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[Illustration: cover]




  JULIA WARD HOWE
  1819-1910
  VOLUME I

[Illustration: JULIA WARD HOWE

_From a photograph by J. J. Hawes, about 1861_]




  JULIA WARD HOWE
  1819-1910

  BY
  LAURA E. RICHARDS
  AND MAUD HOWE ELLIOTT


  ASSISTED BY
  FLORENCE HOWE HALL

[Illustration: Publisher's Mark]

  TWO VOLUMES IN ONE


  BOSTON AND NEW YORK
  HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
  The Riverside Press Cambridge


  COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY LAURA E. RICHARDS AND MAUD HOWE ELLIOTT

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCE
  THIS BOOK OR PARTS THEREOF IN ANY FORM



  The Riverside Press
  CAMBRIDGE-MASSACHUSETTS
  PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
  TO
  HENRY MARION HOWE




CONTENTS


  I. ANCESTRAL.                                                      3

  II. LITTLE JULIA WARD. 1819-1835                                  15

  III. "THE CORNER." 1835-1839                                      41

  IV. GIRLHOOD. 1839-1843                                           56

  V. TRAVEL. 1843-1844                                              79

  VI. SOUTH BOSTON. 1844-1851                                      101

  VII. "PASSION FLOWERS." 1852-1858                                136

  VIII. LITTLE SAMMY: THE CIVIL WAR. 1859-1863                     173

  IX. NO. 13 CHESTNUT STREET, BOSTON. 1864                         194

  X. THE WIDER OUTLOOK. 1865                                       213

  XI. NO. 19 BOYLSTON PLACE: "LATER LYRICS." 1866                  235

  XII. GREECE AND OTHER LANDS. 1867                                260

  XIII. CONCERNING CLUBS. 1867-1871                                283

  XIV. THE PEACE CRUSADE. 1870-1872                                299

  XV. SANTO DOMINGO. 1872-1874                                     320

  XVI. THE LAST OF GREEN PEACE. 1872-1876                          339

  XVII. THE WOMAN'S CAUSE. 1868-1910                               358




JULIA WARD HOWE




CHAPTER I

ANCESTRAL

  These are my people, quaint and ancient,
  Gentlefolks with their prim old ways;
  This, their leader come from England,
  Governed a State in early days.

         *       *       *       *       *

  I must vanish with my ancients,
  But a golden web of love
  Is around us and beneath us,
  Binds us to our home above.

                                        JULIA WARD HOWE.


Our mother was once present at a meeting where there was talk of
ancestry and heredity. One of the speakers dwelt largely upon the sins
of the fathers. He drew stern pictures of the vice, the barbarism, the
heathenism of the "good old times," and ended by saying with emphasis
that he felt himself "_bowed down beneath the burden of the sins of his
ancestors_."

Our mother was on her feet in a flash.

"Mr. So-and-So," she said, "is bowed down by the sins of his ancestors.
I wish to say that all my life I have been buoyed up and lifted on by
the remembrance of the virtues of mine!"

These words are so characteristic of her, that in beginning the story of
her life it seems proper to dwell at some length on the ancestors whose
memory she cherished with such reverence.

The name of Ward occurs first on the roll of Battle Abbey: "Seven
hundred and ten distinguished persons" accompanied William of Normandy
to England, among them "Ward, one of the noble captains."

Her first known ancestor, John Ward, of Gloucester, England, sometime
cavalry officer in Cromwell's army, came to this country after the
Restoration and settled at Newport in Rhode Island. His son Thomas
married Amy Smith, a granddaughter of Roger Williams. Thomas's son
Richard became Governor of Rhode Island and had fourteen children, among
them Samuel, who in turn became Governor of the Colony, and a member of
the Continental Congress. He was the only Colonial governor who refused
to take the oath to enforce the Stamp Act. In 1775, in the Continental
Congress, he was made Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, which from
1774 to 1776 sat daily, working without intermission in the cause of
independence. But though one of the framers of the "Declaration," he was
not destined to be a "signer." John Adams says of him, "When he was
seized with the smallpox he said that if his vote and voice were
necessary to support the cause of his country, he should live; if not,
he should die. He died, and the cause of his country was supported, but
it lost one of its most sincere and punctual advocates."

The correspondence between Governor Ward and General Washington has been
preserved. In one letter the latter says: "I think, should occasion
offer, I shall be able to give you a good account of your son, as he
seems a sensible, well-informed young man."

This young man was Samuel Ward, Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Rhode
Island Regiment, and our mother's grandfather.[1]

  [1] Born 1756, died 1832. He graduated in 1771 from Rhode Island
  College (now Brown University) with distinguished honors.

In Trumbull's painting of the Attack on Quebec in 1776, there is a
portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Ward, a young, active figure with sword
uplifted. His life was full of stirring incident. In 1775 he received
his commission as Captain, and was one of two hundred and fifty of the
Rhode Island troops who volunteered to join Benedict Arnold's command of
eleven hundred men, ordered to advance by way of the Kennebec River to
reinforce General Montgomery at Quebec. In a letter to his family, dated
Point-aux-Trembles, November 26, 1775, Captain Ward says: "We were
thirty days in the wilderness, that none but savages ever attempted to
pass. We marched a hundred miles upon shore with only three days'
provisions, waded over three rapid rivers, marched through snow and ice
barefoot, passed over the St. Lawrence where it was guarded by the
enemy's frigates, and are now resting about twenty-four miles from the
city to recruit our worn-out natures. General Montgomery intends to join
us immediately, so that we have a winter's campaign before us. But I
trust we shall have the glory of taking Quebec!"

The young soldier's hopes were vain. He was taken prisoner with many of
his men while gallantly defending a difficult position, and spent a year
in prison. On his release he rejoined the army of Washington and fought
through the greater part of the Revolution, rising to the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel. He was at Peekskill, Valley Forge, and Red Bank, and
wrote the official account of the last-named battle, which may be found
in Washington's correspondence.

During the terrible winter at Valley Forge, Lieutenant-Colonel Ward
obtained a month's furlough, wooed and married his cousin, Phœbe
Greene (daughter of Governor William Greene, of Rhode Island, and of the
beautiful Catherine Ray,[2] of Block Island), and returned to the snows
and starvation of the winter camp. Our mother was very proud of her
great-grandmother Catherine's memory, treasured her rat-tail spoons and
her wedding stockings of orange silk, and was fond of telling how
Benjamin Franklin admired and corresponded with her. Some of Franklin's
letters have been preserved. He speaks of his wife as the "old lady,"
but says he has got so used to her faults that they are like his own--he
does not recognize them any more. In one letter he gives the following
advice to the lovely Catherine: "Kill no more Pigeons than you can eat.
Go constantly to meeting or to church--till you get a good husband; then
stay at home and nurse the children and live like a Christian."

  [2] Granddaughter of Simon Ray, one of the original owners of the
  island. He was "pressed in a cheese-press" on account of his
  religious opinions.

Some years after the Revolution, Colonel Ward was in Paris on a business
errand. He kept a record of his stay there in a parchment pocket-book,
where among technical entries are found brief comments on matters of
general interest. One day the Colonel tells of a dinner party where he
met Vergniaud and other prominent revolutionists. He was surprised to
find them such plain men; "yet were they exceeding warm." On December
29,1792, he notes: "Dined with Gouverneur Morris. Served upon
plate--good wines--his Kitchen neither french or English, but between
both. Servants french, apartments good.... I have visited the halls of
painting and sculpture at the Louvre. The peices [sic] are all called
_chef d'œuvres_ by connoisseurs. The oldest are thought the best, I
cannot tell why, though some of the old peices are very good. Milo
riving the oak is good...."

He went to the theatre, and observed that the features which appeared to
him most objectionable were specially applauded by the audience.

Briefly, amid items of the sale of land, he thus notes the execution of
Louis XVI:--

"January 15th. The convention has this day decided upon two questions on
the King; one that he was guilty, another that the question should not
be sent to the people.

"January 17th. The convention up all night upon the question of the
King's sentence. At eleven this night the question was determined--the
sentence of death was pronounced. 366 death--319 seclusion or
banishment--36 various--majority of 5 absolute--the King caused an
appeal to be made to the people, which was not allowed; thus the
convention have been the accusers, the judges, and will be the executors
of their own sentence--this will cause a great degree of astonishment in
America....

"January 21st. Went to the Pont Royal to pass it at nine o'clock. Guards
prevented me from going over. I had engaged to pass this day, which is
one of horror, at Versailles, with Mr. Morris. The King was beheaded at
eleven o'clock. Guards, at an early hour, took possession of the _Place
Louis XV_, and were posted in each avenue. The most profound peace
prevailed. Those who had feeling lamented in secret in their houses, or
had left town. Others showed the same levity or barbarous indifference
as on former occasions. Hichborn, Henderson, and Johnson went to see the
execution, for which, as an American, I was sorry. The King desired to
speak. He had only time to say he was innocent, and forgave his enemies.
He behaved with the fortitude of a martyr. Santerre ordered the
[executioner] to dispatch him. At twelve the streets were again all
open."

There is a tradition that when Colonel Ward quitted Paris, with a party
of friends, the carriage was driven by a disguised nobleman, who thus
escaped the guillotine.

Our mother remembered him as a "gentleman advanced in years, with
courtly manner and mild blue eyes, which were, in spite of their
mildness, very observing."

She inherited many traits from the Wards, among them a force and
integrity of purpose, a strength of character, and a certain business
instinct which sometimes cropped up when least expected, and which
caused some of her family to call her the "banker's daughter."

Those were also solid qualities which she inherited from the Rhode
Island Greenes. Greenes of Warwick, Greenes of East Greenwich; all
through Colonial and Revolutionary history we find their names. Sturdy,
active, patriotic men: Generals, Colonels, and Governors of "Rhode
Island and Providence Plantations," chief among them Governor William
Greene, the "War Governor," and General Nathanael Greene of glorious
memory.

Our liveliest association with the name of Greene is the memory of Mrs.
Nancy Greene, first cousin of our grandfather Ward and daughter-in-law
of the General who died in Middletown, Rhode Island, in 1886, at the age
of one hundred and two. This lady was dear to our mother as the one
remaining link with her father's generation. A visit to "Cousin Nancy"
was one of her great pleasures, and we children were happy if we were
allowed to accompany her. The old lady sat erect and dignified in her
straight-backed chair, and the two discoursed at length of days gone by.
To Cousin Nancy "Julia" was always young, though the "Battle Hymn of the
Republic" was already written when the old lady charged her to
"cultivate a literary taste." On another occasion--it was one of the
later visits--she said with emphasis, "Julia, do not allow yourself to
grow old! When you feel that you _cannot_ do a thing, _get up and do
it!_" Julia never forgot this advice.

Cousin Nancy never read a novel in her life, as she announced with
pride. She wished to read the "Annals of the Schönberg-Cotta Family,"
but, finding it to be a work of fiction, decided not to break her rule.
She was a fond and pious mother; when her son needed chastisement, she
would pray over him so long that he would cry out, "Mother, it is time
to begin whipping!"

If Julia Ward was part Ward and Greene, she was quite as much Cutler and
Marion; it is to this descent that we must turn for the best explanation
of her many-sided character.

When she said of any relation, however distant, "He is a Cutler!" it
meant that she recognized in that person certain qualities--a warmth of
temperament, a personality glowing, sparkling, effervescent--akin to her
own. If in addition to these qualities the person had red hair, she took
him to her heart, and he could do no wrong. All this, and a host of
tender associations beside, the name of Cutler meant to her; yet it may
be questioned whether any of these characteristics would have appeared
in the descendants of Johannes Demesmaker, worthy citizen of Holland,
who, coming to this country in 1674, changed his name to Cutler for
convenience' sake, had not one of these descendants, Benjamin Clarke
Cutler, married Sarah (Mitchell) Hyrne, daughter of Thomas Mitchell and
Esther (or Hester) Marion.

To most people, the name of Marion suggests one person only,--General
Francis Marion of Revolutionary fame; yet it was the grandfather of the
General, Benjamin Marion, of La Rochelle, who was the first of the name
to settle in this country, coming hither when the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes drove the Huguenots into exile. Brigadier-General Peter
Horry,[3] friend and biographer of General Marion, quotes the letter
which told Benjamin of his banishment:--


Your damnable heresy well deserves, even in this life, that purgation by
fire which awfully awaits it in the next. But in consideration of your
youth and worthy connections, our mercy has condescended to commute your
punishment to perpetual exile. You will, therefore, instantly prepare to
quit your country forever, for, if after ten days from the date hereof,
you should be found in any part of the kingdom, your miserable body
shall be consumed by fire and your impious ashes scattered on the winds
of heaven.

         (Signed)
                                                   PÈRE ROCHELLE.

  [3] See Horry and Weems, _Life of Marion_. General Horry was a most
  zealous and devoted friend; as a biographer his accuracy is
  questionable, his picturesqueness never.


Within the ten days Benjamin Marion had wound up his affairs, married
his betrothed, Judith Baluet, and was on his way to America to seek his
fortune. He bought a plantation on Goose Creek, near Charleston, South
Carolina, and here he and his Judith lived for many peaceful years in
content and prosperity, seeing their children grow up around them.[4]

  [4] We have not found the date of his death, but Horry gives the
  principal features of his will as he got them from the family. He calls
  Judith Marion "Louisa," but that is his picturesque way. She may have
  been "Judith Louisa"! Women's names were not of much consequence in
  those days.

"After having, in the good old way, bequeathed 'his soul to God who gave
it,' and 'his body to the earth out of which it was taken,' he
proceeds:--

"'In the first place, as to debts, thank God, I owe none, and therefore
shall give my executors but little trouble on that score.

"'Secondly,--As to the poor, I have always treated them as my brethren.
My dear family will, I know, follow my example.

"'Thirdly,--As to the wealth with which God has been pleased to bless me
and my dear Louisa and children, lovingly have we labored together for
it--lovingly we have enjoyed it--and now, with a glad and grateful heart
do I leave it among them.

"'I give my beloved Louisa all my ready money--that she may never be
alarmed at a sudden call.

"'I give her all my fat calves and lambs, my pigs and poultry--that she
may always keep a good table.

"'I give her my new carriage and horses--that she may visit her friends
in comfort.

"'I give her my family Bible--that she may live above the ill-tempers
and sorrows of life.

"'I give my son Peter a hornbook--for I am afraid he will always be a
dunce.'"

General Horry goes on to say that Peter was so stunned by this squib
that he "instantly quit his raccoon hunting by night and betook himself
to reading, and soon became a very sensible and charming young man."

Gabriel Marion, the eldest son of Benjamin, married a young woman, also
of Huguenot blood, Charlotte Cordés or Corday, said to have been a
relative of the other Charlotte Corday, the heroine of the French
Revolution. To this couple were born six children, the eldest being
Esther, our mother's great-grandmother, the youngest, Francis, who was
to become the "Swamp Fox" of Revolutionary days.

Esther Marion has been called the "Queen Bee" of the Marion hive; she
had fifteen children, and her descendants have multiplied and spread in
every direction. She was twice married, first to John Allston, of
Georgetown, or Waccamaw, secondly to Thomas Mitchell, of Georgetown. The
only one of the fifteen children with whom we have concern is Sarah
Mitchell, the "Grandma Cutler" of Julia Ward's childhood. This lady was
married at fourteen to Dr. Hyrne, an officer of Washington's army. Julia
well remembered her saying that after her engagement, she wept on being
told that she must give up her dolls.

Dr. Hyrne lived but a short time, and four years after his death the
twenty-year-old widow married Benjamin Clarke Cutler, then a widower,
Sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, and third in descent from John
Demesmaker,[5] before mentioned, sometime physician and surgeon.

  [5] On first coming to this country, Johannes Demesmaker settled in
  Hingham, Massachusetts. Later he moved to Boston, where he became known
  as Dr. John Cutler; married Mary Cowell, of Boston, and served as
  surgeon in King Philip's War.

Our mother was much attached to "Grandma Cutler," and speaks thus of her
in a sketch entitled "The Elegant Literature of Sixty Years Ago":
"Grandma will read Owen Feltham's 'Resolves,' albeit the print is too
small for her eyes. She knows Pope and Crabbe by heart, admires
Shenstone, and tells me which scenes are considered finest in this or
that of Scott's novels. Calling one day upon a compeer of her own age,
she was scandalized to find her occupied with a silly story called
'Jimmy Jessamy.'"

Mrs. Cutler had known General Washington, and was fond of telling how at
a ball the Commander-in-Chief crossed the room to speak to her. Many of
her letters have been preserved, and show a sprightliness which is well
borne out by her portrait, that of a charming old lady in a turban, with
bright eyes and a humorous mouth.

A word remains to be said about General Francis Marion himself. This
hero of history, song, and romance was childless; our mother could claim
as near relationship to him as could any of her generation. She was
extremely proud of this kinship, and no one who knew her could doubt
that from the Marions she inherited many vital qualities. One winter,
toward the end of her life, there was a meeting at the Old South Church
at which--as at the gathering described at the beginning of this
chapter--there was talk of ancestry and kindred topics. The weather was
stormy, our mother well on in the eighties, but she was there. Being
called on to speak, she made a brief address in the course of which she
alluded to her Southern descent, and to General Francis Marion, her
great-great-uncle. As she spoke her eyes lightened with mirth, in the
way we all remember: "General Marion," she said, "was known in his
generation as the 'Swamp Fox'; and when I succeed in eluding the care of
my guardians, children and grandchildren, and coming to a meeting like
this, I think I may be said to have inherited some of his
characteristics!"




