A Memoir of the Reverend Sydney Smith
Letters 1836
Sydney Smith to Lady Ashburton, [March 1836]
On one day of the year, the Canons of St. Paul’s
divide a little money—an inadequate recompense for all the troubles and
anxieties they undergo. This day is, unfortunately for me, that on which you
have asked me (the 25th of March), when we all dine together, endeavouring to
forget for a few moments, by the aid of meat and wine, the sorrows and
persecutions of the Church. I am sure Lord
Ashburton and yourself, and your son Francis, feel for us as you ought to do. Ever yours,
Alexander Baring, first baron Ashburton (1773-1848)
London financier who made a fortune in the United States; he was MP for Taunton
(1802-26), Callington (1826-31), Thetford (1831-32), and North Essex (1833-35); he was
president of the Board of Trade (1834) and raised to the peerage in 1835.
Francis Baring, third baron Ashburton (1800-1868)
The son of Alexander Baring, first Baron Ashburton; he was MP for Thetford (1830-31,
1832-41, 1848-57); he succeeded his brother in 1864.