The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-02-22
Henry Grattan.

Col, Burr, who had been Vice President oi
America, and probably would have been the
next President but for his unfortunate duel with
General Hamilton, came over to England, and
was made known to me by Mr.. Randolph, OF
Virginia, with whom 1 was very intimate. He
requested would introduce him to Mr.. Grattan,
whom he was excessively anxious 10 see. Col.
Burr was not a man of very pTeposgessing
appearance rough featured, and neither dressy
nor polished; bus a we'll informed, sensible
man. and though not particularly agreeable, yet
an instructive companion. People in general
form ex!ravagant anticipations regarding emf
nent persons. The idea of great orator and
Irish chief carried with it, naturally enough,
corresponding notions of physical elegance, Wig
or and dignity Such was Col. Burr's mistake,
believe, bout MIR. Grattan, and took care not
to undeceive him. We went to friends house
who was TO leave London next day.
announced that Col Burr from America,
Mr. Randolph and myself, wished to pay our
respects, and the servant informed us that his
master would receive us in short time, but
was at that moment much occupied on business
of consequence. Burr's expectations were all
presented to the great Grattan, and both impa-
tient for the entrance of this Demosthenes. At
length the door opened and in hoped small
bent figure, meagre, yellow and ordinary; 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 any introduction
how long they had been in England, and imme-
diately proceeded to make inquiries about the
late General Washington and the revolutionary
war.
My companions looked at each other thei1
replies were costive, and they seemed quite i'm
patient to see Mr.. Grattan. / could scarcely
contain myself, but determined to let my eccen-
trio countryman take his course, who appeared
quite delighted to see his visitors, and was the
most inquisitive person in the world. Randolph
was far the tallest and most dignifed looking
man of the two, gray haired and well dressed !;
Grattan, therefore, OF 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.. Grat-
tan. Upon which our host, not doubling but
they knew him, conceived it must be his son
James for whom they inquired, and said he be-
lieved he had that moment wandered out some
where TO amuse himself.
This completely disconnected the Americans
and they were about TO make their bow and their
exit, when l thought it high time to explain !;
and, taking Col. BUR- and Mr.. Randolph respec-
lively by the hand, introduced them to the Right
Honorable Henry Grattan. / never saw people
stare so, or SO much embarrassed Grattan him
self, now perceiving the cause. heartily joined
in my merriment. He pulled down his shirt
sleeves, pulled up his stockings, and in his own
way, apologized for the outer figure
he cut, assuring them that he had totally over
looked in his anxiety n Ut to keep them waiting
that he was returning to Ireland next morning,
and had been busily packing up his books and
papers in a closet full of dust and cobwebs
This incident rendered the interview more in
terestIng. The Americans were charmed with
their reception, and after protracted visit, re-
tired highly gratified, while Grattan returned to
his books and cobwebs. Barrington's Sketches