CHAPTER II

LITTLE JULIA WARD

1819-1835; _aet._ 1-16

FROM MY NURSERY: FORTY-SIX YEARS AGO

  When I was a little child,
  Said my passionate nurse, and wild:
  "Wash you, children, clean and white;
  God may call you any night."

  Close my tender brother clung,
  While I said with doubtful tongue:
  "No, we cannot die so soon;
  For you told, the other noon,

  "Of those months in order fine
  That should make the earth divine.
  I've not seen, scarce five years old,
  Months like those of which you told."

  Softly, then, the woman's hand
  Loosed my frock from silken band,
  Tender smoothed the fiery head,
  Often shamed for ringlets red.
  Somewhat gently did she say,
  "Child, those months are every day."

  Still, methinks, I wait in fear,
  For that wonder-glorious year--
  For a spring without a storm,
  Summer honey-dewed and warm,
  Autumn of robuster strength,
  Winter piled in crystal length.

  I will wash me clean and white;
  God may call me any night.
  I must tell Him when I go
  His great year is yet to know--
  Year when working of the race
  Shall match Creation's dial face;
  Each hour be born of music's chime,
  And Truth eternal told in Time.

                                        J. W. H.


Lieutenant-Colonel Ward had ten children, of whom seven lived to grow
up. The fifth child and son was Samuel, our mother's father, born in
Warwick, Rhode Island, May 1, 1786. When he was four years old, the
family moved to New York, where the Colonel and his brother established
themselves as merchants under the firm name of Samuel Ward & Brother.

The firm was only moderately successful; the children came fast. With
his narrow income it was not possible for the father to give his boy the
college education he desired; so at fourteen, fresh from the common
schools, Samuel entered as a clerk the banking house of Prime & King.
While still a mere lad, an old friend of the family asked him what he
meant to be when he came to man's estate.

"I mean to be one of the first bankers in the United States!" replied
Samuel.

At the age of twenty-two he became a partner in the firm, which was
thereafter known as Prime, Ward & King.

In a memoir of our grandfather, the partner who survived him, Mr.
Charles King, says:--

"Money was the commodity in which Mr. Ward dealt, and if, as is hardly
to be disputed, money be the root of all evil, it is also, in hands that
know how to use it worthily, the instrument of much good. There exist
undoubtedly, in regard to the trade in money, and respecting those
engaged in it, many and absurd prejudices, inherited in part from
ancient error, and fomented and kept alive by the jealousies of
ignorance and indigence. It is therefore no small triumph to have lived
down, as Mr. Ward did, this prejudice, and to have forced upon the
community in the midst of which he resided, and upon all brought into
connexion with him, the conviction that commerce in money, like commerce
in general, is, to a lofty spirit, lofty and ennobling, and is valued
more for the power it confers, of promoting liberal and beneficent
enterprises, and of conducing to the welfare and prosperity of society,
than for the means of individual and selfish gratification or
indulgence."

Mr. Ward's activities were not confined to financial affairs. He was
founder and first president of the Bank of Commerce; one of the founders
of the New York University and of the Stuyvesant Institute, etc., etc.

In 1812 he married Julia Rush Cutler, second daughter of Benjamin Clarke
and Sarah Mitchell (Hyrne) Cutler. Julia Cutler was sixteen years old at
the time of her marriage, lovely in character and beautiful in person.
She had been a pupil of the saintly Isabella Graham, and her literary
taste had been carefully cultivated in the style of the day. One of her
poems, found in Griswold's "Female Poets of America," shows the deeply
religious cast of her mind; yet she was full of gentle gayety, loved
music, laughter, and pretty things.

During the first years of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Ward lived in
Marketfield Street, near the Battery. Here four children were born,
Samuel and Henry, and the two Julias. She who was known as "the first
little Julia" lived only four years. During her fatal illness her father
was called away by urgent business. In great distress of mind, he
arranged that certain tokens should inform him of the child's
condition. A few days later, as he was riding homeward, a messenger came
to meet him and silently laid in his hand a tiny shoe: the child was
dead.

Not long after this, on May 27, 1819, a second daughter was born, and
named Julia.

Julia Ward was very little when her parents moved to "a large house on
the Bowling Green, a region of high fashion in those days."[6] Here were
born three more children: Francis Marion, Louisa Cutler, and Ann Eliza.
For some time before the birth of the last-named child, Mrs. Ward's
health had been gradually failing, though every known measure had been
used to restore it. There had been journeys to Niagara and up the
Hudson, in the family coach, straw-color outside with linings and
cushions of brilliant blue. Little Julia went with her mother on these
journeys; the good elder sister, Eliza Cutler, was also of the party;
and a physician, Dr. John Wakefield Francis, who was later to play an
important part in the family life. Julia remembered many incidents of
these journeys, though the latest of them took place when she was barely
four years old. She sat in a little chair placed at the feet of her
elders, and she used to tell us how, cramped with remaining in one
position, she was constantly moving the chair, bringing its feet down on
those of Dr. Francis, to his acute anguish. In spite of this, the good
doctor would often read to her from a book of short tales and poems
which had been brought for her amusement, and she always remembered his
reading of "Pity the sorrows of a poor old man," and how it brought the
tears to her eyes.

  [6] _Reminiscences_, p. 4.

At Niagara Falls she asked Dr. Francis, "Who made that great hole where
the water came down?" and was told "The great Maker of all!" This
puzzled her, and she inquired further, but when her friend said, "Do you
not know? Our Father who art in heaven!" she "felt that she ought to
have known, and went away somewhat abashed."[7]

  [7] _Reminiscences_, p. 4.

She remembered a visit to Red Jacket, the famous Indian chief, at his
encampment. Julia was given a twist of tobacco tied with blue ribbon,
which she was to present to him. At sight of the tall, dignified savage,
the child sprang forward and threw her arms round his neck, to the great
discomfiture of both; baby as she was, Julia felt at once that her
embrace was unexpected and unwelcome.

Sometimes they went to the pleasant farm at Jamaica, Long Island, where
Lieutenant-Colonel Ward was living at this time, with his unmarried
sons, and his two daughters, Phœbe and Anne.

Phœbe was an invalid saint. She lived in a darkened room, and the
plates and dishes from which she ate were of brown china or crockery, as
she fancied her eyes could not bear white. Anne was equally pious, but
more normal. She it was who managed the farm, and who would always bring
the cheeses to New York herself for the market, lest any of the family
grow proud and belittle the dignity of honest work.

It is from Jamaica that Mrs. Ward writes to her mother a letter which
shows that though the tenderest of mothers, she had been strictly imbued
with the Old Testament ideas of bringing up children.


DEAREST MOTHER,-- ... I find myself better since I came hither....
Husband _more devoted than ever_; children sweet tho' something of a
drawback on my recovery.... Thus in one page, you have the whole history
of my present life, reading and thinking only excepted, which occupy by
far the greatest portion of my time.... I was obliged to whip Julia
yesterday afternoon, and have been sick ever since in consequence of the
agitation it threw me into.... I felt _obliged_ to try Solomon's
prescription, which had a worse effect on me than on her.... I think it
is the last time, however, blow high or low, for she is as nervous as
her mama was at her age, at the sight of a rod, and screamed herself
almost to death; indeed her nerves were so affected that she cannot get
over it and has cried all today, trembling as violently as if she had
the ague all the time I whipped her and could not eat.


Julia was to retain through life the memories of the dear mother so
early lost. She remembered her first sewing-lesson; how being told to
take the needle in one hand she straightway placed the thimble on the
other. She remembered her first efforts to say "mother," and how
"muzzer" was all she could produce, till "the dear parent presently
said, 'if you cannot do better than that, you will have to go back and
call me "mamma."' The shame of going back moved me to one last effort,
and, summoning my utmost strength of tongue I succeeded in saying
'mother.'"[8]

  [8] _Reminiscences_, p. 8.

All devices to restore the young mother's failing strength were in vain:
soon after giving birth to the fourth daughter, Ann Eliza, she died.

Her life had been pure, happy, and unselfish; yet her last hours were
full of anguish. Reared in the strictest tenets of Evangelical piety,
she was oppressed with terror concerning the fate of her soul; the
sorrows of death compassed her about, the pains of hell gat hold upon
her. It is piteous to read of the sufferings of this innocent creature,
as described by her mourning family; piteous, too, to realize, by the
light of to-day, that she was almost literally _prayed to death_. She
was twenty-seven years old when she died and had borne seven children.

Mr. Ward's grief at the death of this beloved wife was so extreme as to
bring on a severe illness. For some time he could not bear to see the
child who, he thought, had cost her mother's life; and though he
gathered his other children tenderly around him, the little Annie was
kept out of his sight.

By and by his father came to make him a visit and heard of this state of
things. Going to the nursery, the old gentleman took the baby from its
nurse, and carrying it into the room where his son sat desolate, laid it
gently in his arms. From that moment the little youngest became almost
his dearest care.

He could not live with his sorrow in the same dwelling that had
contained his joy. The beautiful house at Bowling Green was sold, with
the new furniture which had lately been ordered to please his Julia, and
which the children never saw uncovered; and the family removed to Bond
Street, then at the upper end of New York City.

"Mr. Ward," said his friends, "you are going out of town!"

Bond Street in the twentieth century is an unlovely thoroughfare, grimy,
frowzy, given over largely to the sale of feathers and artificial
flowers; Bond Street in the early part of the nineteenth century was a
different affair.

The first settler in the street was Jonas Minturn, who about 1825 built
No. 22. Mr. Ward came next. The city was then so remote, one could
hardly see the houses to the south across the woods and fields.

The Ward children saw the street grow up around them; saw the dignified
houses, brick or freestone, built and occupied by Kings, Halls, Morgans,
Grinnells, most of all by Wards. Mr. Ward was then at No. 16; his
father, the old Revolutionary soldier, soon came to live at No. 7, with
his daughter Anne; his brother Henry was first at No. 14, then at No.
23; while his brother John was to make No. 8 a dwelling beloved by three
generations.

Julia did not remember in what year her father bought the tract of land
at the corner of Bond Street and Broadway. At first a large part of it
was fenced in, and used as a riding-ring by the Ward boys. There was
also, either here or at No. 16, something in the way of a garden, which
she thus recalls in an address on horticulture, given in her later
years:--

"My earliest horticultural recollections go back to an enclosure,
usually called a yard, in the rear of my father's house in New York.
When my little brother and I were turned out to play there, we might
just as well have picked the bugs off the rosebushes as the buds, of
which we made wicked havoc. Not knowing what to do with the flower
border, we barbarized instead of cultivating it. Being of extremely
inquiring minds, we picked the larkspurs and laburnums to pieces, but
became nothing the wiser for the process. A little daily tuition might
have transformed us into a miniature Adam and Eve, and might have taught
us some things that these old friends of ours did not know. But tuition
to us then meant six or eight daily hours passed in dry conversation
with the family governess or French master. No one dreamed of turning
the enamelled pages of the garden for us. We grew up consequently with
the city measure of the universe--your own house, somebody else's, the
trees in the park, a strip of blue sky overhead, and a great deal of
talk about Nature read from the best authors. Much that is most
beautiful in the works of all the poets was perfectly unintelligible to
us, because we had never seen the phenomena referred to; or if we had
seen them, we had not been taught to observe them. You will ask where we
passed our summers? In travelling, or at the seashore, perhaps. But we
took our city measure with us, and were never quite at home beyond its
limits."

She adds: "I state these facts only to show how much of the world's
beauty and value may be shut out from the eyes of a human being, by even
a careful education! This loss cannot easily be remedied in later years.
I myself had reached mature life before I experienced the deep and calm
enjoyments of country life. The long, still summer days, the open,
fragrant fields, the shy wild blossoms, the song of birds; these won me
at last to delight in them--at first they seemed to me only a void. It
was a new gospel that the meadows taught me, and my own little children
were its interpreters. I know now some country craft, and could even
trim fruit trees and weed garden beds. But I have always regretted in
this respect the lost time of youth. When I made acquaintance with
Nature, I was too old to learn the skill of gardening. Year after year
in the savage island of Newport, where labor is hard to hire, I have
passed summers ungladdened by so much as a hollyhock, and the garden I
at last managed to secure owes nothing to my skill or knowledge."

The truth is, people were afraid of the open air in those days. Julia
and her sisters sometimes went for a drive in pleasant weather, dressed
in blue pelisses and yellow satin bonnets to match the chariot; they
rarely went out on foot; when they did, it was in cambric dresses and
kid slippers; the result was apt to be a cold or a sore throat, proving
conclusively to the minds of their elders how much better off they were
within doors.

Julia's nursery recollections were chiefly of No. 16 Bond Street. Here
the little Wards lived a happy but somewhat sober life, under the
watchful care of their father, and their faithful Aunt Eliza, known in
the family as "Auntie Francis."

The young mother, in dying, had commended her children specially to the
care of this, her eldest sister, whose ability had been tried and proved
from childhood. In 1810 her father, Benjamin Clarke Cutler, died
suddenly under singular and painful circumstances. Her mother, crushed
by this event, took to her bed, leaving the care of the family to Eliza,
then fifteen years of age. Eliza took up the house-mother's burden
without question; nursed her mother, husbanded the narrow resources of
the household, brought up the four younger children with a strong hand.
"There were giants in those days."

Nothing could daunt Eliza Cutler's spirits, which were a perpetual
cordial to those around her. She was often "borrowed" by one member and
another of the family; she threatened to hang a sign over her door with
the inscription, "Cheering done here by the job by E. Cutler." Her
tongue could be sharp as well as merry; witness many anecdotes.

The housekeeper of a certain millionnaire, calling upon her to ask the
character of a servant, took occasion to enlarge upon the splendors of
her employer's establishment. "Mr. So-and-So keeps this; Mr. So-and-So
keeps that:--"

"Yes! yes!" said Mrs. Francis; "it is well known that Mr. So-and-So
keeps everything, except the Ten Commandments!"

"Oh! Mrs. Francis, how _could_ you?" cried the poor millionnaire when
next they met.

In 1829 Eliza Cutler married Dr. John Wakefield Francis, the historian
of Old New York, the beloved physician of a whole generation. He was
already, as has been seen, a member of the Ward household, friend and
resident physician. His tremendous vitality, his quick sympathies, his
amazing flow of vivid and picturesque language, made him the delight of
the children. He called them by singular pet names, "Cream Cheese from
the Dairy of Heaven," "Pocket Edition of Lives of the Saints," etc.,
etc. He sang to them odd snatches of song which were to delight and
exasperate later generations:--

  "To woodman's hut one evening there came
    A physician and a dancing-master:
  The wind did blow, io, io,
    And the rain poured faster and faster."

Edgar Allan Poe said of Dr. Francis that his conversation was "a sort of
Roman punch, made up of tragedy, comedy, and the broadest of all
possible farce."

In those days "The Raven," newly published, was the talk of the town.
Dr. Francis, meeting Poe, invited him to come to his house on a certain
evening, and straightway forgot the matter. Poe came at the appointed
time. The Doctor, summoned to the bedside of a patient, left the
drawing-room hastily, and in the anteroom ran into a tall, cadaverous
figure in black. Seizing him in his arms, he carried him into the
drawing-room and set him down before his wife. "Eliza, my dear--the
Raven!" and he departed, leaving guest and hostess (the latter had never
heard of "The Raven"!) equally petrified.

Mrs. Francis adored her husband, yet he must sometimes have tried her
patience sorely. One evening they had a dinner party, eighteen covers, a
state occasion. Midway in the repast the Doctor rose, and begging the
guests to excuse him and his wife for a moment, led her, speechless with
amazement, into the next room. Here he proceeded to bleed her, removing
twelve ounces of blood; replying to her piteous protestations, "Madam, I
saw that you were on the point of apoplexy, and I judge it best to avert
it."

In strong contrast with "Uncle Doctor" was "Uncle Ben," the Reverend
Benjamin Clarke Cutler, for many years rector of St. Anne's Church,
Brooklyn. This uncle was much less to Julia's taste: indeed, she was
known to stamp her childish foot, and cry, "I don't care for old Ben
Cutler!" Nevertheless he was a saintly and interesting person.

He was twelve years old at the time of his father's tragic death, and
was deeply influenced by it. His youth was made unhappy by spiritual
anguish, duty to his widowed mother and the call to the ministry
fighting within him. The latter conquered. In his twenty-first year he
drew up, signed, and sealed "An Instrument of Solemn Surrender of
Myself, Soul and Body, to God!" This document was in the form of a
testament, in which he solemnly ("with death, judgment and eternity in
view") gave, covenanted, and made over himself, soul and body, all his
faculties, all his influence in this world, all the worldly goods with
which he might be endowed, into the hands of his Creator, Preserver, and
Constant Benefactor, to be his forever, and at his disposal. He goes on
to say: "Witness, ye holy angels! I am God's servant; witness, thou,
Prince of Hell! I am thy enemy, thy implacable enemy, from this time
forth and forevermore."

That this covenant was well kept, no one who reads his memoirs and the
testimony of his contemporaries can doubt.

