American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-12-12


PARIS, Octoter 81
Dear j. A rusiicaton of some weeks in the
southern provinces, among honest vintagers and
pretty village brunettes, has interrupted the order OF
my correspondence but the circumstance is of the
ess consequence as nothing occurred during my
absence of sufficient interest to diversity the aspect
Of affairs in the metropolis.
Since my return, however, things have undergone
material change. At present, we all in mourn
ing for the illusrious Talma His death has given
shock to this usually gay city far greater than you
at a distance, can form any idea of. A feeling OF
regret and sorrow invades all ranks OF the people,
from the highest to the lowest. Nor isit to be won.
deled at. The great actor was and has long been
the idol Ct France. From the time of his entrance
on the stage until that of bis death, his advancement
to the highest hobors Of his profession has been
steady and brilliant. Genius, study, and personal
advantages have all united to give effect to his
ing, and whether in the lofty and solemn character
oil the Roman and Greek, or in the wild and unre
euaied hero Of more modern scenes, his execution
was mastery and surprising.
For myself incline to think that lie excelled any
contemporary, whether Kemble, Cooke, or Kan Il
is true that he bore less resemblance to the TWO lat
ter than 10 The former, and that a comparison witt
them is not easily to be made; and it is alsD true
thht the antique role which was his forte, does not
require the order of talent indispensable tha, with
|
vet, every thing considered, should yield the palm
to the Freedman, though do so with dfidence,
having the Richard and lago of Cooke, well as
the Richard and Lear OF Kean yet fresh 10 my
membrane.
Perhaps am led to this opinion, by having seen
Talma more recently than the others-and, that as
regards the sentiments of people in general, his
dramatic lame, like that Of Garrick, has been in
creased TO measure exceeding his actual probes
sional capabilities, by the fact that he was the re
former Of stage customs and costume. Ii may be
80, and am Ear from insisting on the preference
have expressed, having indeed formed that prefer
ence with some doubt and hesitation.
/ The funeral was attended by every ole OF dis.
! tincion in the capital. The concourse exceeded
every thing of the kind since the burial of General
Foy. nj. Jeuy, the author OF Syla, delivered an
eloquent oraion, and was succeeded by number oil
other gentlemen OF talent All paid testimony
not only of professional but Of private regard Tor
the deceased; whose character, indeed, was 10 the
n highest degree elevated and nesmable.
: shall drop this melancholy subject. You doubt
less know, before this reaches you, OF Cannings Vi
sit here The Secretary almost turned the heads Of
/. The Partisan great world. There was nothing bu
0 dining out, and breakfasne out, and suPpng out
and so constant the succession OF ieastlngs ant
rous, that it seemed if the all-important duty o
ministers Of state like that Of the mayor and adler
+ men oil Guy, was cdhilb ~ '"''s
Ter chimed 10 with the fashion, as indeed 1t ne
cessary for him to do, and gave an entertainment
folly equal in all respects, to any that Canning at
tended In TACT Mr.. Brown is du fat in these mat
ters and when he undertakes to make diploma
tic display, does it with effect,
D The object Of the Foreign Secretarys solourn II
: this capital, has given rise TO numerous conlecures
n. I, ia thought by many that something OF muct
" higher interest than visit to the English Ambas
ID sador has brought him and yet, he has had any
a. interior views, he has been allowed little or no op
: porunily for bringing them to point. His move
:. men,s Of course, have attracted all eyes, and yet
is not known that he has had any interviews with tn
ministers Of sufficient length to digest political reIa
,;on. Of moment If there is any thing in the mat
~ ter, suppose time will develOpe it; at all event
p spec ulation is useless.
Ills feared by the friends Of Greece that Lord Co
On cbrane intends lacking ship and joining the Turks
His conduct gives some color to the apprehension
and his character is not high as TO discountenanc
= such an idea. hope, however he w'll no. 90 a.
act SO Infamous, Though am aware that he al