Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/308

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.