There are many anecdotes of Uncle Ben. Once, during his early ministry,
he was riding in a crowded stagecoach. One of the passengers swore
profusely and continuously, to the manifest annoyance of the others.
Presently Dr. Cutler, leaning forward, addressed the swearer.

"Sir," he said, "you are fond of blasphemy; I am fond of prayer. This is
a public conveyance, and for the remainder of our journey, as often as
you swear aloud, I shall pray aloud, and we will see who comes off
best." The swearing stopped!

In his later years, he met one day a parishioner clad in deep mourning
for a near relative. The old clergyman laid his hand on the crape
sleeve. "What!" he said sternly. "Heathen mourning for a Christian
saint!"

But of all the uncles (and there were many) the beloved Uncle John Ward
was always first. Of him, through many years Julia's devoted friend and
chief adviser, we shall speak later on.

We have dwelt upon the generation preceding our mother's, because all
these people, the beautiful mother so early lost, so long loved and
mourned, the sternly devoted father, the vivacious aunts, the stalwart
uncles, were strong influences in the life of Julia Ward.

The amusements of the little Wards were few, compared with those of
children of to-day. As a child of seven, Julia was taken twice to the
opera, and heard Malibran, then Signorina Garcia, a pleasure the memory
of which remained with her through life. About this time Mr. Ward's
views of religious duty deepened in stringency and in gloom. There was
no more opera, nor did Julia ever attend a theatre until she was a grown
woman. In Low Church circles at that time, the drama was considered
distinctly of the devil. The burning of the first Bowery Theatre and of
the great theatre at Richmond, Virginia, were spoken of as "judgments."
Many an Evangelical pastor "improved" the occasions from the pulpit.

The child inherited a strong dramatic sense from the Marion Cutlers. She
had barely learned to read when she found in an "Annual" a tale called
"The Iroquois Bride," which she dramatized and presented to the nursery
audience, with herself for the bride, her brother Marion for the lover,
and a stool for the rock they ascended to stab each other. The
performance was not approved by Authority, and the book was promptly
taken away.

Her first written drama was composed at the age of nine, but even the
name of it is lost.

Mr. Ward did not encourage intimacies with other children. He felt
strongly that brothers and sisters were the true, and should be the
only, intimates for one another; indeed, the six children were enough to
make a pleasant little circle of their own, and there were merry games
in the wide nursery. Sam, the eldest born, was master of the revels in
childhood, as throughout his life. It was his delight, in the early
morning, to wrap himself in a sheet, and bursting into the room where
the little sisters slept, leap from bed to bed, announcing himself as a
ghost come to haunt them; or, when the three ladies, Mrs. Mills, Mrs.
Brown, and Mrs. Francis (otherwise known as Julia, Louisa, and Annie)
were playing with their dolls, to whisper in their ears that they must
on no account venture near the attic stairs, as an old man in red was
sitting there. Of course the little Fatimas must needs peep, and the old
man was always there, a terrible figure, his face hidden. In "Bro'
Sam's" absence it was Marion who played the outlaw and descended like a
whirlwind upon the unhappy ladies, who were journeying through dense and
dreadful forests.

Mrs. Mills, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Francis were devoted mothers, and
reared large families of dolls. They kept house in a wide bureau drawer,
divided into three parts. Our Aunt Annie (Mrs. Adolphe Mailliard)
writes: "Mrs. Mills' (Julia) dolls were always far more picturesquely
dressed than ours, although I can say little for their neatness. Oh! to
what numberless parties they went, and how tipsy they invariably got! I
can see distinctly to-day the upset wagon (boxes, on spools for wheels),
and the muddy dresses, for they always fell into mud puddles."

Marion was as pious as he was warlike. His morning sermons, delivered
over the back of a chair, were fervent and eloquent; he was only seven
years old when he wrote to his Cousin Henry Ward, who was ill with some
childish ailment:--

"Do not forget to say your prayers every morning and evening. I hope
that you trust in God; and, my dear cousin, do not set your mind too
much on Earthly things! And my dear cousin, this is the prayer."

Follows the Lord's Prayer carefully written out. On the next page of the
same sheet, the eight-year-old Julia adds her exhortation:--

"Dear Cousin, I hope that you will say the Prayer which my Brother has
written for you. I hear with regret that you are sick, and it is as
necessary as ever that you should trust in God; love him, dear Henry,
and you will see Death approaching with joy. Oh, what are earthly
things, which we must all lose when we die--to our immortal souls which
never die! I cannot bear the thought of anybody who is dying without a
knowledge of Christ. We may die before to-morrow, and therefore we ought
to be prepared for death."

This was scarcely cheering for Henry, aged ten; as a matter of fact, he
was to have half a century in which to make his preparations.

Some of the nursery recollections were the reverse of merry. When Julia
was still a little child, the old housekeeper died. The children loved
her, and Auntie Francis did not wish them to be saddened by the funeral
preparations; she gave them a good dose of physic all round and put them
to bed for the day.

Julia was a beautiful child, but she had red hair, which was then
considered a sad drawback. She could remember visitors condoling with
her mother on this misfortune, and the gentle lady deploring it also,
and striving by the use of washes and leaden combs to darken the
over-bright locks. Still, some impression of good looks must have
reached the child's mind; for one day, desiring to know what she really
was like, she scrambled up on a chair, then on a dressing-table, and
took a good look in the mirror.

"_Is that all?_" she cried, and scrambled down again, a sadly
disappointed child.

Her first lessons were from governesses and masters; when she was nine
years old, she was sent to a private school in the neighborhood. She was
placed in a class with older girls, and learned by heart many pages of
Paley's "Moral Philosophy"; memorizing from textbooks formed in those
days a great part of the school curriculum. She did not care especially
for Paley, and found chemistry (without experiments!) and geometry far
more interesting; but history and languages were the studies she loved.
She had learned in the nursery to speak French fluently; she soon began
the study of Latin. Hearing a class reciting an Italian lesson, she was
enchanted with the musical sound of the language; listened and marked,
day after day, and presently handed to the amazed principal a note
correctly written in Italian, begging permission to join the class.

At nine years old she was reading "Pilgrim's Progress," and seeking its
characters in the people she met every day. She always counted it one of
the books which had most influenced her. Another was Gibbon's "Decline
and Fall of the Roman Empire," which she read at seventeen.[9]

  [9] In later life she added to these the works of Spinoza, and of
  Theodore Parker.

She began at an early age to write verse. A manuscript volume has been
preserved in which some of these early poems were copied for her father.

The title-page and dedication are here reproduced:--

               Poems
            Dedicated to
          Samuel Ward esq
              By His
       affectionate daughter
            Julia Ward.
       _LET ME BE THINE!_
    Regard not with a critic's eye.
  New York                     1831.


                                 To Samuel Ward.

Beloved father,

Expect not to find in these juvenile productions the delicacy and grace
which pervaded the writings of that dear parent who is now in glory. I
am indeed conscious of the many faults they contain, but my object in
presenting you with these (original) poems, has been to give you a
little memorial of my early life, and I entreat you to remember that
they were written in the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth years of my
life.

                                         Your loving daughter
                                                           JULIA.


The titles show the trend of the child's thought: "All things shall pass
away"; "We return no more"; "Invitation to Youth" (1831!); "To my dear
Mother"; "Mine is the power to make thee whole"; "To an infant's
departing spirit"; "Redeeming Love"; "My Heavenly Home," etc., etc.

At Newport, in 1831, she wrote the following:--

MORNING HYMN

  Now I see the morning light,
  Shining bright and gay.
  God has kept me through the night;
  He will, if He thinks it right,
  Preserve me through this day.

  Let thy holy Spirit send
  Of heavenly light a ray;
  Thy face, oh! Lord, I fain would seek,
  But I am feeble, vain and weak;
  Oh, guide me in thy way!

  Let thy assistance, Lord, be given,
  That when life's path I've trod,
  And when the last frail tie is riven,
  My spirit may ascend to heaven,
  To dwell with thee, My God.

We cannot resist quoting a stanza from the effusion entitled "Father's
Birthday":--

  Louisa brings a cushion rare,
  Anne Eliza a toothpick bright and fair;
  And O! accept the gift I bring,
  It is a _daughter's_ offering.

Julia's mind was not destined to remain in the evangelical mould which
must have so rejoiced the heart of her father. In 1834, at the ripe age
of fifteen, she describes her

                             "Vain Regrets

written on looking over a diary kept while I was under serious
impressions":--

  Oh! happy days, gone, never to return
  At which fond memory will ever burn,
  Oh, Joyous hours, with peace and gladness blest,
  When hope and joy dwelt in this careworn breast.

The next poem, "The Land of Peace," breaks off abruptly at the third
line, and when she again began to write religious verse, it was from a
widely different standpoint.

It may have been about this time that she tried to lead her sisters into
the path of poesy.

Coming one day into the nursery, in serious mood, she found the two
little girls playing some childish game. Miss Ward (she was always Miss
Ward, even in the nursery!) rebuked them for their frivolity; bade them
turn their thoughts to graver matters, and write poetry.

Louisa refused point-blank, but little Annie, always anxious to please,
went dutifully to work, and produced the following lines:--

  He feeds the ravens when they call,
  And stands them in a pleasant hall.

"Mitter Ward" (to give him his nursery title) treasured these tokens of
pious and literary promise. He even responded in kind, as is shown by
some verses which are endorsed:--

           "From my dearest Father.
                JULIA EUPHROSYNE WARD [_sic_]."

His letters are full of playful affection. He would fain be father and
mother both to the children who were now his all. Under the austere
exterior lay a tenderness which perhaps they hardly comprehended at the
time. It was in fact this very anguish of solicitude, this passionate
wish that they should not only have, but be everything desirable and
lovely, that made him outwardly so stern. This sterner note impressed
itself so deeply upon the minds of his children that the anecdotes
familiar to our own generation echo it. We see the little Julia, weary
with long riding in the family coach, suffering her knees to drop apart
childwise, and we hear Mr. Ward say: "My daughter, if you cannot sit
like a lady, we will stop at the next tailor's and have you measured for
a pair of pantaloons!"

Or we hear the child at table, remarking innocently that the cheese is
strong; and the deep voice replying, "It is no more so than the
expression, Miss!"

The family was still at 16 Bond Street, when all the children had
whooping-cough severely, and were confined to the house for many weeks.
Mrs. Mailliard writes of this time:--

"I remember the screened-off corner of the dining-room, which was called
the Bower, where we each retired when the spasms came on, and the
promises which we vainly gave each other each morning to choke rather
than cough whilst Uncle Doctor made his visit to the nursery; for the
slightest sound from one of us provoked the general order of a dose all
round."

It was after this illness that Julia Ward first went to Newport. A
change of air was prescribed for the children, and they were packed off
to the farmhouse of Jacob Bailey, two or three miles from the town of
Newport. Here they spent a happy summer, to be followed by many others.
They slept on mattresses stuffed with ground corncobs; the table was
primitive; but there was plenty of cream and curds, eggs and butter, and
there was the wonderful air. The children grew fat and hearty, and
scampered all over the island with great delight.

(But when they went down to the beach, Julia must wear a thick green
worsted veil to preserve her ivory-and-rose complexion.

"Little Julia has another freckle to-day!" a visitor was told. "It was
not her fault, the nurse forgot her veil!")

Julia recalled Newport in 1832 as "a forsaken, mildewed place, a sort of
intensified Salem, with houses of rich design, no longer richly
inhabited." She was to watch through many years the growth of what was
always one of the cities of her heart.

But we must return to Bond Street, and take one more look at No. 16. The
Wards were soon to leave it for a statelier dwelling, but many
associations would always cling about the old house. Here it was that
the good old grandfather, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Ward, used to come
from No. 7 to talk business with his son or to play with the children.
Our mother had a vivid recollection of once, when still a little child,
sitting down at the piano, placing an open music-book on the rack
(though she could not yet read music), and beginning to pound and thump
the keys with might and main. The Colonel was sitting by, book in hand,
and endured the noise patiently for some time. Finally he said in his
courtly way, "Is it so set down in the book, little lady?" "Yes,
Grandpapa!" said naughty Julia, and went on banging; the Colonel, who
indeed had little music, made no further comment. But when a game of
"Tommy-come-tickle-me" was toward, the children must step in to No. 7 to
share that excitement with their grandfather, since no cards were
permitted under Mr. Ward's roof.

The year of the first Newport visit, 1832, was also the terrible
"cholera year." Uncle Ben Cutler, at that time city missionary, writes
in his diary:--

"The cholera is in Quebec and Montreal. This city is beginning to be
alarmed; Christians are waking up. My soul, how stands the case with
thee?"

And later:--

"I am now in the midst of the pestilence. The cholera, the universal
plague, arrived in this city four weeks ago. It has caused the death of
over nine hundred persons. This day the report of the Board of Health
was three hundred new cases and one hundred and thirty deaths."

Many parts of the city were entirely deserted. Dr. Cutler retained
through life the vivid recollection of riding down Broadway in full
daylight, meeting no living soul, seeing only a face here and there at
an upper window, peering at him as at a strange sight.

Newport took the alarm, and forbade steamboats from New York to land
their passengers. This behavior was considered very cold-blooded, and
gave rise to the conundrum: "Why is it impossible for Newporters to take
the cholera? Answer: Because they have no bowels."

Grandma Cutler was at Newport with the Wards and Francises, and trembled
for her only son. She implored him to "flee while it was yet day." "My
most precious son," she cried, "oh, come out from thence! I entreat you;
linger not within its walls, as Lot would have done, but for the
friendly angels that drew him perforce from it!"

The missionary stood firm at his post, and though exhausted by his
labors, came safe through the ordeal. But Colonel Ward, who had not
thought fit to flee the enemy,--it was not his habit to flee
enemies,--was stricken with the pestilence, and died in New York City,
August 16. His death was a grievous blow to Mr. Ward. Not only had he
lost a loving and beloved father, but he had no assurance of the
orthodoxy of that father's religious opinions. The Colonel was thought
in the family to be of a philosophizing, if not actually sceptical, turn
of mind; it might be that he was not "safe"! Years after, Mr. Ward told
Julia of the anguish he suffered from this uncertainty.

It is with No. 16 Bond Street that we chiefly associate the sprightly
figure of "Grandma Cutler," who was a frequent visitor there. The
affection between Mr. Ward and his mother-in-law was warm and lively.
They had a "little language" of their own, and she was Lady Feltham
(from her fondness for Feltham's "Resolves," a book little in demand in
the twentieth century); and he was her "saucy Lark," or "Plato." Mrs.
Cutler died in 1836.




CHAPTER III

"THE CORNER"

1835-1839; _aet._ 16-20

  But well I thank my father's sober house
  Where shallow judgment had no leave to be,
  And hurrying years, that, stripping much beside,
  Turned as they fled, and left me charity.

                                       J. W. H.


The house which Mr. Ward built on the corner of Bond Street and Broadway
was still standing in the middle of the nineteenth century; a dignified
mansion of brick, with columns and trimmings of white marble.

In her "Reminiscences," our mother recalls the spacious rooms, hung with
red, blue, and yellow silk. The yellow drawing-room was reserved for
high occasions, and for "Miss Ward's" desk and grand piano. This and the
blue room were adorned by fine sculptured mantelpieces, the work of a
young sculptor named Thomas Crawford, who was just coming into notice.

Behind the main house, stretching along Broadway, was the picture
gallery, the first private one in New York, and Mr. Ward's special
pride. The children might not mingle in frivolous gayety abroad, but
they should have all that love, taste, and money could give them at
home; he filled his gallery with the best pictures he could find. A
friend (Mr. Prescott Hall), making a timely journey through Spain,
bought for him many valuable pictures, among them a Snyders, a Nicolas
Poussin, a reputed Velasquez and Rembrandt. It was for him that Thomas
Cole painted the four pictures representing "The Voyage of Life,"
engravings from which may still be found in old-fashioned parlors.

Some years later, when the eldest son, Samuel, returned from Europe,
bringing with him a fine collection of books, Mr. Ward built a library
specially for them.

This was the house into which the family moved in 1835, Julia being then
sixteen years of age; this was the house she loved, the memory of which
was dear to her through all the years of her life.

The family was at that time patriarchal in its dimensions: Mr. Ward and
his six children, Dr. and Mrs. Francis and their four; often, too,
"Grandma Cutler" and other Cutlers, not to speak of Wards, Greenes, and
McAllisters. (Louisa, youngest of the Cutler sisters, one of the most
beautiful and enchanting women of her time, was married to Matthew Hall
McAllister.) One and all were sure of a welcome at "The Corner"; one and
all were received with cordial urbanity, first by Johnson, the colored
butler, later by Mr. Ward, the soul of dignified hospitality.

Another inmate of the house during several years was Christy
Evangelides, a Greek boy, orphaned in a Turkish massacre. Mr. Ward took
the boy into his family, gave him his education and a start in life.
Fifty years later Mr. Evangelides recalled those days in a letter to his
"sister Julia," and paid beautiful tribute to his benefactor.

To all these should be added a host of servants and retainers; and
masters of various kinds, coming to teach music, languages, even
dancing, for the children were taught to dance even if they never (or
very seldom) were allowed to go to dances. Many of these teachers were
foreign patriots: those were the days when one French _émigré_ of rank
dressed the hair of fashionable New York, while another made its salads,
the two going their rounds before every festivity.

