Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-11-11
INTERVIEW BETWEEN AARON BURR
AND GRATTAN.

We extract from Judge Barrington's Person
al Sketches Of Ireland Fifty Years Ago" the
following interesting account Of an interview be-
tween Randolph and Burr and the Irish orator,
Grattan:
Col. Burr, who had been vice-presdent Of
America, and, probably would have been the
next president, but for his unfortunate duel
with Gen. Hamilton came over to England,
ard was made known to me by Mr. Randolph,
of South Carolina, with whom was very init
mate, He requested that would introduce
him to Mr. Grattan, whom he was excessively
anxious to see. COL Burr vas not man Of
very prOpoSsessng ppearance-rough featu-
red, and neither dressy nor published, but a
well informed, sensible man; and though not
particularly agreeable, yet an instructive COM
panion.
People in general form extravagant antici
pations regarding eminent persons. The idea
of a great orator and an Irish chief carried with
it, naturally enough, corresponding notions Of
physical elegance, vigor aud dignity. Such
was Col. Burr's mistake. believe, about Mr.
Grattan, and took cara not to undeceive him.
We went to my friends house, who was TO
leave London the next day announced that
COL Burr, from America, Mr.. Randolph and
myself wishes to pay our respects, and the SER
want informed us that his master would receive
US in u short time, but was at that moment
much occupied on business Of consequence
Burr's expectations were all on the alert
Randolph also was very anxious TO be presen-
ted to the great Crattan, and both were impa-
tient for the entrance OF this Demosthenes.--
At length the door opened, and in hopped a
small, bent figure, meagre, yellow and ordi.
nary one slipper and one shoe his breeches
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
courteously, asked, without an Introduction,
how long they had peen in England, and mme-
diately proceeded to make inquiries about the
late General Washington and the Revolutiona-
ry.war. NY companions looked at each other;
their replies were cosIive, ndthey seemed quite
impatient to see Mr.. Grattan. | could scarce
| ly contain myself, but determined TO let my ec-
centric countryman take his own course, who
appeared quite delightful to see his visitors,
and WAS The most inquistive person in the
world, Randolph was far the tallest and most
digni6ed looking man of the two, gray haired
and well dressed. Grattan, therefore, ol
course, took him for the Vice President and
addressed him accordingly, Randolph at
length begged to know If they could shortly
have the honor of seeing Mr.. Grattan. Upon
which our host, not doubling but that they
knew him, conceived that it must be his son
James for whom they inquired, and said he
believed he had that moment wandered ou'
somewhere to amuse himself
This completely dirconcerted the Americans
and they we're about to make their bow ant
their exit, when thought it high time to ex
plain. and. taking Col. Burr and Mr. Randolph
by the hand, introducen them to the Righ
Aon. Henrey Grattan.
| never saw people stare so. or 30 much EN-
barrassed. Cratlan himself, now perceivinl
the cause, heartily joined IN my merriment.- =
, He pulled dewn his shirt sleeves, pulled u
his stockings, and in his own irresistible way
apologzed for the oatsr figure he cut, assul
. ling them that be had totOlly overlooked 1t !
his anxiety not to keep them waiting; that b
was returning to Ireland next morning and ha
been busily engaged packing up his books y pi
per in acloset full Of dust andcobwebsl This II
. cident rendered the interview more interesting
r The Americans were charmed with their recel
n ton. and after aprotraeted visit, retired high
!. grati6ed, while Grattan returned again to b
$ books and cobwebs.
81 ---0----
- - - 80 Ul..s.1 Il a.k