Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-04-29
O'CONNELL.
From tue London New Monthly Magazine for March

of the little village where was sojourninu and
had placed myself in the window, to while away an
hour IN observing the "passing events" of the place
The market was over the people had gradually pass
ed to their homes the busy hum Of the day was fast
dying away; and few struggling groups scattered
here and there through the long wide street of the
town-the only one 1t boasted--were almost the only
persons who arrested my eye. The sun was sinking
and threw hislingering beams into the neat but i'll
FURNISHED apartment where was sitting. To avoid
the glare OF his beams, changed my position, and
TINS gave mt more uninterrupted view of the long
street above referred to, which threw its termination
into the green fields of the country. Casting nv
eyes In this direction, | behed chariot and four
coming towards me, envoloped in complete cloud of
dust, and tue painting horses Of which urged on
WIN tremendous rapldity. Struck with the unexpec-
ted arrival OF such vehicle in that place, leaned
out Of the window to observe its destination and be-
held 1t still rolling hurriedly along, and sweeping
round the angle of the street towards the inn with an
increased violence. If my reader has been much
used to travelling, he will be that the moment
postion comes in sight of inn he is sure to call
forth the metle of his horses-pcrhaps show othe
blood OF his cattle. This was the case at present
and qnick galop brought the vehicle in laundering
noise to the door, where, Shenstone says is to be
found "the warmcst welcome" The animals were
sharply checked, the door was fang open, and the
occupier threw himself hurredly out.
"Brng out four horses instantly" was the command
he uttered IN the loud voice of haste aud authority.
The Inmate OF the carriage about five feet
eleven and n half inches high, and wore portlv
stout, hale and agreeable appearance. His shout
ders were broad, and his legs stoutly built and Us he
az that moment stood one urn in his side pocket the
other thrust INTO waistCoat, which was almost con-
peteiy unbuitonsd from the heat of the day he would
have made good figure for the rapid but fine finish
ing pencil Of Harlowc. His head was covered with
light fur cap, which partly thrown back displayed
that breadth of forehead which have never vet seen
absent from real talent. His eyes appeared to me- at
that instant to be between light blue and grew
colour HIS face was pale and sallow, if the tur-
mol OF business the shade of care, or the STU
dy or midnight, had chased away the royv
OF health and youth. Around his mouth plaved
cast of sarcasm, which, to a quick eve at once be-
trayed satire and appeared if the lips could bc
easiy resolved INTO the rlsuS sardoncus" His head
was somewhat larger than thut which tIodcrn doc
trnc denomlnates the medium size" and il was well
supported by stout and well FONDA toned pedestal
which vas based on breast full, round. prominent
and capacious. qhe eye was shaded by brow which
thought would be congcnial to sunshine than
storm; and the was neither Grecian nor Roman
but was large enough to readily admit him into tho
chosen band of that "imnoral rebels who chose
MS body guard with capacious lungs and noses as
.ording greatcf capability Of undergoing toll and
hardship. Altogether he appeared to possess strong
physical powers.
Tie was dressed in an ove-brown eurtout, blael, /
tFowsers AMI black waistcoat. His cravat was care
lessly tied and the knot almost ndope from tho bca,
OF the day; and as he stood with his hand across his
bosom and ms eyes bent on the ground he was the
very picture Ola public character hurrvinr awav
on some important matter which required all Of por
Sona eXcition and mental energy. Often as have
seen hi'a since, have never bched him in so s,ri.
king or pct oral an attitude
Quick with the horses!' was his hurried ciacu'a. !
Jon rs he recovered himself from his rcvcrie and
hung himself INTO his carriage The whip was crack
ed, ana away went the chariot with the same cloud
Of dust and the same tremendous pace.
did not SEQ him pay any money. lie did not cr !
Ter the Inn He called for no refreshmcnt nor did he
utter woid to any person around him. lie seemed
n M h.. ,-N-oN 4 Il
riot laundering along the street, which had all its
then spectators turned OIL the coud-envc!opcd vehi
cle my curiosity was intensely excited, and instant
y descended TO learn the of the extraordinary
stranger Most nl1t-GpropOs, however, were my en- !
qplries Unfortunately the landlord was out; the
waiter could not tell me his name; and the "hostlcr
knew nothing whatsomever of him, except that he
was IN the most uncommonest hurry" A short time
however, satisfied my curiosity.
The next day brought me 10 the ranall Of the !
county where was then on a visit It was the |
assiEe time. Very fond OF oratory I went to the |
Courthouse to hear the forensic eloquenca of tic
g Home Circuit" had scarcely seated myself, when I
INC same greyish eye, broad forehead porlly figure
aud strong tone Of voice, arrested my attention. He
was just on the moment Of addressing the jury and
anxousy waited to hear the speech Of man who had
already SO strongly. interested me. After looking at
the judge steadily for a moment lie began his speech
exactly in the following pronunciation "My Lurrd,-
Gentlemen of the Jury"
"Who speaks?" instantly demanded T.
Counsellor O'Conne," was the reply
Why he only arrived last night"
Late last night, and has had scarcely moment to
con over his brief But listen"
at once fixed my attention. As do not write |
short hand, cannot give the detail Of his speech;
but his delivery can crticisc, and can here write
down.
Wero OConnell addressing mixed assembly |
where the lower orders predominated, scarcely |
Snow any one who would have such a power 1r
WELDING the passions He has a knack of speakinp |
10 mob, which have never heard exceeded. His |
manner has at times the rhodo:noniad Of Hunt but
he rs infinitely supeior, Of course to this we'll known
democrat in choice oflanguage and powers of express
sion. The SAME remark may apply were 10 draw
any comparison between him and another we'll known
mob speaker, Goblet. Were he opposed to these
Two persons IN any assembly OF the people, he would
inialhbly prove hmsclfthe victor. balcony outside
u high window, and large mob beneath him. is the
very spot for O'Conuell. Theto ie would be hes.
seen, and his powers and person best observed; but
we're he in tho House Of Commons, 7 DO not think I
an incorrect when say, that he would make little I'M
preston on tho house. supposiua no were heard with
very preposscssion in his favour. His action wants
rrace and suavity-qualnlus so cmineptlv eascin,