In conclusion, should any further question arise whether, in the first instance, they treated me as I have represented, let it be borne in mind that I advanced, boldly, a string of facts which were given publicity to, through the medium of the Harmonicon: I signed my name, gave my address, and was ready for any confutation, either public or private. The only reply to my former letter was a weak and futile attempt to prove that Messrs. ATTWOOD and POTTER were not so clever as I asserted them to be; but the main point was not attempted to be disputed, and my brave antagonist shielded himself under cover of a fictitious name. These gentlemen thought it wisest to suffer my assertions to go uncontradicted, because they could not disprove them; and, moreover, because they knew that I had in the background strong evidence of the TRUTH of my statement, even among the members of their own Society.
I have the honour, Sir,
Of subscribing myself
Your obedient, humble servant,
JOHN BARNETT.
MEMOIRS OF DR. BURNEY, BY HIS DAUGHTER MAD. D’ARBLAY.
[Concluded from [page 99].]
IN bringing to a conclusion this lengthened account of a work which, however executed, must be interesting to the general reader on account of the anecdotes relating to distinguished literary and other characters which it contains, and to the musical amateur from the information, though too scanty, which it conveys on matters concerning his favourite pursuit, we shall confine ourselves as much as possible to what relates to the art and its professors.
In 1785, Dr. Burney’s account of the Commemoration appeared, and led to his first audience of George III. and his queen.
This year, happily for Dr. Burney, re-opened with a new professional interest, that necessarily called him from the tributary sorrow with which the year 1784 had closed.
The engravings for the Commemoration of Handel were now finished; and a splendid copy of the work was prepared for the King. Lord Sandwich, as one of the chief Directors of the late festival, obligingly offered his services for taking the Doctor under his wing to present the book at the levee; but his Majesty gave Dr. Burney to understand, through Mr. Nicolai, that he would receive it, at a private audience, in his library.
This was an honour most gratifying to Dr. Burney, who returned from his interview at the palace in an elevation of pleasure that he communicated to his family with the social confidence that made the charm of his domestic character.
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