Diary – James Losh – 7 Feb 1827

I dined at a great dinner given in Fletcher's Long Room to Mr. Beaumont: it was numerously and upon the whole respectably attended.   I spoke upon the subject of ‘Parliamentary Reform’ (having been requested to give that as a Toast) ....Beaumont spoke vigorously and certainly much better than I expected.   If he would take pains and attend to business he would be a valuable member of Parliament and by no means a bad public speaker.   He is very quick in his conceptions and has very considerable general information.   His voice too is sufficiently powerful and he has the manners and appearance of a gentleman.   I was disappointed in Mr. Bird.   He is certainly an able man and speaks with great ease and self possession; but there is a coarseness of manner and want of tact about him which will always prevent him being a good public speaker.