Note.—The reader will doubtlessly have already discovered that “Byeways,” with the other dramatis personæ of this squib, are living characters not unknown in fashionable and political circles. In a future edition, if it can be done without offence, I may perhaps be induced to present them to the public without their masks and buskins.
CHAPTER XXIII. EXPERIENCE AT COURTS.
Pension to Dr. Dalton — Inhabitants of Manchester subscribe for a Statue by Chantrey — The Author proposed that he should appear at a Levee — Various difficulties suggested and removed — The Chancellor approves and offers to present him — Mentions it to King William IV. — Difficulties occur — Dalton as a Quaker could not wear a Sword — Answer, he may go in his Robes as Doctor of Laws of Oxford — As a Quaker he could not wear Scarlet Robes — Answer, Dalton is afflicted with Colour-blindness — Crimson to him is dirt-colour — Dr. Dalton breakfasts with the Author — First Rehearsal — Second Rehearsal at Mr. Wood’s — At the Levee — The Church in danger — Courtiers jealous of the Quaker — Conversation at Court sometimes interesting, occasionally profitable.
THE following letter was addressed by me to Dr. Henry, the biographer of Dalton, in reply to inquiries respecting the part I had taken in procuring a pension for that distinguished philosopher. It was printed in the “Life of Dalton,” and is now reprinted from its illustration of the subject of this chapter:—
“MY DEAR SIR,—I have now examined my papers, as far as I can, to find any traces of Dalton amongst them. I find only two letters, of which I send you copies.
“I well remember taking a great interest in Dalton’s pension, as you will see by several passages in ‘The Decline of Science,’ pp. 20 and 22, and note; but I have no recollection of any of the circumstances, or through what channel it was applied for. {293}
“I find several letters of that date from Mr. Wood,[41] and it appears from them that I went with him to Poulett Thomson;[42] but I only gather this fact from those letters. I send them in the enclosure, as they may be of use. You can return them at your own convenience.
[41] Member for South Lancashire.
[42] Afterwards Lord Sydenham.
〈STATUE OF DALTON.〉