The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-10-21
INTERVIEW BETWEEN AARON BURR
AND EnsTTAN.

We extract from Judge Bsrrington's "Per-
sonai Sketches of Ireland Fifty Years Ago"
the following Interesting account of an inter-
view between Randolph and Burr and the
Irish orator, Grattan:
Col. Burr, who had been vice -president or
America, and probably would have been the
next president, but for his unfortunate duel
with Gen. Hamilton, came over 10 Englahd,
and was made known to me by Mr.. Randolph,
of South Carolina, with whom was very in
innate. He requested that would introduce
him to Mr.. Grattan, whom he was excessively
anxious to see. Col. BUR @as not a man Of
very prepossessing appearance-rough fea-
tured, and neither dress nor polished, but
we'll informed, sensible man; and though not
particularly hgreeable,yet an instructive COM
panion.
People III general form ex,ravdgaht attic
ipations regarding eminent persons. The
idea of great orator and an Irish chief car
tied with it, Naturally enough, corresponding
notions Of physical elegance, vigor and dig
nifty, Such Yos Col. Burr's mistake, l be-
leye, about Mr.. Crattan, and took care not
to tiideceive him.
We went to my frend's housc, who was to
leave Lonaoti the ne$t day. announced
that Col. Burr, from America, Mr.. Randolph
and tty self wished to pay our respects, and
the servant informed us that his master would
receive us in shor, time, but was at that mo-
ment much occupied on business of conse-
quence. Burr's expectations were all on the
alert. Randolph also was very anxious to be
presented to the great Grattan, aud both were
impatient for the entrance Of this Demos
themes. At length the door opened, and in
hoped small, bent figure, theagre, yellow,
and ordinary, one slipper and one shoe; hia
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 been in England, and i'm
mediateiy proceeded to make inquiries about
the late General Washington and the Rev
olutionary war. My companions looked at
each other; their replies were restive, and
they seemed quite impatient to see Mr.. Grat-
tan. could scarey contain myself, but de-
termined to let my eccentric countryman take
his own course, who appeared quite delighted
to see his visitors, and was the most inquisi-
tive person in the world Randolph was Ear
the talIest and most dignfed looking man of
the two, gray-hared and well dressed. Graf
tan, therefore, of course, took him for the
Vice President end addressed him according
ly. Randolph at length begged to know if
they could shortly have the honor cf 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 out somewhere to amuse
himself.
This completely disconnected the Americans
and they were about to make their bow and
their exit, when thought it high time to ex-
plain; and, taking Col. Burr and Mr.. Ran
dolph respectively by the hand, introduced
them to the Right Hon. Henry urattan.
never saw people stare so; or so much en-
barrassed. Grattan himself, now perceiving
the cause, heartily joined in my merriment.
He pulled down his SHIFT sleeves, pulled W
his stockings, and in his own irresistible way, 4,
apologized for the outer figure he cut, as'ur-
ing them that he had totally overlooked it in
his anxiety not to keep them waiting; that he
was returning to Ireland next morning and
had been busily engaged packing up his books
and papers, in closet full of dust and cob
webs! This incident rendered the interview
more interesting. The Americahs were
charmed with their reception, and after pro-
tracted visit, retired hig hly gratiied, while
Grattan returned again to his books and cob