Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-03-05
M X. GRAHAM.


Journal, the annexed .interes:ing sketch ofMr.
Grahams fortunes. whilst in England. The
sketch displays the true character of an era
tic,and wayward genius, who too soon icIl
victim to the false notions of honor
"THr LATE Mr.. GRAHAM. The Ameii-
can papers state 4 melancholy instance oftbs
danger attending the indulgence of i'm npetuous
temper. aaj Of tho criminal absurdi,y OF the
systou o! dUellng; The case alluded TO is
that OF Mr. VIM Graham, who was shot in n
duol at Now-York, on tn. 2Sth Of November
Last, by Nr. Barton. with whom he had some
silly quarrel at convivial meeting. The fate
Of Mr.. Graham may possibly interest some sf
our readers, IN consequence Of the act Of his
having been. at one time, a resident at Ply
mouth, and connected with the paper, (since
disconinued) called the Plymouth Chrenicle.
He was native Of America, and was destin-
ed for the law, but g. truant disposition" led
him from serious studies, and at an early age
he left his home for England.
In the year 1910. he landed at Plymouth,
and forming an acquaintance with Nr. Red
ding, the editor Of the Plymouth Chronicle, he
was engaged 20 assist that gentleman in hi~
editorial labours. This occupation, however,
not answering his expectations in a pecuninry
point Of view, he. after some time, relinquisli-
ed it, and urged by penchant for the stage,
he made application to the then proprietor Of
the Pmyouth Theatre, Mr.. Foote (father Of
the celebrated actress) and solicited employ,
ment as an actor. Mr.. Foote. finding him a
fine gentlemanly young fellow, with good ed.
ucutlon, gave him an opportunity Of trying his
hIstrionic talents; and Mr.. Graham made his
debut in Frank Heartall, in the Soldiers.
Daughter, at the Old Plymouth Theatre
He supported the character in manner which
gave reason to expect that he might eventually
become good actor; but lie had amongst
many obstacles to contend with, a strong
American accent and munnersm: and, there
fore. Mr.. Foote concev,ng that the Young
man's talents, if employed in another line. p
would lead him 10 prosperity with more quick
ness and certainty, than could be expected
from pursuit of the stage, advised him to-
turn his attention again to literature This
advise would probably not have been followed
but for an occurrence which put choice out Of
the question. Just at that time America de-
clared war against Eng and, and IN order
came down to Plymouth, TO place all Amer
cans in durance vile. Mr.. Graham was, with
considerable difficulty, kept out Of the way Of
the police officers, and enabled TO make his
retreat tn London, where, owing to an intro
duction furnished him by Mr.. Foote, he became
acquainted with the late Mr.. Purdon, who as
sisted him in his literary pursuits, and dying.
left him fortune OF upwards Of El5O0o THIS
fortune, however, he soon con,rivcd 10 dssi-
pate. by unfortunate specuia,ions, and he
was again driven TO his pen for support. He
continued for some time reporter for some OF
the London paper, aud finally left Eng
land for his native country, aud became as
sistant editor Of the New York Enquirer In
that employment lie continued 10 the time Of
his death"
The foregoing. which must be received As
correct and true. fully contradcts the sIsndcrs
which were published in this town, about tho
time that poor Graham fell, to tarnish his
memory. The rcye.scs Of fortune and not his
faults, compelled the unfortunate Graham to
return TO hi, native county; and Of which
county he was m ornament. His writings
wero ever signalized by degree Of sp'ight-
lness, seldom surpassed, and by a 7ungepcy
of satire, which was always well aud properly
directed. He was a plain republican, in tho
broadcst sense Of the term, and loathing evs-
~ thing like aris,ocracy, be directed his ss-
fashions Of the stuffed up lord" and Tor this,
he incurred the displeasure Of those, who arc
disposed TO bend the knee and kiss the foot Of
royalty. lie had lived long enough to notice
tho folies, and fantasies Of the world, and
" hilst he injured no man, hc aimed To correct
the evils of the age, aad tho errors Of tho
times Es talents were admitted in England.
as we'll as in his native country. and il rs to be
la amented that he was too soon cut of from er-
istenee.