Julia's musical education began early. Her first teacher was a French
artist, so irritable that the terrified child could remember little that
he taught her. He was succeeded in her tenth year by Mr. Boocock, a
pupil of Cramer, to whom she always felt that she owed a great deal. Not
only did he train her fingers so carefully that after eighty years they
still retained their flexibility, but he also trained and developed her
inborn taste for all that was best in music.

As she grew toward girlhood, the good master found that her voice
promised to be a remarkable one, and recommended to her father Signor
Cardini, formerly an intimate of the Garcia family, and thoroughly
versed in the famous Garcia method. Under his care Julia's voice
developed into a pure, clear mezzo-soprano, of uncommon range and
exquisite quality. She felt all through her life the benefit of those
early lessons.

When she was eighty years old she attended a meeting of the National
Peace Society at Park Street Church, Boston. The church was packed with
people. When her turn came to speak, the kindly chairman said:--

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now to have the great pleasure of
listening to Mrs. Howe. I am going to ask you all to be very quiet, for
though Mrs. Howe's voice is as sweet as ever, it is perhaps not quite so
strong."

"_But it carries!_" said the pupil of old Cardini. The silver tone,
though not loud, reached the farthest corner of the great building; the
house "came down" in a thunder of applause. It was a beautiful moment
for the proud daughter who sat beside her.

Music was one of the passions of her life. Indeed, she felt that it had
sometimes influenced her even too much, and in recording the delight she
took in the trios and quartets which Mr. Boocock arranged for her, she
adds: "The reaction from this pleasure, however, was very painful, and
induced at times a visitation of morbid melancholy, which threatened to
upset my health."

She felt that "in the training of young persons, some regard should be
had to the sensitiveness of youthful nerves, and to the overpowering
response which they often make to the appeals of music....

"The power and sweep of great orchestral performances, or even the
suggestive charm of some beautiful voice, will sometimes so disturb the
mental equilibrium of the hearer as to induce in him a listless
melancholy, or, worse still, an unreasoning and unreasonable
discontent."[10]

  [10] _Reminiscences_, p. 43.

In a later chapter of her "Reminiscences," she says: "I left school at
the age of sixteen, and began thereafter to study in good earnest.
Until that time a certain over-romantic and imaginative turn of mind had
interfered much with the progress of my studies. I indulged in
day-dreams which appeared to me far higher in tone than the humdrum of
my school recitations. When these were at an end, I began to feel the
necessity of more strenuous application, and at once arranged for myself
hours of study, relieved by the practice of vocal and instrumental
music."

These hours of study were not all passed at home. In 1836 she was taking
certain courses at the boarding and day school of Mrs. E. Smith, then in
Fifth Avenue, "first house from Washington Square."

The Italian master was a son of the venerable Lorenzo da Ponte, who in
his youth had written for Mozart the librettos of "Don Giovanni" and "Le
Nozze di Figaro."

Four languages, English, French, German, and Italian, Julia learned
thoroughly; she spoke and wrote them throughout her life correctly as
well as fluently, with singularly pure accent and inflection, and seldom
or never was at a loss for a word; nor was she less proficient in
history. For mathematics she had no gift, and was wont to say that her
knowledge of the science was limited to the fact that four quarts made a
gallon: yet the higher mathematics had a mysterious attraction for her,
as an unexplored region of wonder and romance.

She was always a student. When she began the study of German, she set
herself a task each day; lest anything should interfere to distract her
mind, she had herself securely tied to her armchair, giving orders that
she was on no account to be set free before the appointed hour.

This was characteristic of her through life. The chain of habit once
formed was never broken, and study was meat and drink to her. Her
"precious time" (which we children saucily abbreviated to "P.T.") was as
real a thing to us as sunrise: we were not to break in upon it for
anything short of a fire--or a cut finger!

Many years later, she laid down for the benefit of the younger
generation these rules:--

"If you have at your command three hours _per diem_, you may study art,
literature, and philosophy, not as they are studied professionally, but
in the degree involved in general culture.

"If you have but one hour every day, read philosophy, or learn foreign
languages, living or dead.

"If you can command only fifteen or twenty minutes, read the Bible with
the best commentaries, and daily a verse or two of the best poetry."

In the days when Julia was going round the corner to Mrs. Smith's
school, Sam was newly returned from a long course of study and travel
abroad, while Henry and Marion were at Round Hill School under the care
of Dr. Joseph Greene Cogswell and Mr. George Bancroft. The former was a
beloved friend of the Ward family, and often visited them. We have
pleasant glimpses of the household at this time, when the lines of
paternal guidance, though still firmly, were somewhat less rigidly
drawn.

Breakfast at "The Corner" was at eight in winter, and at half past seven
in summer, Mr. Ward reading prayers before the meal, and again at
bedtime. He would often wake his daughters in the morning by pelting
them with stockings, crying, "Come, my rosebuds!"

The young people were apt to linger over the breakfast table in talk. If
this were unduly prolonged, Mr. Ward would appear, "hatted and booted
for the day," and say, "Young gentlemen, I am glad that you can afford
to take life so easily. I am old, and must work for my living!"

Dinner was at four o'clock, supper at half past seven.

At table, Julia sat beside her father; he would often take her right
hand in his left, half unconsciously, and hold it for some time,
continuing the while to eat his dinner. Julia, her right hand
imprisoned, would sit dinnerless, but never dreamed of remonstrating.

She had a habit of dropping her slippers off while at the table. Mr.
Ward one day quietly secured an empty slipper with his foot, and then
said: "My daughter, I have left my seals in my room. Will you be so good
as to fetch them for me?" A moment's agonized search, and Julia went,
"one shoe off and one shoe on," and brought the seals. Nothing was said
on either side, but the habit was abandoned.

Mr. Ward's anxious care for his children's welfare extended to every
branch of their conduct. One evening, walking with Julia, he met his
sons, Henry and Marion, each with a cigar in his mouth. He was much
troubled, and said: "Boys, you must give this up, and I will give it up
too. From this time I forbid you to smoke, and I will join you in
relinquishing the habit."

He never smoked again; nor did the boys--in his presence!

Three lads, young, handsome, brilliant, and eminently social as were the
Wards, could not be kept out of society. They were popular, and would
fain have had Julia, the only one of the three girls who was old enough,
share in their pleasures; but this might not be. Mr. Ward had money and
sympathy to spare for every benevolent enterprise, but he disliked and
distrusted "society"; he would neither entertain it nor be entertained
by it. Our mother quotes an argument between him and his eldest son on
this point:--

"'Sir,' said my brother, 'you do not keep in view the importance of the
social tie.'

"'The social what?' asked my father.

"'The social tie, sir.'

"'I make small account of that,' said the elder gentleman.

"'I will die in defence of it!' impetuously rejoined the younger.

"My father was so amused at this sally that he spoke of it to an
intimate friend: 'He will die in defence of the social tie, indeed!'"

Julia's girlhood evenings were mostly spent at home, with books,
needlework, and music, varied by an occasional lecture or concert, or a
visit to some one of the uncles' houses in the street, which ought, one
would think, to have been called "Ward Street," since at this time
almost the whole family connection lived there.

Much as Julia loved her home, her books and music, she longed for some
of the gayety which her brothers were enjoying. "I seemed to myself,"
she says, "like a young damsel of olden times, shut up within an
enchanted castle. And I must say, that my dear father, with all his
noble generosity and overweening affection, sometimes appeared to me as
my jailer."

Once she expostulated with him, begging to be allowed more freedom in
going out, and in receiving visits from the friends of her brothers. It
may have been on the occasion when he refused to allow the late Louis
Rutherford, of venerated memory, to be invited to the house, "because he
belonged to the fashionable world."

Her father told her that he had early recognized in her a temperament
and imagination over-sensitive to impressions from without, and that his
wish had been to guard her from exciting influences until she should
appear to him fully able to guard and guide herself.

Alas! the tender father meant to cherish a vestal flame in a vase of
alabaster; in reality, he was trying to imprison the lightning in the
cloud. When our mother wrote the words above quoted, on the power of
music over sensitive natures, she was recalling these days, and perhaps
remembering how, denied the society of her natural mates, her
sixteen-year-old heart went out in sympathy and compassion to the young
harper who came to take part in the trios and quartets, and who fell
desperately in love with her and was summarily dismissed in consequence.

Yet who shall say that the father's austere régime did not after all
meet a need of her nature deeper than she could possibly have realized
at the time; that the long, lonely hours, the study often to
weariness,--though never to satiety,--the very fires of longing and of
regret, were not necessary to give her mind that temper which was to
make it an instrument as strong as it was keen?

The result of this system was not precisely what Mr. Ward had expected.
One evening (it was probably after the marriage of his eldest son to
Emily Astor, when he joined perforce in the festivities of the time) he
did actually take Julia to an evening party. She did not dance, but she
was surrounded by eager youths all the evening, and when her father
summoned her to go home, she was deep in talk with one of them. There
was no disobeying the summons; as she turned to take her father's arm,
Miss Julia made a little gesture of farewell, fluttering the fingers of
her right hand over her shoulder, to cheer the disconsolate swain. Mr.
Ward appeared unconscious of this, but a day or two later, on leaving
the room where Julia was sitting, he said: "My daughter,--" and
fluttered his fingers over his shoulder in precise mimicry of her
gesture.

Another anecdote describes an occasion singularly characteristic of both
father and daughter.

Julia was nineteen years old, a woman grown, feeling her womanhood in
every vein. She had never been allowed to choose the persons who should
be invited to the house: she had never had a _party of her own_. The
different strains in her blood were singularly diverse. All through her
life Saxon and Gaul kept house together as peaceably as they might, but
sometimes the French blood boiled over.

Calling her brothers in council, she told them that she was going to
give a party; that she desired their help in making out lists, etc., but
that the occasion and the responsibility were to be all her own. The
brothers demurred, even Sam being somewhat appalled by the prospect; but
finding her firm, they made out a list of desirable guests, of all ages.
It was characteristic of her that the plan once made, the resolve taken,
it became an obsession, a thing that must be done at whatever cost.

She asked her father if she might invite a few friends for a certain
evening: he assented. She engaged the best caterer in New York; the most
fashionable musicians; she even hired a splendid cut-glass chandelier to
supplement the sober lighting of the yellow drawing-room.

The evening came: Mr. Ward, coming downstairs, found assembled as
brilliant a gathering as could have been found in any other of the great
houses of New York. He betrayed no surprise, but welcomed his guests
with charming courtesy, as if they had come at his special desire; the
music sounded, the young people danced, the evening passed off
delightfully, to all save the young hostess. She, from the moment when
the thing was inevitable, became as possessed with terror as she had
been with desire. She could think of nothing but her father's
displeasure, of the words he might speak, the glances he might cast upon
her. During the whole evening, the cup of trembling was at her lips.

The moment the last guest had departed, the three brothers gathered
round her. "We will speak to him!" they cried. "Let us speak to him for
you!"

"No!" said Julia, "I must go myself."

She went at once to the room where her father sat alone. For a moment
she could find no words; but none were needed. Gravely but kindly Mr.
Ward said he was surprised to find that her idea of "a few friends"
differed so widely from his own; he was sorry she had not consulted him
more freely, and begged that in the future she would do so. Then he
kissed her good-night with his usual tenderness, and it was over. The
matter was never mentioned again.

The Wards continued to pass the summers at Newport, but no longer at
good Jacob Bailey's farmhouse. Mr. Ward had bought a house in town,
which a later generation was to know as "The Ashurst Cottage," on the
corner of Bellevue Avenue and Catherine Street.

Here the severity of his rule relaxed somewhat, and the pretty house
became the centre of a sober hospitality. Indeed, Newport was a sober
place in those days. There were one or two houses where dancing was
allowed, but these were viewed askance by many people.

One evening, a dancing party was given by a couple on Bellevue Avenue.
They had a manservant named Salathiel, a person of rigid piety. When
supper-time came, Salathiel was not to be found. The other servants,
being questioned, said that he had rushed suddenly out of the house,
crying, "I won't stay to see those people dancing themselves to hell!"

Though Julia might not dance, except at home, she might and did ride;
first, with great contentment, on a Narragansett pacer, "Jeanie Deans,"
later on a thoroughbred mare, a golden bay named Cora. Cora was
beautiful but "very pranky." After being several times run away with and
once thrown off, it was observed by her sisters that Julia generally
read her Bible and said her prayers before her ride: she has herself
told us how, after being thrown off and obliged to make her way home on
foot, she would creep in at the back door so that no one might see her.

She calls the "cottage" a "delightful house," and speaks with special
pleasure of its garden planted with roses and gooseberry bushes by Billy
Bottomore, a quaint old Newport sportsman, who took the boys shooting,
and showed them where to find plover, woodcock, and snipe. Billy
Bottomore passed for an adopted son of old Father Corné, another Newport
"character" of those days. This gentleman had come from Naples to
Boston, toward the end of the eighteenth century, as a decorative
artist, and had made a modest fortune by painting the walls of the fine
houses of Summer Street, Temple Place, and Beacon Hill. He chose Newport
as his final home, because, as he told Mr. Ward, he had found that the
climate was favorable to the growth of the tomato, "that most wholesome
of vegetables." The Ward boys delighted in visiting Father Corné, and in
hearing him sing his old songs, French and Italian, some of which are
sung to-day by our grandchildren.

Father Corné lived to a great age. When past his ninetieth year, a
friend asked him if he would not like to revisit Naples. "Ah, sir,"
replied the old man, "my father is dead!"

Our mother loved to linger over these old-time figures. The name of
Billy Bottomore always brought a twinkle to her eye, and we never tired
of hearing how he told her, "There is a single sister in Newport, a
sempstress, to whom I have offered matrimony, but she says, 'No.'" The
single sister finally yielded (perhaps when Billy inherited old Corné's
money) and he became a proud and happy husband. "She keeps my house as
neat as a nunnery!" he said. "When Miss E., the housekeeper, died, she
nursed her and laid her out, and when Father Corné died, she nursed him
and laid him out--"

"Yes, Billy," broke in our Aunt Annie, "and she'll lay you out
too!"--which in due time she did.

He congratulated Julia on having girl-children only.

"Give me daughters!" he cried. "As my good old Spanish grandfather used
to say, give me daughters!"

"Of this Spanish ancestor," our mother says, "no one ever heard before.
His descendant died, without daughter or son, of cholera in 185-."

We forget the name of another quaint personage, a retired sea-captain,
who once gave a party to which she was allowed to go; but she remembered
the party, and the unction with which the kindly host, rubbing his hands
over the supper table, exclaimed: "Now, ladies and gentlemen, help
yourselves _sang froidy_!"

The roses and gooseberry bushes of the Newport garden once witnessed a
serio-comic scene. There was another sea-captain, Glover by name, who
had business connections with Prime, Ward & King, and who came to the
house sometimes on business, sometimes for a friendly call. He was a
worthy man of middle age and unromantic appearance; probably the
eighteen-year-old Julia, dreamy and poetic, took no more notice of him
than civility required; but he took notice of her, and one day asked her
to walk out in the garden with him. Wondering much, she went. After some
desultory remarks, the Captain drew a visiting-card from his pocket,
wrote a few words upon it, and handed it to his young hostess. She
read:--

                    "_Russell E. Glover's_
                    heart is yours!"




CHAPTER IV

GIRLHOOD

1839-1843; _aet._ 20-23

  The torch that lit these silent halls,
  Has now extinguished been;
  The windows of the soul are dark,
  And all is gloom within.

  But lo! it shines, a star in heav'n,
  And through death's murky night,
  The ruins of the stately pile
  Gleam softly in its light.

  And it shall be a beacon star
  To cheer us, and to guide;
  For we would live as thou hast lived,
  And die as thou hast died.

              _Julia Ward_, on her father's death, 1839.


In Julia's childhood her brother Sam was her ideal and her idol. She
describes him as a "handsome youth, quick of wit and tender of heart,
brilliant in promise, and with a great and versatile power of work in
him." He had early shown special proficiency in mathematics, and to the
end of his life rejoiced in being one of the few persons who clearly
understood the function called "_Gamma_." His masters expected great
things from him; but his brilliant and effervescent spirit was forced
into the Wall Street mould, with kindly intent but disastrous effect.
His life was checkered, sun and shadow; but from first to last, he
remained the delight of all who knew him. Sam Ward; Uncle Sam to three
generations, his was a name to conjure with: the soul of generosity, the
essence of wit, the spirit of kindliness. No one ever looked in his
face, ever met the kindling glance of his dark eyes, ever saw the
sunshine break in his smile, without forgetting all else in love and
admiration of one of the most enchanting personalities that ever
brightened the world.

Sam Ward returned from Europe in 1835, and took up his residence under
his father's roof. In 1838 he married Emily, daughter of William B.
Astor. The wedding was a grand one. Julia was first bridesmaid, and wore
a dress of white _moiré_, then a material of the newest fashion. Those
were the days of the _ferronière_, an ornament then so popular that
"evening dress was scarcely considered complete without it."[11] Julia
begged for one, and her father gave her a charming string of pearls,
which she wore with great contentment at the wedding.

  [11] _Reminiscences_, p. 65.

The young couple took up their residence with the family at "The
Corner," the Francises having by this time moved to a house of their
own.

With all these changes, little by little, the discipline relaxed, the
doors opened wider. The bridal pair, _fêted_ everywhere, must, in their
turn, entertain their friends; and in these entertainments the daughters
of the house must have their share.

