The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

From Barrington's Sketches.

COL. BURR AND MR. GRATTAN. "Col. Burr, who had been vice president of America, and probably would have been the next president, but for his unfortunate duel with Gen. Hamilton, came over to England, and was made known to me by Mr. Randolph; of South Carolina, (with whom I was very intimate.) He requested I would introduce him to Mr. Grattan, whom he was excessively anxious to see. Col. Burr was not a man of a very prepossessing appearance,—rough featured and neither dressy nor polished; but a well informed, sensible man, and though not a particularly agreeable, yet an instructive companion.

"People in general form extravagant anticipations regarding eminent persons. The idea of a great orator and Irish chief carried with it, naturally enough, corresponding notions of physical elegance, vigor and dignity. Such was Colonel Burr's mistake, I believe, about Mr. Grattan, and I took care not to undeceive him.

"We went to my friend's house, who was to leave London next day. I 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 a short time, but was at the moment much occupied on business of consequence. Burr's expectations were all on the alert! Randolph also was anxious to be presented to the great Grattan, and both impatient for the entrance of this Demosthenes. At length the door opened, and in hopped a 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 immediately proceeded to make inquiries about the late General Washington and the revolutionary war. My companions looked at each other: their replies were costive, and they seemed quite impatient to see Mr. Grattan. I 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 inquisitive person in the world. Randolph was far the tallest, and most dignified 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. Grattan. Upon which, our host (not doubting but they knew him,) conceived it must be his son James for whom they inquired, and said he believed he had that moment wandered out somewhere to amuse himself.

"This completely disconcerted the Americans, and they were about to make their bow and their exit, when I thought it high time to explain; and taking Col. Burr and Mr. Randolph respectively by the hand, introduced them to the Right Honorable Henry Grattan,

"I never saw people stare so, or so much embarrassed! Grattan himself now perceiving the cause, heartily joined in my merriment;—he pulled down his shirt sleeves, pulled up his stockings; and in his own irresistible way, apologized for the outré figure he cut, assuring them he had totally overlooked it, in his anxiety not 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 interesting: the Americans were charmed with their reception; and after a protracted visit, retired highly gratified, whilst Grattan returned again to his books and cobwebs."