Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1860-08-18
BURR. RANDOLPH AND oRArrAN.

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,
and was made known TO me by Mr.. Randolph,
Of Virginia, with whom | was very intimate
lie requested ! would introduce him to Mr.
Grattan, whom he was excessively anxious to
see. Col. Burr was not man Of very pre-
possessing appearance; rough featured, and
neither -drcSSy- nor polished but q well in
formed, sensible man, and though not partic-
uarly agreeable, yet an instructive compan-
ion. People in general form extravagant an
ticipatiOnS regarding eminent persons. The
idea Of great orator and an Irish chief car
ricd with it, naturally enough, corresponding
notions Of physical elegance, vigor and dignity.
Such was Col. Burr's mistake, believe, abous
Mr.. Grattan, and took care not to undeceive
him. went to my friends house, who was
to leave London next day. IannounCed that.
Col. Burr, from America, Mr.. Randolph and!
myself, wished to pay our respects, and tho
servant informed us that his master would re-
ceive US in short time, but was at that mo-
mcnt much occupied by business of conse-
quencc. Burr's expectations were all on the
alert. Randolph was also anxious to be pre-
Sented to the great Grattan, and both inpatient
"' tHS SHpouNO VI ttlS DtIllOSLueneS. "A
length the door opened, and in hoped small.
bent figure, meagre, yellow and ordinary; ono
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 Salutcd the Stran-
gers very courteOusly, asked, without anv in
PRODUCTION, how long they had been in Eng
land, and immediately proceeded to make in
quirles 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..
tirattan. ! could scarcely contain myself but
determined to let my eccentric cOuntryman
take his course, who appeared quite delighted
to see his visitors, and was the most inouisi.
tive person in the world Randolph was far
the tallcSt and most dignihed of the two. gray
haired and well-dressed; Grattan, therefore,
took him for the Vice President, and 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 it
must DO his son James for whom they inQufF,,
ed, said that he believed he had that moihhent
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.. Randolph
respectfully by the hand, introduced Them to
the Right Honorable Henry Grattan never
saw people stare so or look SO much embar.
raSSed. Grattan, himself perceiving ,he cause,
heartily Joined in my merriment lie pulled
down his shirt sleeves, pulled up his stockings,
and in his own irresistible way apologised for
the Outre figure he cut, assuring them that he
had totally overlooked it in his anxiety not to
keep them waiting; that he was to return to
Ireland next morning, and had been busily
packing up his books and papers in elossa
full OF dust and cobwebs. This incidcnk m.
dered the interview more interesting. TIsS
Americans were charmed with their recepdnR;
and, after . prOtracted visit retired, hiekly
grat'fed, while Grattan returned to his bQokA
and his cObwebS, BarvingtOaI SketeAts,