Julia Ward was now nineteen, in the fulness of her early bloom. Her
red-gold hair was no longer regarded as a misfortune; her gray eyes were
large and well opened; her complexion of dazzling purity. Her finely
chiselled features, and the beauty of her hands and arms, made an
_ensemble_ which could not fail to impress all who saw her. Add to this
her singing, her wit, and the charm which was all and always her own,
and we have the _Diva Julia_, as she was called by some who loved her.
Her sisters, also, were growing up, each exquisitely attractive in her
way: they became known as the "Three Graces of Bond Street." Louisa was
like a damask rose, Annie like a dark lily; dark, too, of eyes and hair
were Sam and Marion, while Henry was fair and blue-eyed.

At this distance of time, it may not be unpardonable to touch briefly on
another aspect of our mother's youth; indeed, it would hardly be candid
to avoid it. From the first she seems to have stirred the hearts of men.
Her masters, old and young, fell in love with her almost as a matter of
course. Gilded youth and sober middle-age fared no better; her girlhood
passed to the sound of sighing.

"My dear," said an intimate friend of the three, speaking of these days,
"Louisa had her admirers, and Annie had hers; but when the men saw your
mother, they just _flopped_!"

Among her papers we have found many relics of these days, from the faded
epistle addressed, "_à Julie, _la respectée_, _la choisie_, _l'aimée_,
_la chérie_," to the stern letter in which Mr. Ward "desires not to
conceal from the Rev. Mr. ---- the deliberate and dispassionate opinion,
that a gentleman whose sacred office commanded ready access to his roof,
might well have earlier ascertained the views of a widow'd Father on a
subject so involving the happiness of his child."

The unhappy suitor's note to Miss Julia is enclosed, and Mr. Ward
trusts that "the return will be considered by the Rev. Mr. ---- as
finally terminating the matter therein referred to."

Julia had for her suitors a tender and compassionate sympathy. She could
not love them, she would not marry them, but she was very sorry for
them, and--it must be admitted--she liked to be adored. So she sang
duets with one, read German with another, Anglo-Saxon with a third; for
all, perhaps, she may have had something the feeling of her "_Coquette
et Tendre_" in "Passion Flowers."

  Ere I knew life's sober meaning,
    Nature taught me simple wiles,
  Gave this color, rising, waning,
    Gave these shadows, deepening smiles.

  More she taught me, sighing, singing,
    Taught me free to think and move,
  Taught this fond instinctive clinging
    To the helpful arm of love.

The suitors called her "_Diva_," but in the family circle she was
"Jules," or "Jolie Julie." The family letters of this period are full of
affectionate cheerfulness.

When "Jolie Julie" is away on a visit, the others send her a composite
letter. Louisa threatens to shut her up on her return with nothing to
read but her Anglo-Saxon grammar and "Beowulf." ("If that does not give
you a distaste for all wolves," she says, "not excepting those _Long
fellows_,[12] I do not know what will!")

  [12] Longfellow had lent her "Beowulf."

Annie tells of opening the window in Julia's room and of all the
poetical ideas flying out and away.

Emily, her brother's wife, describes Mr. Ward sighing, "Where is my
beauty?" as he sits at the table; and the letter closes with a lively
picture of the books in the library "heaving their dusty sides in sorrow
for her absence."

In describing life at "The Corner," we must not forget the evenings at
No. 23, Colonel Henry Ward's house. Uncle Henry and his namesake son
(the boy who was to "see death approaching with joy"!) were musical.
When Mr. Ward permitted (in his later and more lenient days) an informal
dance at "The Corner," the three girls sent for Uncle Henry as naturally
as they sent for the hair-dressing and salad-making _émigrés_; and the
stately, handsome gentleman came, and played waltzes and polkas with
cheerful patience all the evening.

On Sunday the whole family from "The Corner" took tea with Uncle Henry,
and music was the order of the evening. Mr. Ward delighted in these
occasions, and was never ready to go home. When Uncle Henry thought it
was bedtime, he would go to the piano and play the "Rogue's March."

  (Twice flogged for stealing a sheep,
  Thrice flogged for de_sar_tion!
  If ever I go for a soldier again,
  The devil may be my portion!

We hear the fife shrill through the lively air!)

"No! no, Colonel!" Mr. Ward would cry. "We won't march yet; give us half
an hour more!" And in affectionate mischief he would stay the half-hour
through before marshalling his flock back to "The Corner."

A stern period was put to all this innocent gayety by the death of Mr.
Ward, at the age of fifty-three. His life, always laborious, had been
doubly so since the death of his wife. Stunned at first by the blow, his
strong sense of duty soon roused him to resume his daily
responsibilities--with a difference, however. Religion had always been a
powerful factor in his life; henceforth it was to be his main
inspiration, and he found his chief comfort in works of public and
private beneficence.

An earnest patriot, he was no politician; but when his services were
needed by city, state, or country, they were always forthcoming.
Throughout the series of financial disasters beginning with Andrew
Jackson's refusal to renew the charter of the Bank of the United States,
and culminating in the panic of 1837, Mr. Ward acted with vigor,
decision, and sagacity. His denunciation of the removal of the public
deposits from the Bank of the United States by the famous Specie
Circular as "an act so lawless, violent, and fraught with disaster, that
it would and must eventually overthrow the men and the party that
resorted to it," was justified, literally and entirely.

The crisis of 1836-37 called for all the strength, wisdom, and public
spirit that the men of the country could show. Mr. Ward labored day and
night to prevent the dishonor of the banks of New York.

"Individual effort, however, was vain, and the 10th of May saw all the
banks reduced to suspend specie payments; and upon no man did that
disastrous day close with deeper mortification than upon him.
Personally, and in his business relations, this event affected Mr. Ward
as little possibly as any one at all connected with affairs; but, in his
estimation, it vitally wounded the commercial honor and character of the
city. He was not, however, a man to waste, in unavailing regrets, hours
that might be more advantageously employed to repair the evil, and he
therefore at once set about the arrangement of measures for inducing and
enabling the banks to resume at the earliest possible moment."[13]

  [13] _The Late Samuel Ward_, by Mr. Charles King.

This was accomplished within the year. About the same time the Bank of
England sent to Prime, Ward & King a loan of nearly five million dollars
in gold. Mr. King says, "This extraordinary mark of confidence, this
well-earned tribute to the prudence and integrity of the house, Mr. Ward
did not affect to undervalue, and confirming, as it did, the sagacity of
his own views, and the results which he had so confidently foretold, it
was not lost upon the community in the midst of which he lived."

Our mother never forgot the afternoon when Brother Sam came into her
study on his return from Wall Street and cried out to her:--

"Julia, men have been going up and down the office stairs all day long,
carrying little wooden kegs of gold on their backs, marked 'Prime, Ward
& King' and filled with English gold!"

That English gold saved the honor of the Empire State, and the fact that
her father procured the loan was the greatest asset in her inheritance
from the old firm.

Mr. Ward did not see the kegs, for he was in bed, prostrated by a severe
fit of sickness brought on by his labors for the public honor. The few
years that remained to him were a very martyrdom, his old enemy,
rheumatic gout, attacking him more and more fiercely; but his spirit was
indomitable. He labored almost single-handed to establish the Bank of
Commerce, and became its first president, stipulating that he should
receive no compensation. What he did receive was his death-warrant. The
dampness of the freshly plastered walls of the new building brought on
in the spring of 1839 two successive attacks so severe that he could not
rally from them. Still he toiled on, giving all his energies to perfect
and consolidate the enterprise which he believed would be of lasting
benefit to his beloved city.

In October of the same year came another financial crisis. The banks of
Philadelphia and the Southern States suspended specie payments, and
every effort was made to induce the New York banks to follow suit. Mr.
Ward was ill at Newport, but hearing the news he hurried back and threw
himself into the conflict, exhorting, sustaining, encouraging.

A friend protested, warning him of the peril to his enfeebled health of
such exertions. "I should esteem life itself not unworthily sacrificed,"
said Mr. Ward, "if by word or deed, I could aid the banks in adhering
faithfully to their duty."

For nearly two weeks he labored, till the work was done, his city's
honor and fair fame secure; then he went home literally to die,
departing this life, November 27, 1839.

Julia was with him when he died, his hand in hers. The beauty of his
countenance in death was such that Anne Hall, the well-known miniature
painter, begged permission to paint it, and his descendants may still
gaze on the majestic features in their serene repose.

Our mother writes of this time: "I cannot, even now, bear to dwell upon
the desolate hush which fell upon our house when its stately head lay,
silent and cold, in the midst of weeping friends and children."[14]

  [14] _Reminiscences_, p. 53.

Her love for her father was to cease only with her life. She never
failed to record his birthday in her diary, with some word of tender
remembrance.

Shortly before Mr. Ward's death, Sam and his wife had moved to a house
of their own. The five unmarried children would have been desolate,
indeed, if left to themselves in the great house: but to the joy and
comfort of all, their bachelor uncle, John Ward, left his own house and
came to live with them. From this time until his death in 1866, he was a
second father to them.

_Uncle John!_ The words call up memories of our own childhood. We see a
tall, stalwart figure, clad in loose-fitting garments; a noble head
crowned by a small brown scratch wig; a countenance beaming with
kindliness and humor. A Manila cheroot is between his lips--the
fragrance of one never fails to call up his image--and he caresses an
unamiable little dog which he fondly loves. He offers a grand-niece a
silk dress if she will make it up herself. This was the "Uncle John" of
No. 8 Bond Street, one of the worthies of Wall Street, and uncle, by
courtesy, to half New York.

In his youth he had received an injury which deprived him of speech for
more than a year. It was feared that he would never speak again; one day
his mother, trying to help him in some small matter, and not succeeding
to her mind, cried, "I am a poor, awkward, old woman!"

"_No, you are not!_" exclaimed John Ward; and the trouble was over.

His devotion to his orphan nieces and nephews was constant and
beautiful. He desired ardently that the three girls should be good
housekeepers, and grudged the amount of time which one of them at least
devoted to books and music. To them also he was fond of giving
dress-materials, with the proviso that they should make them up for
themselves. This they managed to do, "with a good deal of help from the
family seamstress."

When Julia published her first literary venture, a translation of
Lamartine's "Jocelyne," Uncle John showed her a favorable notice of it
in a newspaper, saying: "This is my little girl who knows about books,
and writes an article and has it printed, but I wish she knew more about
housekeeping."

"A sentiment," she adds, "which in after years I had occasion to echo
with fervor."

While Sam was her ideal of youthful manhood, Henry was her mate, the
nearest to her in age and in sympathy. The bond between them was close
and tender; and when in October, 1840, he died of typhoid fever, the
blow fell on her with crushing severity.

"When he closed his eyes," she says, "I would gladly, oh, so gladly have
died with him!" And again, "I remember the time as one without light or
comfort."

She turned to seek consolation in religion, and--naturally--in that
aspect of religion which had been presented to her childish mind as the
true and only one. At this time a great Calvinistic revival was going on
in New York, and a zealous friend persuaded Julia to attend some of the
meetings. In her anguish of grief, the gloomy doctrines of natural
depravity, of an angry and vengeful Deity, of a salvation possible only
through certain strictly defined channels, came home to her with
terrible force. Her deeply religious nature sought the Divine under
however portentous an aspect it was presented; her poet's imagination
clung to the uplifted Cross; these were days of emotion, of fervor, of
exaltation alternating with abasement; _thought_ was to come later.

While under these influences, Julia, now at the head of the household,
enforced her Calvinistic principles with rigor. The family were allowed
only cold meat on Sunday, to their great discomfort; the rather
uninviting midday dinner was named by Uncle John "Sentiment"; but at six
o'clock they were given hot tea, and this he called "Bliss." Pious
exhortations, sisterly admonitions, were the order of the day. "The Old
Bird"--this _nom de tendresse_ had now superseded "Jolie Julie," and was
to be hers while her sisters and brothers lived--hovered over the
younger ones with maternal anxiety. In the poems and letters of this
period, she adopts unconsciously the phraseology of the day.

Being away on a visit, she writes to her sisters: "Believe me, it is
better to set aside, untasted, the cup of human enjoyment, than to drink
it to the bitter dregs, and then seek for something better, which may
not be granted to us. The _manna_ fell from heaven early in the morning,
those who then neglected to gather it were left without nourishment; it
is early in life's morning that we must gather the heavenly food, which
can alone support us through the burden and heat of the day."

The emotional fervor of this time was heightened by a complication which
arose from it. A young clergyman of brilliant powers and passionate
nature fell deeply in love with Julia, and pressed his suit with such
ardor that she consented to a semi-engagement. Fortunately, a visit to
Boston gave her time to examine her feelings. Relieved from the pressure
of a twofold excitement, breathing a calmer and a freer air, she
realized that there could be no true union between her and the Rev. Mr.
----, and the connection was broken off.

The course of Julia's studies had for some years been leading her into
wider fields of thought.

In her brother's library she found George Sand and Balzac, and read such
books as he selected for her. In German she became familiar with Goethe,
Jean Paul, and Matthias Claudius. She describes the sense of
intellectual freedom derived from these studies as "half delightful,
half alarming."

Mr. Ward one day had undertaken to read an English translation of
"Faust" and came to her in great alarm. "My daughter," he said, "I hope
that you have not read this wicked book!" She had read it, and "Wilhelm
Meister," too (though in later life she thought the latter "not
altogether good reading for the youth of our country"). Shelley was
forbidden, and Byron allowed only in small and carefully selected doses.

The twofold bereavement which weighed so heavily upon her checked for a
time the development of her thought, throwing her back on the ideas
which her childhood had received without question; but her buoyant
spirit could not remain long submerged, and as the poignancy of grief
abated, her mind sought eagerly for clearer vision.

In the quiet of her own room, the bounds of thought and of faith
stretched wide and wider. Vision often came in a flash: witness the
moment when the question of Matthias Claudius, "And is He not also the
God of the Japanese?" changed from a shocking suggestion to an eternal
truth. Witness also the moment when, after reading "Paradise Lost," she
saw "the picture of an eternal evil, of Satan and his ministers
subjugated, indeed, by God, but not conquered, and able to maintain
against Him an opposition as eternal as his goodness. This appeared to
me impossible, and I threw away, once and forever, the thought of the
terrible hell which till then had always formed part of my belief. In
its place I cherished the persuasion that the victory of goodness must
consist in making everything good, and that Satan himself could have no
shield strong enough to resist permanently the divine power of the
divine spirit."

New vistas were opening everywhere before her. She made acquaintance
with Margaret Fuller, who read her poems, and urged her to publish them.
Of one of these poems, Miss Fuller writes:--

"It is the record of days of genuine inspiration,--of days when the soul
lay in the light, when the spiritual harmonies were clearly apprehended
and great religious symbols reanimated with their original meaning. Its
numbers have the fulness and sweetness of young love, young life. Its
gifts were great and demand the service of a long day's work to
_requite_ and to interpret them. I can hardly realize that the Julia
Ward I have seen has lived this life. It has not yet pervaded her whole
being, though I can recall something of it in the steady light of her
eye. May she become all attempered and ennobled by this music. I saw in
her taste, the capacity for genius, and the utmost delicacy of
passionate feeling, but caught no glimpse at the time of this higher
mood.... If she publishes, I would not have her omit the lines about the
'lonely room.' The personal interest with which they stamp that part is
slight and delicate....

                             "S. MARGARET FULLER.

"I know of many persons in my own circle to whom I think the poem would
be especially grateful."[15]

  [15] This manuscript poem was lost, together with many others of the
  period, a loss always regretted by our mother.

On every hand she met people, who like herself were pressing forward,
seeking new light. She heard Channing preach, heard him say that God
loves bad men as well as good; another window opened in her soul. Again,
on a journey to Boston, she met Ralph Waldo Emerson. The train being
delayed at a wayside station, she saw the Transcendentalist, whom she
had pictured as hardly human, carrying on his shoulder the child of a
poor and weary woman; her heart warmed to him, and they soon made
acquaintance. She, with the ardor of youth, gave him at some length the
religious views which she still held in the main, and with which she
felt he would not agree. She enlarged upon the personal presence of
Satan on this earth, on his power over man. Mr. Emerson replied with
gentle courtesy, "Surely the Angel must be stronger than the Demon!" She
never forgot these words; another window opened, and a wide one.

Julia Ward had come a long way from old Ascension Church, where Peter
Stuyvesant, in a full brown wig, carried round the plate, and the
Reverend Manton (afterwards Bishop) Eastburn preached sermons "remarked
for their good English"; and where communicants were not expected to go
to balls or theatres.

The years of mourning over, the Ward sisters took up the pursuits
natural to their age and position. Louisa was now eighteen, very
beautiful, already showing the rare social gift which distinguished her
through life. The two sisters began a season of visiting, dancing, and
all manner of gayeties.

The following letter illustrates this period of her girlhood:--


                 _To her sisters_

                                         BOSTON (1842).
                          Friday, that's all I know about to-day.

