The Nevada Democrat. [volume] (Nevada, Calif.) 1854-1863, 1860-07-25
Aaron Burr aud John Randolph.

Colonel Burr, who had been Vice President
Of America, and would probably have been the
next President but for his unfortunate duel with
General Hamilton, came over to England aud
was made known to me by Mr.. Randolph, OF
Virginia, with whom l was very intimate. lie
requested would Introduce him to Graitan,
whom be was excessively anxious to see. Col.
Burr was not man OF very prepossessing APP
pearance rough featured, and neither dressy
nor polished but well informed sensible man
and though not particularly agreeable, yet
an instructive companion. People in general
form extravagant anticipations regarding emf
nent persons The idea of great orator and
an Irish chic! carried with it, naturally enough,
CORE ponding notions OF physical elegance,
vigor and dignity. Such was Colonel Burr's
mistake, | believe, about Mr.. Grattan, and
took care not to undeceiye him. We went TO
my friends house, who was to leave London
next day. announced that Col. Burr. from
America, Mr.. Randolph aud myself wished to
pay our respects, and the servant Informed US
that his master would receive us In q short
time, but was at that moment much occupied
with business of consequence. Burr's expecta-
tions were all on the alert Randolph was al
so anxious to be presented to the great Grattan
and both impatient for the entrance Of this De.
mosthenes. At length the door opened, aud Ia
hoped q small bent figure, mcagre, yellow and
ordinary one slipper and one shoe his shirt
aud coat sleeves tucked up high, and an old hat
upon his head. This apparilion saluted the
strangers very courteOusly, asked, without any
introduction, how long they had been 10 Eng
land, and immediately proceeded to make 10.
quires about the late General Washington and
the Revolutionary war. My companions look
ed at each other their replies were coStive,
and they seemed quite impatient TO see Mr..
Grattan. l could scarcely contain myself, but
determined to let my eccentric countryman
take his course, who appeared quite delighted
to see his visitors, aud was the most inquisitive
person In the world. Randolph was by far the
tallest and most dignihed looking man Of the
two, gray-hared aud well dressed Grattan,
therefore, took him for the Vice President, aud
addressed him accordingly. Randolph at length
begged to know II they could shortly have the
honor OF seeing Mr.. Grattan. Upon which our
host. not doubling but they knew him, conceived
II must be bis son James for whom they inqulr-
ed, and said that he believed he had that mo-
ment wandered out somewhere TO amuse him
self This completely disconnected the Ameri.
cans, and they were abou to make their bow
aud their exit, when thought IL high time to
R1ha5lp oh fR saspeteekje2g Colonel Burr and Mr.;
them to the Right Honorable lptrD 1
never saw people stare 70, or look so much
embarrassed. Grattan. himself Peroeiviog the
cause, heartily joined In my msrrimen, lie
pulled down bis shirt sleeves, pulled up his
stockings. and in bis own irresistible way apol-
ogized for the outre figure he cut, assuring them
that be bad totally overlooked IL in bis anxi-
ETY. not to keep them waiting that he was re-
turning to Ireland next morning, aud had been
busily packing up his books aud papers 10 q
closet full of dust and cobwebsl This incident
rendered the interview more interesting. The
Americans were charmed with their reception,
and, after protracted visit, retired, highly
gratifed, while Grattan returned again TO his
books aud his cobwebs.-Barrington's Personal
Sketehes.