The Nevada Democrat., 1860-07-25
Aaron Rurr ond John Randolph,

Colonel Burr, who had been Vice President
Of America, aud would probably 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, 0l
Virginia, with whom was very intimate. lie
requested would introduce him TO Grattan
whom be was excessively anxious to see. Col
Burr was not man OF very prepossesslng ap'
pearance rough featured, and neither drcssy
uor polished but o well informed sensible man
and though not particularly agreeable, yet
an instructive companion. People Ia general
form extravagant anticipations regarding emf
nent persons. The idea OF o great orator aud
an Irish chief carried with II, 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 undeceive him. We went 10
my friends house, who was to leave London
next day. announced that Col. Burr, from
America, Mr.. Randolph aud myeelf 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
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 10
hoped small bent figure, meagre, yellow and
ordinary one slipper and one shoe his shirt
and coat sleeves tucked up high, and an old hat
upon his head. This apparlion saluted the
strangers very courteousy asked, without any
introduction, how long they had been In Eng
land, and Immediately proceeded to make in-
quiries about the late General Washington and
the Revolutionary war. My companions look
ed at each other; their replies were cosIive,
and they seemed quite impatient 70 see Mr..
4 La In h.t
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 aud most digu6ed looking man OF the
two, gray-haired aud well dressed Grattan,
therefore, 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 they knew him, conceived
il must be his son James for whom they inquir-
ed, and said that he believed he had that mo-
ment wandered out somewhere TO amuse him
self. This completely disconnected the Ameri-
cans, aud they were abOu TO make their bow
and their exit, when thought II high time to
explain, and, taking Colonel Burr and Mr.
Randolph respectively by the rand, introduced
them TO the Right Honorable Henry Grattan.
/ never saw people stare sn, or look 30 much
embarrassed. Grattan. himself, perceiving the
cause, heartily joined In my merriment. lie
pulled down bis shirt sleeves pulled up bis
stockings, and in his own irresistible way apol-
ogized for the outre figure he cut, assuring them
that be had totally overlooked II In his anxi-
ETY. not to keep them waiting that he was re-
turning to Ireland next morning, aud had been
busily packing up his books and papers 10 a
closet full Of dust and cobwebs! This incident
rendered the interview more interesting. The
Americans we're charmed with their reception,
and, after protracted visit, retired, highly
gratiied, while Grattan returned again to his
books aud his cobwebs.-BdrringtoH'i Personal
lStetehes.