rous interest, il they discha ging bost.obit
bond.
IL is needless to say much Of those intellectual
powers whose living memorials are formed In COM
Inand the admiration OF every future AGE. The as
tonishing talent for observation, and knowledge Of
character display cd by Mr. Sheridan ~ Ills drama
sic writings, will surprise us more when we reeoeet
that he cornpnsed Tie RvGis whilst vet boy and
thst his School for Sc0H,lk was written At four and
tw ents. Those who are hest acquainted with the
history Of the stage for hurdre years preceding
their app a-2nce, best appreciate the obligation
Of the public TO an author, whose dialogue las the
spirit OF realty witlIOuts cCarseness who neither
weafies nor oifends his suGienee but whose senti-
fneDt IS animated, and his wit refined. His opera il
another specimen of various power, which has eclip.
set all but q those which wen. before IT, and ALL
without exception u those which have fnIiowed.-
The DUenuG has but single rival on the stage
and II The broad liceniiousness of the Beggar's o.
Derd has gwen its author the mears e indulaing
nervous and pregnant vein ofsatrs to be found in
no ouher English work. Sherlan has combined in
the plo: and language Of his Duenna, the charms
Of decaey, elegance and ingenuity and in his songs
has discovered taste and pathos of high poetcai
beauty.
1--we pursue sI-. Sheridan into political life, we
shall have equal cause 10 admire the vigor and yer.
ssGt, ofhs GENTS. The 6eid sn every side Of hira
was occupied By the a5iest men, who had appeared