The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-11-03
LORD RnouoHAm.

LORD BRoU0HAM.
The next bumper was given to the health of
HENRY LORD BRoUGHAMj and that extraordi-
nary man rose TO respond, amidst loud acclama-
lions. II Is perhaps repeating thrice told tale
70 speak OF his personal appearance. He has q
square, gaunt, ungainly figure, with somewhat
slcuching air, which makes him appear to be
below the middle height although he is in fact
rather above it. When sitting in the Court of
Chancery, and on the woolsack, vested in his
Official robes, and full-bottomed wig, he looked
toierably well but here when arrayed in plain
citizens clothes, his form appeared altogether
without grace or dignity. You do not, however,
think of his body when once your eyehas passed
over his extraordinary countenance. There is
nothing here prepossessing, but the workings Of
q gigantic intellect may be traced in every part.
His features are large and coarse, but full of
character the forehead good, phrenologically
speaking, but harsh and rough-hewn as one of
the heads Of Thorn the sculptor, 1.-THE chin long
and square-the lips, nose, and eyes constantly
conyulsed by some nervous affection, which
clusters them together, and gives them the ap
pearance, when he is excited of acting in con-
cert in the business of expressing his scorn and
indignation. His voice possesses remarkable
depth and power; and though his intonation is
full Of variety. yet it chiefly inclines 10 full,
forcible and intense expression, which appears
racter of the man. Brougham's style Of declama-
ton, when he does not make some preparation,
is frequently involved, diffuse, and even mys-
tical; and he is never equal TO Grey or Peel in
neatness and perspicuity; but yet SO strongly
imbued is every clause with high intellectual
power, that il you once come within reach Of his
voice, the chances are greatly against your being
able to escape. until he chooses to let you go.
On this occasion his speech was rambling, and
now and then exceedingly awkward in the
phraseology-but il was withal very able
aboupded in sarcasm, and lofty and indignant
defamation; and the immediate impression
produced by it was immense, as was evident
from the applause and admiration Of his friends,
and no less SO, from the rage and resentment Of
those who felt that his bitter and searching sar-
casms were hurled at their own heads. Very
few, if any Tories, were present. so that proba
bly, the whole assembly enjoyed his powerful,
though for the keeper Of the kings conscience,
somewhat Incorporate and angry denunciation
Of that parry. But his attack upon the Radicals,
who formed large portion of the company he
was addressing, was altogether indiscreet and
provoking in manner, besides being gratuitous
and out Of place. But this has been always the
way with Brougham. He. never could endure
to he opposed; and from his first entrance into
NE up 70 this time, has never failed to encoun-
ter with matchless intrepidity, and aim the hard
est blows at all who have dared to resist his
course. He could not for his life, let pass such
an opportunity as this assembly presented OF
meeting the man who had so identified himself
with the ultra-beral party, as TO be called the
peoples bulwark, Lord Durham; but in this in
stance his impetuosity carried him too far, and
in a single hour he lost much Of his popularity,
the love Of which is his master passion.
Brougham's speech suggested to the spirited
fellows by whom was surrounded at the table,
many anecdotes illustrative of his fiery and i'm
patient disposition. The following is charac-
teristic--perhaps it will be new to you:
Among the first cases he was employed in
after his admission to the Scottish bar, was that
of poor woman, who had been brought up on
charge Of Misunderstanding. The future Chan
cellor was introduced to the agent of the woman
as young advocate who would undertake, with
out charge, the defence Of any case in which he
might be engaged. But his excited appearance,
and vehement manner did not produce great
impression in his favor, upon the mind of the
cautious agent, who whispered to the friend that
introduced him. his distrust of 'sic Eighty
chap" However, he was persuaded to try him
placed in his hands the statement Of facts in
the woman's case, and was going on TO suggest
some arguments which, he remarked, might not
occur to so young and unpractised an advocate,
when Brougham suddenly interrupted him with
'sPshaw! Mr. Here are the facts-iedre
the arguments to me p'--and Immediately walk
ed off with that scornful and impetuous air,
which even yet marks many Of his exhibitions in
the House of Lords. He made a most able de-
fence, however, and the result was the acquittal
Of his client; which so gratifed the agent, that
many Of his most important cases were after
wards entrusted, not free Of charge, 10 this
''fighty chap" d. NIL.