Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1869-11-10
TALLEYRAND.


lnl794, No, Broadway, now know
as the Washington Hotel, was one O
the most fashionable boardinr house
in the metropolis. 1t had been erect
cd some sixty ormore years before b.
Sir Peter Warren, who spared neithe
palms n5r expense TO make it one o
the finest mansions in this country
He resided in it himself during a brie
period, and its walls echoed TO th,
music of his wedding festivities
when he married the beautiful daugh
ter Of Governor James De Lancey.
The history Of this old edifice is ful
of thrilling interest, but too long iol
our present purpose. The property
changed hands several tines, was tho
temporary home of many distinguish
ed men at different epochs, was the
scene Of some very exciting and i'm
portant events, and lastly, at about
the date as above named, fell TO the
tender mercies of an interesting par
ty, who filled it with costly furhlture
and decorations, and attracted to It's
portals the lovers OF elegance who bad
not homes Of their own TO enjoy.
DIR. Joseph Priestley, the philoso.
pher, the popular writer, the political
martyr, found here his Canaan, and
it was in the great banqueting hall
that a reception dinner was given him
which, from its lack Of enthusiasm,
wounded more than it fattered him,
Chateubriand, the nephew of Male.
sherbes, an illustrious exile from
France, occupied a room on the sec
ond floor for several weeks, and it was
here that he conceived "The Genius bi
Christianity" ono of the most impress.
siye and beautiful displays of bis in
telligenee.
George Hammond, the British min.
lister, who married one Of the famous
Misses Alien, OF Philadelphia, boarded
here at different times, and was great
favorite among the guests. He was a
fine looking man, stout and rosy faced,
and wore n full powdered wig.
Ono Of the most conspicuous char
acters, however, who honored The
place was NJ de Talleyrand, the exiled
Bishop of Autum. When he arrived
in this country he brought a letter
from the MARQUIS of Lansdowne to
President Washington, commencing
him as one whose information and
merits were deserving Of the highest
consideration.
He became a citizen Of the United
States, and his certificate Of naturali.
zalion was for long time in Peal's
Museum, But, although admired for
his abilities, he was hated for the heart
lessness which be displayed in regard
TO the sufferings Of bis eountrymen.
Once, on cold day in winter, he
entered the drawing room on the
southeast corner Of No. /. wearing
as was not unusual, at that period,
buckskih pantaloons, and took posi-.
ton on the hearth, close to the fire. =
The heat soon chused she leather TO
scorch and smoke, and the faces of the
persons in the room evlnced tho re.
siraint Of good breeding struggling
ngainst a provocation of laughter
Talleyrand's quick eye penetrated
the mask, without discovering the
cause. until be seated himself when bis
sudden cry Of pain compelled the Ia.
dies to fiy from the apartment TO give
vent to their merfimenL
His personal appearance was re.
markablc He was tall and rather
oorpulent, with singularly small legs
and deformed feet His hair was very
light, he wore it long, aud parted il
in the middle His complexion was
sallow, and his eyes piercing Blue.
His manner was tranquil and watch.
ful, and in some respects extremely
vulgar and retulsive.
a lady in New York. at whose
house be often dined, said, he would
sometimes rest his elbows ou the ia.
bic, supporting his facc between his
hands, and carry on a conversation
with bis mouth 80 full that he could
hardly speak lie usually cut al the
meat on bis plate into finc pieces,
pierced one after another with bic
fork until the prongs were full, and
then thrust them into his mouth
Closing his teeth ne would pull out
the fork leaving its freight within.
His most intimate friend was NJ.
Beaumct, by whom he once came
near losing his life. l will give the
incident 10 bis own words as he rela
ted it scme years afterwards
81 can never forget" said the Prince,
"that | was once gift6d for a moment
with an extraordinary and inexplica.
bic presciencc, which wss tho means
ofsaving my life. Without that Sudden
aud mysterious inspiration, should
not be acfe 20 recount these curiou.
details. NJ Bcaumct and myself had
al vays associated on the best terms
and ia those stormy times, when th,
expression Of friendship required al
most a divine courage, something NOR,
than friendship was needed to unite
persoLs. | had no cause 10 doubt BIZ
affection, be had on several occasions
given the most devoted proofs Of bis
attachment to mt person and inter
csts. We had together quilted Eng
land 70 take refuge in New lork. and
had hitherto lived in perfect harmo
nv. Wishing 10 increase our little
capital, | frcighted ship, half shares
with him, 20 try our fortunes in Ii,
Indies. Wo we're ready for onr dc
pariurc, bu, waited for favorable
wind with the greatest Of impotence
This state Of uncertainty appeared e
sour poor Beaumet 70 = most oxtraor
dinary degree. Incapable Of remain
ing quiet, Ne roAmed the city with ,
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