MY DEAREST CHICKS,--

Though I have a right to be tired, having talked and danced for the two
last nights, yet my enjoyment is most imperfect until I have shared it
with you, so I must needs write to you, and tell you what a very nice
time I am having. Last night I went to a party at Miss Shaw's, given to
_Boz and me_, at least, I was invited before he came here, so think that
I will only give him an equal share of the honor. I danced a good deal,
with some very agreeable partners, and talked as usual with Sumner,
Hillard,[16] Longo,[17] etc. I was quite pleased that Boz recognized
Fanny Appleton and myself, and gave us a smile and bow _en passant_. He
could do no more, being almost torn to pieces by the crowd which throngs
his footsteps, wherever he goes. I like to look at him, he has a bright
and most speaking countenance, and his face is all wrinkled with the
lines, not of care, but of laughter. His manners are very free and
cordial, and he seems to be as capital a fellow as one would suppose
from his writings. He circulates as universally as small change, and
understands the art of gratifying others without troubling himself, of
letting himself be seen without displaying himself--now this speaks for
his real good taste, and shows that if not a gentleman born and bred, he
is at least a man, every inch of him.

  [16] George S. Hillard.

  [17] Longfellow.

... I have had hardly the least dash of Transcendentalism, and that of
the very best description, a lecture and a visit from Emerson, in both
of which he said beautiful things, and to-morrow (don't be shocked!) a
conversation at Miss Fuller's, which I shall treasure up for your
amusement and instruction. I have also heard (don't go into hysterics!)
Dr. Channing once. It was a rare chance, as he does not now preach once
in a year. His discourse was very beautiful--and oh, such a sermon as I
heard from Father Taylor! I was almost disposed to say, "surely never
man spake like this man." And now good-bye. I must shut up the budget,
and keep some for a rainy day. God bless my darling sisters. Love to
dear Sam and Uncle. Your

                                                           DUDIE.


In these days also she first met her future husband.

Samuel Gridley Howe was at this time (1842) forty-one years of age; his
life had been a stirring and adventurous one. After passing through
Brown University, and the Harvard Medical School, in 1824 he threw in
his lot with the people of Greece, then engaged in their War of
Independence, and for six years shared their labor and hardships in the
field, and on shipboard, being surgeon-in-chief first to the Greek army,
then to the fleet. It was noted by a companion in arms, that "the only
fault found with him was that he always would be in the fight, and was
only a surgeon when the battle was over." He eventually found, however,
that his work was to be constructive, not destructive.

The people were perishing for lack of food; he returned to America,
preached a crusade, and took back to Greece a shipload of food and
clothing for the starving women and children. Having fed them, he set
them to work; built a hospital and a mole (which stands to this day in
Ægina), founded a colony, and turned the half-naked peasants into
farmers. These matters have been fully related elsewhere.[18]

  [18] _Letters and Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe._

Returning to this country in 1831, he took up the education of the
blind, which was to be chief among the multifarious labors of his life.

When Julia Ward first met him, he had been for nine years Director of
the Perkins Institution for the Blind, and was known throughout the
civilized world as the man who had first taught language to a blind deaf
mute (Laura Bridgman).

Up to this time a person thus afflicted was classed with idiots,
"because," as Blackstone says, "his mind cannot be reached." This dictum
had been recently reaffirmed by a body of learned men. Dr. Howe thought
otherwise. Briefly, he invented a new science. "He carefully reasoned
out every step of the way, and made a full and clear record of the
methods which he invented, not for his pupils alone, but for the whole
afflicted class for which he opened the way to human fellowship.... His
methods have been employed in all subsequent cases, and after seventy
years of trial remain the standard."[19]

  [19] _Memoir of Dr. Samuel G. Howe_, by Julia Ward Howe.

Hand in hand with Dorothea Dix, he was beginning the great fight for
helping and uplifting the insane; was already, with Horace Mann,
considering the condition of the common schools, and forging the
weapons for other fights which laid the foundations of the school system
of Massachusetts. Later, he was to take up the cause of the
feeble-minded, the deaf mute, the prisoner, the slave; throughout his
life, no one in "trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other
adversity" was ever to call on him in vain.

His friends called him the "Chevalier"; partly because the King of
Greece had made him a Knight of St. George, but more because they saw in
him a good knight without fear and without reproach. Charles Sumner was
his _alter ego_, the brother of his heart; others of his intimates at
that time were Longfellow, George Hillard, Cornelius Felton, Henry
Cleveland. This little knot of friends called themselves "The Five of
Clubs," and met often to make merry and to discuss the things of life.

The summer of 1842 was spent by Julia Ward and her sisters at a cottage
in the neighborhood of Boston, in company with their friend Mary
Ward.[20] Here Longfellow and Sumner often visited them, and here Julia
first heard of the Chevalier and his wonderful achievement in educating
Laura Bridgman. Deeply interested, she gladly accepted the offer of the
two friends to drive her and her sisters over to the Perkins
Institution. She has described how "Mr. Sumner, looking out of a window,
said, 'Oh! here comes Howe on his black horse.' I looked out also, and
beheld a noble rider on a noble steed."

  [20] Afterward Mrs. Charles H. Dorr. This lady was of no kin to them.
  She had been betrothed to their brother Henry, and was the lifelong
  friend of all three sisters.

The slender, military figure, the jet-black hair, keen blue eyes, and
brilliant complexion, above all the vivid presence, like the flash of a
sword--all these could not fail to impress the young girl deeply; the
Chevalier, on his part, saw and recognized the _Diva Julia_ of his
friends' description. She has told us "how acquaintance ripened into
good-will" between the two.

The Chevalier, eager to push the acquaintance further, went to New York
to call on the Diva and her family. In a private journal of the time we
find the following glimpse of the pair:--

"Walked down Broadway with all the fashion and met the pretty
blue-stocking, Miss Julia Ward, with her admirer, Dr. Howe, just home
from Europe. She had on a blue satin cloak and a white muslin dress. I
looked to see if she had on blue stockings, but I think not. I suspect
that her stockings were pink, and she wore low slippers, as Grandmamma
does. They say she dreams in Italian and quotes French verses. She sang
very prettily at a party last evening, and accompanied herself on the
piano. I noticed how white her hands were."

During a subsequent visit to Boston in the winter of 1842-43, Julia Ward
and Dr. Howe became engaged. The engagement was warmly welcomed by the
friends of both.

Charles Sumner writes to Julia:--

"Howe has told me, with eyes flashing with joy, that you have received
his love. May God make you happy in his heart, as I know he will be
happy in yours! A truer heart was never offered to woman. I know him
well. I know the depth, strength, and constancy of his affections, as
the whole world knows the beauty of his life and character. And oh! how
I rejoice that these are all to mingle in loving harmony with your great
gifts of heart and mind. God bless you! God bless you both! You will
strengthen each other for the duties of life; and the most beautiful
happiness shall be yours--that derived from inextinguishable mutual
love, and from the consciousness of duty done.

"You have accepted my dear Howe as your lover; pray let me ever be

                        "Your most affectionate friend,

                                          "CHARLES SUMNER.

"P.S. Sir Huldbrand has subdued the restless Undine, and the soul has
been inspired into her; and her 'wickedness' shall cease."


Longfellow's letter to Dr. Howe also has been preserved among the
precious relics of the time.


MY DEAREST CHEVALIER,--

From the deepest dungeons of my heart, all the imprisoned sympathies and
affections of my nature cry aloud to you, saying "All hail!" On my
return from Portland this afternoon, I found your note, and before
reading it I read in Sumner's eyes your happiness. The great riddle of
life is no longer a riddle to you; the great mystery is solved. I need
not say to you how very deeply and devoutly I rejoice with you; and no
one more so, I assure you. Among all your friends, I am the oldest
friend of your fair young bride; she is a beautiful spirit, a truth,
which friendship has learned by heart in a few years. Love has taught
you in as many hours!

Of course you seem to be transfigured and glorified. You walk above in
the June air, while Sumner and I, like the poor (sprites) in "Faust,"
who were struggling far down in the cracks and fissures of the rocks,
cry out to you, "O take us with you! take us with you!"

In fine, my dear Doctor, God bless you and yours. You know already how
much I approve your choice. I went to your office this afternoon to tell
you with my own lips; but you were not there. Take, therefore, this
brief expression of my happiness at knowing you are so happy; and
believe me

                                Ever sincerely your friend,

                                                      LONGFELLOW.

CAMBRIDGE, Feb. 20, 1843.

At the same time Diva writes to her brother Sam:--

"The Chevalier says truly--I am the captive of his bow and spear. His
true devotion has won me from the world, and from myself. The past is
already fading from my sight; already, I begin to live with him in the
future, which shall be as calmly bright as true love can make it. I am
perfectly satisfied to sacrifice to one so noble and earnest the day
dreams of my youth. He will make life more beautiful to me than a
dream....

"The Chevalier is very presumptuous--says that he will not lose sight of
me for one day, that I must stay here till he can return with me to New
York. The Chevalier is very impertinent, speaks of two or three months,
when I speak of two or three years, and seems determined to have his
own way: but, dear Bunny, the Chevalier's way will be a very charming
way, and is, henceforth, to be mine."

It was not to be supposed that the Chevalier would wait longer for his
bride than was absolutely necessary. The wedding preparations were
hurried on, most of them being made by Sisters Annie and Louisa, as
Julia could not be brought down from the clouds sufficiently to give
them much attention. It was hard even to make her choose her wedding
dress; but this was finally decided upon, "a white embroidered muslin,
exquisitely fine, to be worn over a satin 'slip.'"

The wedding, a quiet one, took place at Samuel Ward's house, on April
23, 1843, and four days later, Chevalier and Diva sailed together for
Europe.




CHAPTER V

TRAVEL

1843-1844; _aet._ 24-25

                          ... I have been
  In dangers of the sea and land, unscared;
  And from the narrow gates of childbed oft
  Have issued, bearing high my perilous prize
  (The germ of angel-hood, from chaos rescued),
  With steadfast hope and courage....

                                            J. W. H.


In the forties it was no uncommon thing for a sister or friend of the
bride to form one of the wedding party when a journey was to be taken;
accordingly Annie Ward went with the Howes and shared the pleasures of a
notable year. She was at this time seventeen; it was said of her that
"she looked so like a lily-of-the-valley that one expected to see two
long green leaves spring up beside her as she walked."

Horace Mann and his bride (Mary Peabody, sister of Mrs. Nathaniel
Hawthorne) sailed on the same steamer; the friends met afterward in
London and elsewhere.

The first days at sea were rough and uncomfortable. Julia writes to her
sister Louisa:--

"I have had two days of extreme suffering, and look like the Chevalier's
grandmother. To-day I am on deck, able to eat soup and herring, with
grog in small doses. Husband very kind, takes good care of me. I am good
for nothing, but try to be courageous. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are very
loving; she wears a monstrous sunbonnet; he lies down in his
overcoat.... Brandy and water are consoling; Dr. won't give us much,
though.... I could not get off my boots until last night, I was so ill;
I slept all the time, and forgot that Annie was on board.... When you do
get married, don't leave in four days for Europe.... Don't forget cake
for my orphans.... Mrs. Mann wrote to me yesterday, and recommended
lemonade. I wrote back to her, and recommended leeks and onions...."

And again, several days later:--

"Although the ship is very tipsy, and makes my head and hand unsteady, I
am anxious to write to you that you may see what a brave sailor I am
become, for to write at sea one must be quite well. I am ashamed to have
written you so sea-sick a letter near Halifax, but I was then just out
of my berth, and very miserable. Since that time, I have not once laid
by--we have had some rough days, but I have always held up my head, and
eaten my dinner, 'helping myself _sang-froidy_' to all manner of good
things. At first, I could not do without brandy and water, but in a
little while I ceased to require it; now I go tumbling about all over
the ship, singing at the top of my voice, teasing Chevalier, and
comforting the sea-sick.... I live on deck, rain or shine. Annie stays
too much in the cabin, which is strewn with sick ladies, and grannies of
the other sex, and which ever resounds with cries of 'Mrs. Bean! Mrs.
Bean! soda water! Mrs. Bean, soup! Mrs. Bean, gruel with brandy in it!
Mrs. Bean, hold my head! Mrs. Bean, wag my jaws!' Mrs. Bean is the
stewardess, and an angel....

"_Saturday morning._ We are now in sight of land, and in smooth
water.... Annie and I were getting very much used to the ship, and are
just in fine trim for a long voyage. I even miss the rolling and
pitching which we have had until to-day, and which made it necessary to
walk with great circumspection. You would have laughed to have seen us,
going about like tipsy witches. I have had various tumbles. I confess
that when the ship rolled and I felt myself going, I generally made for
the stoutest man in sight, and pitched into him, the result being
various apologies on both sides, and great merriment on the part of the
spectators--a little of the old mischief left, you see. The old cow
began to smell the land yesterday, she reared and bellowed, and butted
at the butcher when he went to milk her. This is her third voyage. I
cannot tell you how good my husband is, how kind, how devoted...."

Arriving in London, they took lodgings in upper Baker Street.

This first visit to London was one which our mother always loved to
recall. Not only had the pair brought letters to many notabilities, but
Dr. Howe's reputation had preceded him, and every reader of Dickens's
"American Notes" was eager to meet the man who had brought a soul out of
prison.

Julia writes to her sister Louisa (June 17):--

"I have said something,--I can hardly say enough, of the kindness we
have received here. London seems already a home to us, and one
surrounded by dear friends. Morpeth and his family, Rogers, Basil
Montagu, and Sir R. H. Inglis have been our best friends. Sydney Smith
also has been kind to us; he calls Howe 'Prometheus,' and says that he
gave a soul to an inanimate body. For four mornings, we have not once
breakfasted at home. Milnes gave us one very nice breakfast; among the
guests was Charles Buller, celebrated here for his wit and various
endowments. The two handsomest women I have seen are Mrs. Norton and the
Duchess of Sutherland--the former of these rather a haughty beauty, with
flashing eye and swelling lip, and dress too low for our notions of
propriety--this is common enough here...."

The Doctor was lame (the result of an accident on shipboard), and the
Reverend Sydney Smith, one of their earliest visitors, insisted on
lending him his own crutches. The Doctor demurred; he was tall, while
Canon Smith was short and stout. The crutches were sent, nevertheless.
They could not be used, and were returned with thanks; not so soon,
however, but that the kind and witty Canon made of the incident a peg on
which to hang a jest. He had lost money by American investments; in a
letter published in a London paper, after reflecting severely upon the
failure of some of the Western States to pay their debts, he added: "And
now an American doctor has deprived me of my last means of support!"

Sydney Smith proved genuinely kind and solicitous. He writes to the
Doctor:--

"You know as well as I do, or better, that nature charges one hundred
per cent for a bad leg used before the proper time, and that if you use
it a day sooner than you ought, it may molest you for a month longer
than you expect. This being; [_sic_] if your ladies will trust
themselves to me any day, I shall have great pleasure in escorting them
in their sight-seeing, and will call upon them with my carriage, if that
be possible."

He did take them about a great deal; they dined with him, and passed
more than one delightful evening at his house.

Another of their early visitors was Charles Dickens. Not only did he
invite them to dine, but he took them to all manner of places unfamiliar
to the ordinary tourist: to prisons, workhouses, and asylums, more
interesting to the Chevalier than theatre or picture-gallery.

There were even expeditions to darker places, when Julia and Annie must
stay at home. Dr. Howe's affair was with all sorts and conditions of
men, and the creator of Joe and Oliver Twist, the child of the
Marshalsea, could show him things that no one else could. The following
note, in Dickens's unmistakable handwriting, shows how these expeditions
were managed, and how he enjoyed them:--


MY DEAR HOWE,--Drive to-night to St. Giles's Church. Be there at
half-past 11--and wait. One of Tracey's people will put his head into
the coach after a Venetian and mysterious fashion, and breathe your
name. Follow that man. Trust him to the death.

So no more at present from

                                                        THE MASK.

Ninth June, 1843.


Horace Mann was of the party on most of these investigations.

Beside dinners and evening parties, there were breakfasts, with Richard
Monckton Milnes (afterward Lord Houghton), with Samuel Rogers,--who gave
them plovers' eggs,--and with jovial Sir Robert Harry Inglis, who cut
the loaf at either end, giving the guests "a slice or a hunch" at their
desire.

This meal, our mother notes, was not "a luncheon in disguise," but a
genuine breakfast, at ten or even half-past nine o'clock.

She writes to her sister Louisa:--

"People have been very kind to us--we have one or two engagements for
every day this week, and had three dinners for one day, two of which we
were, of course, forced to decline. We had a pleasant dinner at
Dickens's, on Saturday--a very handsome entertainment, consisting of all
manner of good things. Dickens led me in to dinner--waxed quite genial
over his wine, and was more natural than I ever saw him--after dinner we
had coffee, conversation and music, to which I lent my little wee voice!
We did not get home until half-past eleven.... Annie has doubtless told
you how we went to see Carlyle, and Mrs. was out, and I poured tea for
him, and he handed me the preserves with: 'I do not know what thae
little things are, perhaps you can eat them--I never touch them mysel'.'
This naturally made me laugh--we had a strange but pleasant evening with
him--he is about forty, looks young for that, drinks powerful tea, and
then goes it strong upon all subjects, but without extravagance--he has
a fine head, an earnest face, a glowing eye.... Furthermore, we have
walked into the affections of the Hon. Basil Montagu, and Mrs.
Basil--furthermore, Annie and I did went alone to a rout at Mrs. Sydney
Smith's, and were announced, 'Mrs. 'Owe hand Miss Vord'--did not know a
soul, Annie frightened, I bored--got hold of some good people--made
friends, drank execrable tea, finished the evening by a crack with Sir
Sydney himself, and came off victorious, that is to say alive. Sir S.
very like old Mrs. Prime, three chins, and such a corporosity!...

