American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-12-03
LONDON, Sept. %.

.Anecdote of Mr.. Rockford, Of FonthiH.-An an
ecdote illustrative of the character of this singular
individual, and strong curiosity which the fame of
his edifce and its contents have induced is told in
the nsighborhood of Fonthill:-A young man, resid-
ing al some distance from he Abbey, and, it would
seem an ardent lover OF antiquities, had made re-
realed efforts to get within the sacred boundary OF
the domain, but without success. The Cerberus at
The gate was incurruptble and he was assured that
any application TO M Il. would be useless. De-
termned al all hazards to CRAFTY his curiosity he
at last resolved TO scale the WALL and leave the
to chance. With some difficulty and after patient
search he at length found spot which was Access
soe, aid at great personal risk gained the park
He then proceeded with considerable caution to the
Abbey, the exterior OF which he begsn to examine
with wonder and delight. Finding he was uninter-
rupted, and observing a sort of death like stiffness
prevail, he grew more bold, and ultimately APP
preached the principal entrance, the construction of
which he was infinitely examining when a servant
suddenly burst upon him, and in tones of alarm de-
manded his business. The young man stated the
object OF his visit and offered large bride if he
might be permitted to ascend the tower. The ser
want assured him that il was as much as life was
worth to comply with his desire, and advised him il
he valued his safety to retire speedily pos.
sible. Nothing dsmayed, the intruder persisted in
his entreaties, and was again repused, when to the
IQSmay Vi tnt oeFFdHti INC BloOlny mdscr OF tnc
mansion approached, and in rather gentle terms re-
peated the inquiries of the domestic. The young
man at once discovered the importance OF b. inter
rogator, and taking off his hat, he stated the object
OF his visit, and endeayored TO the presump-
ton of his trespass. MIR. Beckiord, in reply said
The had taken rather singular mode of breaking In
upon his privacy, nevertheless he had gone sc
81 far his labors should be still farther rewarded, ant
The would himself shew him the object which prov
led so attractive.--Mr. Beckiord then accompanied
him through every part of the magnificent pile
lpointing out as he proceeded with the greaest pc
!eness and urbanity, every thing worthy of notice
land intermxng in their walk number of the mos
lamusipg anecdotes, connected with the history O
1.-THE different rarities which were presented to thei
view. Finally, after having taken the circuit of tn,
building, they again reached the hall where Mr.
n Beckiord in moment disappeared from his unin
vited guest. Almost at the same instant, alfred il
n rich livery, servant approached, and inviting TIL
l. young man to follow him, led him into room
lsplendldy furnished, in which was spread on mas
lsve plate collation. for one person. which conss
tied Of the most luxurious viands; and which wa
? rendered the more acceptable by an abundance
i the choicest fruits and French wines. The youn,
man was desired to partske, and he did so with a
much freedom as he was solicited.--During hi
meal he was assiduously waited on by the servant
who, however, refused to answer single inquiT
relative to the eccentricity of his MASTER to tn
nature and character of the visitors to that scene
ne solitude. Having at last exhausted all pretsnc
ID for further delay he to depart, but before
t. quilted the room he entrsated the servant to
vey to his master his sincere thanks for the unde
served politeRess with which he had been treated
AT this season Mr.. Beckford again appeared, an
on the young man attempting to express bis &c