Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-11-16
From Barrngtons ske,ches.1

" IL "A N.
"Colohel Burr who had been Vice Presiden,
of America, and probably would have been
the next President, but for his unfortunate du.
ell with Gen. Hamilton, Came over to England,
and was made known to me by MIR. Randolph.
of South Carolina, with whom was very init
mate,) He requested | would introduce him
to Mr.. Grattan, whom he was excessively anx-
ious to see. Colonel Burr was not man of
very progressing appearance-rohgh fea-
tured, and neither dressy nor polished-but
well Informed sensible man, and though not
particularly agreeable, yet an instructive com
paniou.
"People In general form extravgant anticipa
tons regarding eminent persons.
"rhe idea OF great orator and Irish chief
carried with il, naturally enough, correspon
ding notions OF physical elegance, vigor, and
dignity. Such was Colonel Burr's mistake,
believe, about NJ: Grattan, aud l took care
not 10 undeceive him.
eve went 10 my friends house, who was to
leave London next day. announced that
Colonel Burr, from America Mr Randolph,
and myself, wished 10 pay our respects, and
the servant informed US that his master would
receive us in short time, but was a! the mo-
ment occupied on business of consequence.
| Burr's expectations were all on the alert
! Randolph, also, was anxious TO be presented
to the grea: Grattan, and both impatient for
the entrance Of this Demos,henes. At length
The door opened, and in hoped a small, bent
| figure mragre, yellow, and ordinary; one
slipper and one shoe; his breaches knees loose;
his cravat hanging down; his shirt and coat
sleeves tucked up high, and an old hat upon
his head.
| "This apparition saluted the strangers very
cour,eously; asked without any introductory
how long they had been in England, anG mme-
diaiely proceeded to make inquiries about the
late General Washington,and the Revolutiona-
ry War. My companions looked at each other
| their replies were costive, snd they seemed
quite impatient to see Mr.. Grattan. ! could
! scarcely contain myself; but determined to let
! my eccentric countryman take mis- course; who
appr AIRED quite delighted to see his visitors,
and was the most inquisitive person in the
world. Randolph was far the tallest and most
i disni6ed looking man Of the two--grey haired
and wei! dressed: Grattan therefore, OF course,
took him for theVice President, and addressed
him accordingly. Randolph at length begged
to know if they could shortly have the honor
to sec Mr.. Gra,tan. Upon which our host
not doubling but what they knew him, concciv-
ed it must be his son James Tor whom they
INQUIRED, and said he believed he had tha,
momen, wandered out some where - amuse
himself.
"This completely disconnected the Ameri-
cans and they were about TO MAKE their bow
] and their exit, when | thought high time TO
explain, and taking Colonel Burr and Mr.. Ran
dolph respectively by the hand, introduced
them to the Right Honorable Henry Gfattan'
III never saw peonle stare so, or somuch en-
barrassed. Gra,tan himself, now peroeivlng
the cause, heartily joined in my merrment
he pulled down his shirt sleeves, pulledup his
stockings, and, in his own irresistible way,
apologized for the ouire figure he cut, assuring
them he had totally overlooked it in his anXi-
ETY. not to keep them waiting; that he was re-
turning to Ireland next morning and bad been
busiiy packing up hi books and papers in
closet full of dust and Cobwebs! This incident
rendered the interview more interesting. The
Americans were charmed with their reception;
and after prouacted visit, retired highly
cratiicd, whilst Grattan returned again to his
books and cobwebs"
II is stated in the Missouri Observer that
General Ashley has made third return oil lurs
! from the Rocky Mountains, more valuable than
,ilher ,ha, preceded IL, probably worth 60 or