The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1825-11-03
IVA MxssCHMLANEoUs.
.M4D.4.EE DE GE.vLLS.

ENtuCI lEoIn haudInc &c Dcnils memoirs.
One of the most eminent characters with
whom she became acquainted in her visits
TO England (the second visit took place il,
1892 was the celebrated Mr.. Sheridan
whom she has describedin very brief, but
graphic manner -
"This individual, so celebrated by his
genius and accomplishments, was one OF
the most agreeable men ever knew. He
was then forty-six years Of age, of an open
and expressive countenance, and with all
the gaiety of youth. lie was at once n
best comic author that the English theatre
can boast Of His mind was solid, lively,
and powerful; his disposition thoughtless,
indolent ana improvident; his heart was
excellent, his company delightful, but his
habits altogether irregular. He spent a
part of his life in running himself by indo-
ience, and another in recovering his for
tune by his talents and by sudden bursts of
activity, and he died in misery at last"
Among the individuals with whom Ma
dame de Genis had some slight connec-
ton immediately previous to the revolution
che particularly notices Barrere, Petion,
Brissot and David (the painter) all of
whom made but too prominent figure in
the disastrous scenes that ensued:
"Some time before, one of my acquain-
tance spoke to me highly OF young dep,-
ty, who came from a remote part of the
southern provinces, and who, was told,
was passionately fond of my works, and
very desrous of knowing me. Since he
was fond of my works, l thought he must
possess tho pure principles inspired by n
taste for the arts, and respect for religion.
was confirmed in this idea, by learning
that he was himself literary character,
md was the author Of two works, that had
contested the prizes offered by the Licera-
ry Academy Of Toulouse. The two works
TO which his name was attached, though
published for more than two years, were
scarcely known in Paris. The author sent
them to me one was the Eloge de
Louis XII. Pere dupcuple ct Roi dc France,
containing, besides panegyrical character
ofthat monarch, an essay in praise Of a
monarchlcal form of government: the Sc
cond work was the Eloge of the late NJ.
Lefranc de Pompignan, full of praises of
religion, and well founded satirical remarks
upon modern philosophy essays
were badly written, (thc author never made
ms style better afterwards,) but there was
wat IN them, Judgment ingenious illusions.
and excellent moral principles. | agreed,
at least, to receive this dcputy--it was NJ.
Barrero! this curious incident would have
sent him to the scaifold, if had taken no
tlce OF 1t in the reign Of Robespicre but
my silence, and the profound oblivion into
which his essays had fallen, obtained tho
author impunity for having committed the
enormous offence of displaying humane
and religious feelings i'll the productions of
ms pen, which III other respects were poor
enough. got acquainted with him in the
way have mentioned he was Young, en-
loycd n very cool reputation, to mach tai
ent added supple disposition, handsume
LOOK, and manners at once dignihcl. mod
est anl reserved. lie was tae only person
ever saw, from a remote province, who
bad all The rehned language and polite
m1nners that would fit high society. or the
precincts OF court. He was not very well
informed; but his conversation was alwavs
pleasing, and sometimes FASCINATING be
displayed extreme scnsibility. passionate
prediction for the arts, ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
and rural life these mild aud cnracinq
- I0"NH w hNNiy bltW ol sttlTc,
gave his person and disposition yery in
feresting and original character. Such he
seemed 10 me to be, and doubtless he was
so then, for cowsrdice cnly made him san
Culinary; hui at any rate, my connection
with him (as with ether persons heve be-
come acquainted with sjucc the rcyolutionl
was mover intimate"
She ten proceeds 10 speak Of Potion,
whom she highly esteemed, but describes