Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-09-16
1nterview between Aaron Burr and Graf

interview betvyeen Aaron Burr and Graf
tan.
We extract from Judge Bauingons Personal
Sketches of Ireland, Fifty Years Ago." the fol-
lowing interesting description of an interview be-
tween Randolph and Bum aud the Irish orator
Grattan:
Col. Burr, who had been Vice President of A
merica, and probably would have been the next
President, but for his unfortunate duel with Gen.
Hamilton, came over to England, and was made
known to me by Mr.. Randolph, OF South Carolina,
with whomI was very ultimate. He requested
that would introduce him TO Mr.. Grattan, whom
he was excessively anxious to see. Col, BUR- was
not man of very ptepoSsessing appearance; rough
featured, and neither dreSSy nor polished; but a
well-infonned, sensible man, and though not par
ticularly agreeable, yet an instructive compan-
ion.
People in general form extrayagant anticipattons
regarding eminent persons. The idea OF great
orator and an Irish chief carried with it, naturally
enough, corresponding notions of physical Gle
gance, vigor and dignity. Such was Col. BurrS
mistake, i believe about Mr.. Grattan, and took
care not to undeceive him.
We went to my friends house, who was to
leave London the next day. l announced that Col.
Burr, from America, Mr.. Randolph and myself
wished to pay OF respects, and the servant inform
ed us that his master would receive us in shot
timet 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 presented to the great Grattan, and
both impatient for the entrance OF this DemoSLhe-
mes. At length the door. opened, and in .hopped
o small bent figure, meagre, yellow and ordinary;
one slipper and one shoe; his breeches knees looSe
his cravat hanging down; hiSshirt and coat sleeves
tucked up high, and an old hat upon his head
This apparition Saluted the strangers very cour-
teously, asked, without introduction, how long
they had been in England. and Immediately pro-
ceed.d 10 make inquiries about the late General
w Obi nd he
panionS looked at each other; their replies were
costive, and they seemed quite impatient to see Mr.
Grattan. could scarcely contain myself but ue-
termined 10 let my eccentric countTyman take ms
own couTse, who appeared quite delighted 10 see
his visitors, and was the most inqusIIlve person
in the world. Randolph was far tho tallest anu
most dignified looking man of the two y-haifed
and well dressed. Grnttan, therefore, OF course,
took him for the Vice President and addressed MN
| accordingly. Randolph at length begged 10 know
if they could shortly have the honor OF seeing Nlr.
| Grattan. Upon which our host, not doubling Dull
that they knew him, conceived that II mus be ms
son James for whom they inquired. and SAID ne
| believed he had that moment wandered out soH'e'
where 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 explain; and
taking Col. Burr and Mr.. Randolph respectively
| by the hand introduced them 10 the hlght HON.
Henry Grattnn.
never saw people stare so, or so much embar-
rassed! Grattan himself, how peceving the cause,
heartily Joined in my merriment. He pulled down
his shirt sleeves, pulled up his stockings, and in
his own irresistible way, apologlzed for the Outre
figure he cut, assuring them that he had totally
overlooked it in his anxiety not to keep them wal
ting; 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 cobwebs!
| This incident rendered the interview more inter
eSiing. The Americans were charmed with their
reception and after protrncted visit, retired high
ly gratiied, while Grattan returned again to his
| books and cobwebs.