"_Saturday, June 2nd._ We have been too busy to write. We dined on
Wednesday with Kenyon--present Dickens's wife, Fellows, Milnes and some
others--Milnes a pert little prig, but pleasant. _À propos_, when he
came to call upon us, our girl announced him as 'Mr. Miller'--our
conversation ran upon literature, and I had the exquisite discrimination
to tell him that except Wordsworth, there were no great poets in England
now. Fortunately he soon took his departure, and thus prevented me from
expressing the light estimation in which I hold his poetry. On Thursday
Morpeth gave us a beautiful dinner--thirteen servants in the hall,
powdered heads, Lady Carlisle very like Morpeth--Lady Mary Howard not
pretty; Duchess of Sutherland, beautiful, but like Lizzie Hogg. They
gave us strawberries, the first we have tasted, green peas, pines,
peaches, apricots, grapes--all very expensive. We stayed until nearly
twelve--they were very gracious--Annie and I are little people here--we
are too young(?) to be noticed--we are very demure, and have learned
humility. Chev receives a great deal of attention, ladies press forward
to look at him, roll up their eyes, and exclaim, 'Oh! he is such a
wonner!' I do not like that the pretty women should pay him so many
compliments--it will turn his little head! He is now almost well, and so
handsome! the wrinkles are almost gone--Yesterday, Sir Robert Inglis gin
us a treat in the shape of a breakfast--it was very pleasant, albeit Sir
R. is very pious, and a Tory to boot. We had afterward a charming visit
from Carlyle--in the evening we went to Landsdowne House, to a concert
given by the Marquis--heard Grisi, Lablache, Mario, Standigl, were much
pleased--I was astonished, though, to find that our little trio at home
was not bad, even in comparison with these stars. They have, of course,
infinitely better voices, but hang me if they sing with half the
enthusiasm and fire of our old Sam and Cousi, or even of poor Dudy.
Grisi's voice is beautifully clear and flute-like--Mario sings
_si-be-mol_ and natural with perfect ease. I was most interested in the
German Standigl, who sang the '_Wanderer_' with wonderful pathos.
Lablache thundered away--I must see them on the stage before I shall be
able to judge of them. After music we had supper. Willie Wad[21] was
indefatigable in our service. 'Go, and bring us a great deal more
lemonade!' these were our oft-repeated orders, and the good Geneseo
trotted to the table for us, till, as he expressed it, 'he was ashamed
to go any more.' Lansdowne is a devilish good fellow! ho! ho! He wears a
blue belt across his diaphragm, and a silver star on his left breast--he
jigs up and down the room, and makes himself at home in his own house.
He is about sixty, with Marchioness to match; side dishes, I presume,
but did not inquire. I have just been breakfasting at the Duke of
Sutherland's superb palace. I will tell you next time about it. Lady
Carlisle says I am nice and pretty, oh! how I love her!..."

  [21] William Wadsworth, of Geneseo.

In another letter she says:--

"I take some interest in everything I see--especially in all that throws
light upon human prog. The Everetts[22] have given us a beautiful and
most agreeable dinner: Dickens, Mrs. Norton, Moore, Landseer, and one or
two others. Rogers says: 'I have three pleasures in the day: the first
is, when I get up in the morning, and scratch myself with my hair
mittens; the second is when I dress for dinner, and scratch myself with
my hair mittens; the third is when I undress at night, and scratch
myself with my hair mittens.'..."

  [22] Edward Everett was at that time American Minister to England.

Beside this feast of hospitality, there was the theatre, with Macready
and Helen Faucit in the "Lady of Lyons," and the opera, with Grisi and
Mario, Alboni and Persiani. Julia, who had been forbidden the theatre
since her seventh year, enjoyed to the full both music and drama, but
"the crowning ecstasy of all" she found in the ballet, of which Fanny
Elssler and Cerito were the stars. The former was beginning to wane; the
dancing which to Emerson and Margaret Fuller seemed "poetry and
religion" had lost, perhaps, something of its magic; the latter was
still in her early bloom and grace.

Years later, our mother suggested to Theodore Parker that "the best
stage dancing gives the _classic, in a fluent form_, with the
illumination of life and personality." She recalled nothing sensual or
even sensuous in the dances she saw that season, only "the very ecstasy
and embodiment of grace." (But the Doctor thought Cerito ought to be
sent to the House of Correction!)

Among the English friends, the one to whom our parents became most
warmly attached was Lord Morpeth, afterwards Earl of Carlisle. This
gentleman proved a devoted friend. Not only did he show the travellers
every possible attention in London, but finding that they were planning
a tour through Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, he made out with great care
an itinerary for them, giving the roads by which they should travel and
the points of interest they should visit.

Very reluctantly they left the London of so many delights, and started
on the prescribed tour, following in the main the lines laid down by
their kind friend.


                           _To her sister Louisa_

                                                  Sunday, July 2.

... We are in Dublin, among the Paddies, and funny enough they are.
There are many beggars--you cannot get into the carriage without being
surrounded with ragged women holding out their dirty hands, and
clamouring for ha'pence--we have just returned from Edgeworthtown; on
our way, we walked into some of the peasants' huts. I will tell you
about one--it was thatched, built very miserably, had no floor except
the native mud; there was a peat fire, which filled the house with
smoke--before the fire lay the pig, grunting in concert with the
chickens, who were picking up scraps of the dinner, which consisted of
potatoes and salt--three families live in it. Two sets of little
ragamuffins are sitting in the dirt. Ch. bestows some pence: "God kape
your honour--God save ye, wherever ye go, and sure and it's a nice,
comfortable looking young woman you have got with you, an uncommon
pretty girl" (that is me). Don't they understand the matter, eh? We
passed three delightful hours with Miss Edgeworth, in the library in
which she wrote all her works--she was surrounded by a numerous and
charming family, among others, the last of her father's four wives, whom
she calls mother, although the lady must be some ten years her junior.
She is herself a most vivacious little lady, about seventy-five years
old, but gay and bright as a young girl--she seemed quite delighted with
Ch., and conversed with him on many topics in a very animated manner.
She has very clear and sound views of things, and takes the liveliest
interest in all that goes on around her, and in the world. One of her
younger brothers (with a nice Spanish wife) has a nest of very young
children, in whom she delights as much as if she had not helped to bring
up three sets of brothers and sisters. She said to me: "It is not only
for Laura Bridgman that I wanted to see Dr. Howe, but I admire the
spirit of all his writings." She gave him some engravings, and wrote her
name at the bottom.... At one o'clock, we went to luncheon which was
very nice, consisting of meat, potatoes, and preserves.... She made us
laugh, and laughed herself. They were saying that American lard was
quite superseding whale oil. "Yes," said she, "and in consequence, the
whale cannot bear the sight of a pig." Her little nephew made a real
bull. He was showing me his rat trap, "and," said he, "I shall kill the
rat before I let him out, eh?"...

_Dublin, Tuesday._ Went to the Repeal meeting at the Corn Exchange. It
was held in a small room in the third or fourth story. "A shilling,
sir," said the man at the door to my husband.--"What!" replied he, "do
ladies pay?"--"Not unless they'd like to become repealers." We passed
up--the gentlemen went on to the floor of the room--we went to the
ladies' gallery, a close confined place at one end--we were early, and
had good seats, for a time at least--we separated, not anticipating the
trouble we should have in finding each other again--for the ladies,
comprising orangewomen, washerwomen, and I fear, all manner of women,
poured in, without much regard to order, decency, and the rights of
prior possession--and when O'Connell came in, which was in about three
quarters of an hour, they pressed, and pushed, and squeezed, and
scolded, as only Irishwomen can do.... The current of female patriotism
bore down upon me in a most painful manner--a sort of triangular
pressure seemed applied to my poor body which threatened to destroy, not
only my centre of gravity, but my very personal identity. I was obliged,
I regret to say, to defend myself as I have sometimes done in a
quadrille or waltzing circle in New York--I was forced to push in my
turn, though as moderately as I could. This was not my only trouble--in
the crowd, I had scraped acquaintance with a respectable Irishwoman,
who, after various questions, discovered that I was an American, and
imagined me at once to be a good Catholic and repealer--so when
O'Connell made some allusions to the Americans, she said so as to be
heard by several people, who immediately began to look at me with
curious eyes--"You shouldn't disturb her, she's an American," and they
would for a time cease to molest me.... O'Connell was not great on this
occasion--his remarks were rambling and superficial, distinguished
chiefly by their familiarity, and by the extreme ingenuity with which
the cunning orator disguises the tendencies of the sentiments he
vindicates, and talks treason, yet so that the law cannot lay a finger
upon him. He had begun his speech when Steele, a brother repealer,
entered. He stopped at once, held out his hand to him, saying in a loud
tone, "Tom Steele, how d'ye do?" which drew forth bursts of applause.
"And is he a good man?" I asked of a lady repealer (whether apple-woman
or seller of ginger beer, I know not). "Oh, Ma'am, he is the best
_cratur_, the most charitable, the most virtuous, the most religious
man--sure, he goes to the communion every Sunday, and never says no to
no one."


The visit to Scotland was all too hasty, the notes are mere brief
jottings; at the end she "remembered but one thing, the grave of Scott.
In return for all the delight he had given me, I had nothing to give him
but my silent tears."

The end of July found the party once more in England. The following
letter tells of the unlucky visit to Wordsworth which our mother (after
forty-six years) describes from memory in her "Reminiscences" in
slightly different terms.


                     _To her sister Louisa_

                                                         July 29.

... I am very glad to be out of Ireland and Scotland, where we had
incessant rains--even the beautiful Loch Katrine would not show herself
to us in sunshine. We crossed in an open boat, and had a pony ride of
five miles, all in as abominable a drizzle as you would wish to see. The
Cumberland Lakes, among which we sought the shrine of Wordsworth, were
almost as unaccommodating--in driving to Windermere we got wetted to the
skin, and dashed down the steep mountain road in a thick mist, with a
pair of horses, so unruly that I supposed the miseries of wet garments
would soon be cancelled by that of a broken neck. I prayed to Saint
Crispin, Saint Nicholas, and the three kings of Köln, and got through
the danger--in the evening we visited Wordsworth, a crabbed old sinner,
who gave us a very indifferent muffin, and talked repudiation with Chev.
As he had just lost a great deal of money by Mississippi bonds, you may
imagine that he felt particularly disposed to be cordial to
Americans--and not knowing, probably, that New York is not in the heart
of Louisiana, he was inclined no doubt to cast part of the odium upon
us. Accordingly Mrs. Wordsworth and her daughter sat at one end of the
room, Annie and I at the other. Incensed at this unusual neglect, I made
several interjections in a low tone for Annie's benefit (my husband
allows me to swear once a week)--at length, good Townsend-on-Mesmerism
came to my relief, and kindly talked with me for an hour or more--he is
a charming person, and rides other people's horses as well as his own
hobby. He dislikes England, and lives principally in Germany. Kind
Heaven, at the termination of the evening, sent me an opportunity of
imparting a small portion of the internal pepper and mustard which had
been ripening in my heart during the whole evening. The mother and
daughter beginning to whine to me about their losses, I told them that
where one Englishman had suffered, twenty Americans were perhaps ruined.
They replied, it was hard they should suffer for the misfortunes of
another country. "And why," quoth I, "must you needs speculate in
foreign stocks? Why did you not keep your money at home? It was safe
enough in England--you knew there was risk in investing it so far from
you--if we should speculate in yours, we should no doubt be ruined
also." This explosion, from my meek self, took the company somewhat by
surprise--they held their tongues, and we departed....


From England the travellers had meant to go to Berlin, but the King of
Prussia, who eleven years before had kept Dr. Howe in prison _au secret_
for five weeks for carrying (at the request of General Lafayette) succor
to certain Polish refugees, still regarded him as a dangerous person,
and Prussia was closed to him and his. This greatly amused Horace Mann,
who wrote to the Doctor, "I understand the King of Prussia has about
200,000 men constantly under arms, and if necessary he can increase his
force to two millions. This shows the estimation in which he holds your
single self!"

Years later, the King sent Dr. Howe a gold medal in consideration of his
work for the blind: by a singular coincidence, its money value was found
to equal the sum which the Doctor had been forced to pay for board and
lodging in the prison of Berlin.

Making a détour, the party journeyed through Switzerland and the
Austrian Tyrol, spent some weeks in Vienna, and a month in Milan, where
they met Count Gonfalonieri, one of the prisoners of Spielberg. Julia
had known two of these sufferers, Foresti and Albinola, in New York,
where they lived for many years, beloved and respected. Hearing the talk
of these men, and seeing Italy bound hand and foot in temporal and
spiritual fetters, she was deeply impressed by the apparent hopelessness
of the outlook for the Italian patriots. By what miracle, she asked
herself long afterward, was the great structure overthrown? She adds,
"The remembrance of this miracle forbids me to despair of any great
deliverance, desired and delayed. He who maketh the wrath of men to
serve Him, can make liberty blossom out of the very rod that the tyrant
[wields]."

Southward still they journeyed, by _vettura_, in the old leisurely
fashion, and came at last to Rome.

The thrill of wonder that Julia felt at the first sight of St. Peter's
dome across the Campagna was one of the abiding impressions of her life;
Rome was to be one of the cities of her heart; the charm was cast upon
her in that first moment. Yet she says of that Rome of 1843, "A great
gloom and silence hung over it."

The houses were cold, and there were few conveniences; but Christmas
found the Howes established in the Via San Niccolo da Tolentino, as
comfortably as might be. Here they were joined by Louisa Ward, and here
they soon gathered round them a delightful circle of friends. Most of
the _forestieri_ of Rome in those days were artists; among those who
came often to the house were Thomas Crawford, Luther Terry, Freeman the
painter and his wife, and Törmer, who painted a portrait of Julia. The
winter passed like a dream. There were balls as gorgeous as those of
London, with the beautiful Princess Torlonia in place of the Duchess of
Sutherland; musical parties, at which Diva sang to the admiration of
all. There were visits to the galleries, where George Combe was of the
party, and where he and the Chevalier studied the heads of statues and
busts from the point of view of phrenology, a theory in which both were
deeply interested. They were presented to the Pope, Gregory XVI, who
wished to hear about Laura Bridgman. The Chevalier visited all the
"public institutions, misnamed charitable,"[23] and the schools, whose
masters were amazed to find that he was an American, and asked how in
that case it happened that he was not black!

  [23] S. G. H. to Charles Sumner.

In her "Reminiscences" our mother records many vivid impressions of
these Roman days. She had forgotten, or did not care to recall, a
certain languor and depression of spirits which in some measure dimmed
for her the brightness of the picture, but which were to give place to
the highest joy she had yet known. On March 12, her first child was
born, and was christened Julia Romana.

There are neither journals nor letters of this period; the only record
of it--from her hand--lies in two slender manuscript books of verse,
marked respectively "1843" and "1844." In these volumes we trace her
movements, sometimes by the title of a poem, as "Sailing," "The Ladies
of Llangollen," "The Roman Beggar Boy," etc., sometimes by a single word
written after the poem, "Berne," "Milan."

From these poems we learn that she did not expect to survive the birth
of her child; yet with that birth a new world opened before her.

  He gave the Mother's chastened heart,
  He gave the Mother's watchful eye,
  He bids me live but where thou art,
  And look with earnest prayer on high.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Then spake the angel of Mothers
  To me in gentle tone:
  "Be kind to the children of others
  And thus deserve thine own!"

When, in the spring of 1844, she left Rome with husband, sister, and
baby, it seemed, she says, "like returning to the living world after a
long separation from it."

Journeying by way of Naples, Marseilles, Avignon, they came at length to
Paris.

Here Julia first saw Rachel, and Taglioni, the greatest of all dancers;
here, too, she tried to persuade the Chevalier to wear his Greek
decorations to Guizot's reception, but tried in vain, he considering
such ornaments unfitting a republican.

The autumn found them again in England, this time to learn the delights
of country visiting. Their first visit was to Atherstone, the seat of
Charles Nolte Bracebridge, a descendant of Lady Godiva, a most
cultivated and delightful man. He and his charming wife made the party
welcome, and showed them everything of interest except the family ghost,
which remained invisible.

Another interesting visit was to the Nightingales of Embley. Florence
Nightingale was at this time a young woman of twenty-four. A warm
friendship sprang up between her and our parents, and she felt moved to
consult the Doctor on the matter which then chiefly occupied her
thoughts. Would it, she asked, be unsuitable or unbecoming for a young
Englishwoman to devote herself to works of charity, in hospitals and
elsewhere, as the Catholic Sisters did?

The Doctor replied: "My dear Miss Florence, it would be unusual, and in
England whatever is unusual is apt to be thought unsuitable; but I say
to you, go forward, if you have a vocation for that way of life; act up
to your inspiration, and you will find that there is never anything
unbecoming or unladylike in doing your duty for the good of others.
Choose your path, go on with it, wherever it may lead you, and God be
with you!"

Among the people they met in the autumn of 1844 was Professor Fowler,
the phrenologist. This gentleman examined Julia's head, and made the
following pronunciamento:--

"You're a deep one! it takes a Yankee to find you out. The intellectual
temperament predominates in your character. You will be a central
character like Henry Clay and Silas Wright, and people will group
themselves around you."

