Francis Jackson Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, 1805-1879; the story of his life told by his children: volume 2

[387] worn out. The hospitality of our English friends is unbounded. Several splendid entertainments have been given to us—one, by the celebrated Mrs. Opie, and another by the rich Quaker banker, Samuel Gurney. He sent seven barouches¹ to convey us to his residence, (one of the most beautiful in the world), a few miles from the city; and a great sensation did we produce as we paraded through the streets of London. The² dinner was magnificent, and all the arrangements on the most liberal and elegant scale.

After the banquet was over, we had several speeches—one from Buxton, another from Birney, another from myself, &c. The Duchess of Sutherland, (who ranks next to the Queen, and³ is celebrated for her beauty), accompanied by her daughter, an interesting young lady,⁴ and Lord Morpeth,⁵ honored us with their presence. The Duchess came in a splendid barouche, drawn by four fine horses, with postillions, etc. She behaved very graciously, and, on parting, shook me cordially by the hand. She has given £ 20 to aid the fugitive slaves in Upper Canada. Her husband is the richest man in the kingdom, and she is noted for her liberality. She has since expressed a wish to have an interview with me; but I think it doubtful whether I shall find time to call. Haydon, the celebrated artist, is now⁶ engaged in making a painting of the Convention, 10 feet by 7, in which he will group the most distinguished personages who were present, nearly as they sat in that body. His portraits will be from life. He has already taken a large number, and has succeeded admirably. I shall sit to him to-morrow for my likeness —a copy of which has been spoken for by the Duchess aforesaid. (Don't you be jealous!) I have seen Lady Byron repeatedly, and the day before yesterday took dinner and tea with her at⁷ the house of Mrs. Reid, an opulent Unitarian lady.⁸