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.