Charles Burr Todd

“ Taking refuge in France, Barlow in 1792-'3 accompanied a deputation of the national convention into Savoy for the purpose of erecting it into the 84th department of France, and was there nominated for deputy, but was defeated. In Chambery, in this province, he wrote his “Hasty Pudding,” his most popular poem. Returning to Paris, Barlow forswore politics and devoted himself to advancing his private fortunes, and by mercantile pursuits and speculations soon became wealthy. ”

“ Barlow accepted, and sailed for France in May, 1788. Not succeeding in his agency, he turned to politics and letters. As a Girondist he contributed largely to the political literature of France in 1789-'91. Becoming interested in English politics, he crossed over to England in 1791, and resided for nearly two years in London, one of a circle of artists, poets, wits, journalists, and pamphleteers who formed the Constitutional society, and were intensely republican in tone. ”

“ Returning to America in 1805, he established himself at Kalorama, near Washington, and, declining all political honors, devoted himself to literary and pastoral pursuits and the society of eminent men. ”