Now Julia could not abide Professor Fowler.

"Oh, yes!" she snapped out angrily. "They've always been my models!"

"The best things you do," he went on, "will be done on the spur of the
moment. You have enough love of order to enjoy it, but you will not take
the trouble to produce it. You have more religion than morality. You
have genius, but no music in you by nature."

Fifty years later these words were fresh in her memory.

"I disliked Mr. Fowler extremely," she said, "and believed nothing of
what he said; nevertheless, most of his predictions were verified. I had
at the time no leading in any of the directions he indicated. I had been
much shut up in personal and family life; was a person rather of
antipathies than sympathies. His remarks made _no impression_. Yet," she
added, "I always had a sense of _relation to the public_, but thought
the connection would come through writing."

Apropos of Mr. Fowler's "more religion than morality," she said:
"Morality is a thing of the will; we may think differently of such
matters at different times. What he said may have been true."

Then the twinkle came into her eyes: "When Mr. William Astor heard of my
engagement, he said, 'Why, Miss Julia, I am surprised! I thought you
were too intellectual to marry!'"

Another acquaintance of this autumn was the late Arthur Mills, who was
through life one of our parents' most valued friends. He came to America
with them; in his honor, during the voyage, Julia composed "The
Milsiad," scribbling the lines day by day in a little note-book, still
carefully preserved in the Mills family.

The first and last stanzas give an idea of this poem, which, though
never printed, was always a favorite with its author.

 My heart fills
 With the bare thought of the illustrious Mills:
 That man of eyes and nose,
 Of legs and arms, of fingers and of toes.

        *       *       *       *       *

 To lands devoid of tax
 Goeth he not, armed with axe?
 Trees shall he cut down,
 And forests ever?
 Tame cataracts with a frown?
 Grin all the fish from Mississippi River?
     (My style is grandiose,
     Quite in the tone of Mills's nose.)

        *       *       *       *       *

 Harp of the West, through wind and foggy weather
 We've sung our passage to our native land,
 Now I have reached the terminus of tether,
 And I must lay thee trembling from my hand.
 That hand must ply the ignominious needle,
 This mind brood o'er the salutary dish,
 I must grow sober as a parish beadle,
 And having fish to fry, must fry my fish.
 Some happier muse than mine shall wake thy spell,
 Harp of the West, oh Gemini! farewell!




CHAPTER VI

SOUTH BOSTON

1844-1851; _aet._ 25-32

THE ROUGH SKETCH

  A great grieved heart, an iron will,
  As fearless blood as ever ran;
  A form elate with nervous strength
  And fibrous vigor,--all a man.

  A gallant rein, a restless spur,
  The hand to wield a biting scourge;
  Small patience for the tasks of Time,
  Unmeasured power to speed and urge.

  He rides the errands of the hour,
  But sends no herald on his ways;
  The world would thank the service done,
  He cannot stay for gold or praise.

  Not lavishly he casts abroad
  The glances of an eye intense,
  And did he smile but once a year,
  It were a Christmas recompense.

  I thank a poet for his name,
  The "Down of Darkness," this should be;
  A child, who knows no risk it runs,
  Might stroke its roughness harmlessly.

  One helpful gift the Gods forgot,
  Due to the man of lion-mood;
  A Woman's soul, to match with his
  In high resolve and hardihood.

                                                         J. W. H.

     The name of Laura Bridgman will long continue to suggest to the
     hearer one of the most brilliant exploits of philanthropy, modern
     or ancient. Much of the good that good men do soon passes out of
     the remembrance of busy generations, each succeeding to each, with
     its own special inheritance of labor and interest. But it will be
     long before the world shall forget the courage and patience of the
     man who, in the very bloom of his manhood, sat down to besiege this
     almost impenetrable fortress of darkness and isolation, and, after
     months of labor, carried within its walls the divine conquest of
     life and of thought.

                        J. W. H., _Memoir of Dr. Samuel G. Howe_.


In September, 1844, the travellers returned to America and took up their
residence at the Perkins Institution, in South Boston, in the apartment
known as the "Doctor's Wing."

At first, Laura Bridgman made one of the family, the Doctor considering
her almost as an adopted child. His marriage had been something of a
shock to her.

"Does Doctor love me like Julia?" she asked her teacher anxiously.

"No!"

"Does he love God like Julia?"

"Yes!"

A pause: then--"God was kind to give him his wife!"

She and Julia became much attached to each other, and were friends
through life.

Julia was now to realize fully the great change that had come in her
life. She had been the acknowledged queen of her home and circle in New
York. Up to this time, she had known Boston as a gay visitor knows it.

She came now as the wife of a man who had neither leisure nor
inclination for "_Society_"; a man of tenderest heart, but of dominant
personality, accustomed to rule, and devoted to causes of which she knew
only by hearsay; moreover, so absorbed in work for these causes, that he
could only enjoy his home by snatches.

She herself says: "The romance of charity easily interests the public.
Its laborious details and duties repel and weary the many, and find
fitting ministers only in a few spirits of rare and untiring
benevolence. Dr. Howe, after all the laurels and roses of victory, had
to deal with the thorny ways of a profession tedious, difficult, and
exceptional. He was obliged to create his own working machinery, to
drill and instruct his corps of teachers, himself first learning the
secrets of the desired instruction. He was also obliged to keep the
infant Institution fresh in the interest and goodwill of the public, and
to give it a place among the recognized benefactions of the
Commonwealth."

From the bright little world of old New York, from relatives and
friends, music and laughter, fun and frolic, she came to live in an
Institution, a bleak, lofty house set on a hill, four-square to all the
winds that blew; with high-studded rooms, cold halls paved with white
and gray marble, echoing galleries; where three fourths of the inmates
were blind, and the remaining fourth were devoting their time and
energies to the blind. The Institution was two miles from Boston, where
the friends of her girlhood lived: an unattractive district stretched
between, traversed once in two hours by omnibuses, the only means of
transport.

Again, her life had been singularly free from responsibility. First her
Aunt Francis, then her sister Louisa, had "kept house" in Bond Street;
Julia had been a flower of the field, taking no thought for food or
raiment; her sisters chose and bought her clothes, had her dresses made,
and put them on her. Her studies, her music, her dreams, her
compositions--and, it must be added, her suitors--made the world in
which she lived. Now, life in its most concrete forms pressed upon her.
The baby must be fed at regular intervals, and she must feed it; there
must be three meals a day, and she must provide them; servants must be
engaged, trained, directed, and all this she must do. Her thoughts
soared heavenward; but now there was a string attached to them, and they
must be pulled down to attend to the leg of mutton and the baby's cloak.

This is one side of the picture; the other is different, indeed.

Her girlhood had been shut in by locks and bars of Calvinistic piety;
her friends and family were ready to laugh, to weep, to pray with her;
they were not ready to think with her. It is true that surrounding this
intimate circle was a wider one, where her mind found stimulus in
certain directions. She studied German with Dr. Cogswell; she read Dante
with Felice Foresti, the Italian patriot; French, Latin, music, she had
them all. Her mind expanded, but her spiritual growth dates from her
early visits to Boston.

These visits had not been given wholly to gayety, even in the days when
she wrote, after a ball: "I have been through the burning, fiery
furnace, and it is Sad-rake, Me-sick, and Abed-no-go!" The friends she
made, both men and women, were people alive and awake, seeking new
light, and finding it on every hand. Moreover, at her side was now one
of the torch-bearers of humanity, a spirit burning with a clear flame of
fervor and resolve, lighting the dark places of the earth. Her mind,
under the stimulus of these influences, opened like a flower; she too
became one of the seekers for light, and in her turn one of the
light-bringers.

Among the poems of her early married life, none is more illuminating
than the portrait of Dr. Howe, which heads this chapter. The concluding
stanza gives a hint of the depression which accompanied her first
realization of the driving power of his life, of the white-hot metal of
his nature. She was caught up as it were in the wake of a comet, and
whirled into new and strange orbits: what wonder that for a time she was
bewildered? She had no thought, when writing "The Rough Sketch," that a
later day was to find her soul indeed matched with his, "in high resolve
and hardihood": that through her lips, as well as his, God was to sound
forth a trumpet that should never call retreat.

In her normal health she was a person of abounding vitality, with a
constitution of iron: as is common with such temperaments, she felt a
physical distaste to the abnormal and defective. It required in those
days all the strength of her will to overcome her natural shrinking from
the blind and the other defectives with whom she was often thrown. There
is no clearer evidence of the development of her nature than the
contrast between this mental attitude and the deep tenderness which she
felt in her later years for the blind. After the Doctor's death, they
became her cherished friends; she could never do enough for them; with
every year her desire to visit the Perkins Institution, to talk with the
pupils, to give them all she had to give, grew stronger and more lively.

Of the friends of this time, none had so deep and lasting an influence
over her as Theodore Parker, who had long been a close friend of the
Doctor's. She had first heard of him in her girlhood, as an impious and
sacrilegious person, to be shunned by all good Christians.

In 1843 she met him in Rome, and found him "one of the most sympathetic
and delightful of men"; an intimacy sprang up between the two families
which ended only with Parker's life. He baptized the baby Julia; on
returning to this country, she and the Doctor went regularly to hear him
preach. This she always considered as among the great opportunities of
her life.

"I cannot remember," she says, "that the interest of his sermons ever
varied for me. It was all one intense delight.... It was hard to go out
from his presence, all aglow with the enthusiasm which he felt and
inspired, and to hear him spoken of as a teacher of irreligion, a pest
to the community."

These were the days when it was possible for a minister of a Christian
church, hearing of Parker's dangerous illness, to pray that God might
remove him from the earth. To her, it seemed that "truly, he talked with
God, and took us with him into the divine presence."

Parker could play as well as preach; she loved to "make fun" with him.
Witness her "Philosoph-Master and Poet-Aster" in "Passion Flowers."
Parker's own powers of merrymaking appear in his Latin epitaph on "the
Doctor" (who survived him by many years), which is printed in the
"Letters and Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe."

She used in later years to shake her head as she recalled a naughty
_mot_ of hers apropos of Parker's preaching: "I would rather," she said,
"hear Theodore Parker preach than go to the theatre; I would rather go
to the theatre than go to a party; I would rather go to a party than
stay at home!"

A letter to her sister Annie shows the trend of her religious thought in
these days.


                                Sunday evening, December 8, 1844.

DEAR ANNIE,--

Do not let the Bishop or Uncle or any one frighten you into any
concessions--tell them, and all others that, even if you agree with them
in doctrine, you think their notion of a religious life narrow, false,
superficial. You owe it to truth, to them, to yourself, to say so. I
think perfect and fearless frankness one of our highest duties to _man_
as well as to God. Only see how one half the world pragmatically sets
its foot down, and says to the other half, "Be converted, my opinion is
truth! I must be right and you must be wrong,"--while the other half
timidly falters a reluctant acquiescence, or scarce audible expression
of doubt, and continues troubled and afraid and discontented with itself
and others. Let me never think of you as in this ignominious position,
dear Annie. Do not think that I misapprehend you. I know you do not
agree in doctrine with me, but I know too that you do not feel that you
can abandon your life and conscience to the charge and guidance of such
a man as Eastburn, or as Uncle Ben. Do not, therefore, be afraid of
them, but let their censure be a very secondary thing with you--while
your life is the true expression of your faith, whom can you fear? You
are accountable to man for the performance of the duties which affect
his welfare and well-being--for those which concern your own soul, you
are accountable to God alone. A man, though with twenty surplices on his
back and twenty prayer books in his hand, can no more condemn than he
can save you.... There may be a hell and a heaven, and it may be good
for most people, for you and me, too, if you choose to think that it is
so. But there is a virtue which rises above such considerations--there
are motives higher than personal fear or hope--the love of good because
it is good, because it is God's and nature's law, because it is the
secret of the beautiful order of things, because they are blessed by
your virtuous deeds and pure thoughts--because every holy, every noble
deed, word, or thought helps to build up the ruins of the world, and to
elevate our degraded humanity. Those who propose to you hell and heaven
as the great incentives to right, appeal merely to your natural love of
personal advantage--those who hold up to you a God now frowning and
indignant, now gracious and benignant, appeal simply to your natural
cowardice, to your natural love of approbation. Does one love God for
one's own advantage? One loves Him for His perfection, and if one loves
Him, one keeps His commandments. Abandon, I pray you, the exploded
formula of selfishness!... I think one should be capable of loving
virtue, were one sure even that hell and not heaven would be its
reward.

The benedictions of the Sermon on the Mount are very simple--no
raptures, no ecstasies are promised. Blessed are all that seek the good
of others and the knowledge of truth--blessed, simply that in so doing
they obey the law of God, imitate His character, and coming nearer and
nearer to Him shall find Him more and more in their hearts. One word
about Unitarians. It is very wrong to say that they reject the Bible,
simply because they interpret it in a different manner from the
(so-called) orthodox, or that they reject Christ, because they
understand him in one way, and you in another--while they emulate his
wonderful life, while they acknowledge his divine mission, and the
divine power of his words, why should they be said to despise him?...


During the years between 1843 and 1859, her life was from time to time
shadowed by the approach of a great joy. Before the birth of each
successive child she was oppressed by a deep and persistent melancholy.
Present and future alike seemed dark to her; she wept for herself, but
still more for the hapless infant which must come to birth in so
sorrowful a world. With the birth of the child the cloud lifted and
vanished. Sunshine and joy--and the baby--filled the world; the mother
sang, laughed, and made merry.

In her letters to her sisters, and later in her journals, both these
moods are abundantly evident. At first, these letters are full of the
bustle of arrival and of settling in the Institution.

"I received the silver.... The soup-ladle is my delight, and I could
almost take the dear old coffee-pot to bed with me.... But here is the
most important thing.

"MY TRAGEDY IS LEFT BEHIND!... My house ... in great confusion, carpets
not down, curtains not up, the devil to pay, and not a sofa to ask him
to sit down upon...."

She now felt sadly the need of training in matters which her girlhood
had despised. (She could describe every room in her father's house save
one--the kitchen!) The Doctor liked to give weekly dinners to his
intimates, "The Five of Clubs," and others. These dinners were something
of a nightmare to Julia, even with the aid of Miss Catherine Beecher's
cookbook. She spent weeks in studying this volume and trying her hand on
its recipes. This was not what her hand was made for; yet she learned to
make puddings, and was proud of her preserves.

Speaking of the dinner parties, she tells of one for which she had taken
special pains, and of which ice-cream, not then the food of every day,
was to form the climax. The ice-cream did not come, and her pleasure was
spoiled; she found it next morning in a snowbank outside the back door,
where the messenger had "dumped" it without word or comment. "I should
laugh at it now," she says, "but then I almost wept over it."

Everything in the new life interested her, even the most prosaic
details. She writes to her sister Louisa:

"Our house has been enlivened of late by two delightful visits. The
first was from the soap-fat merchant, who gave me thirty-four pounds of
good soap for my grease. I was quite beside myself with joy, capered
about in the most enthusiastic manner, and was going to hug in turn the
soap, the grease, and the man, had I not remembered my future
ambassadress-ship, and reflected that it would not sound well in
history. This morning came the rag-man, who takes rags and gives nice
tin vessels in exchange.... Both of these were clever transactions. Oh,
if you had seen me stand by the soap-fat man, and scrutinize minutely
his weights and measures, telling him again and again that it was
beautiful grease, and he must allow me a good price for it--truly, I am
a mother in Israel."


Much as the Doctor loved the Perkins Institution, he longed for a home
of his own, and in the spring of 1845 he found a place entirely to his
mind.

A few steps from the Institution was a plot of land, facing the sun,
sheltered from the north wind by the last remaining bit of "Washington
Heights," the eminence on which Washington planted the batteries which
drove the British out of Boston. Some six acres of fertile ground, an
old house with low, broad, sunny rooms, two towering Balm of Gilead
trees, and some ancient fruit trees: this was all in the beginning; but
the Doctor saw at a glance the possibilities of the place. He bought it,
added one or two rooms to the old house, planted fruit trees, laid out
flower gardens, and in the summer of 1845 moved his little family
thither.

The move was made on a lovely summer day. As our mother drove into the
green bower, half shade, half sunshine, silent save for the birds, she
cried out, "Oh! this is green peace!" The name fitted and clung: "_Green
Peace_" was known and loved as such so long as it existed.

This was the principal home of her married life, but it was not
precisely an abiding one. The summers were spent elsewhere; moreover,
the "Doctor's Wing" in the Institution was always ready for habitation,
and it often happened that for one reason or another the family were
taken back there for weeks or months. Two of the six children, Florence
and Maud, were born at the Institution; the former just before the move
to Green Peace. She was named Florence in honor of Miss Nightingale. The
Doctor had ardently desired a son; finding the baby a girl, "I will
forgive you," he cried, "if you will name her for Florence Nightingale!"
Miss Nightingale became the child's godmother, sent a golden cup (now a
precious heirloom), and wrote as follows:--


                                             EMBLEY, December 26.

I cannot pretend to express, my dear kind friends, how touched and
pleased I was by such a remembrance of me as that of your child's
name.... If I could live to justify your opinion of me, it would have
been enough to have lived for, and such thoughts, as that of your
goodness, are great thoughts, "strong to consume small troubles" which
should bear us up on the wings of the Eagle, like Guido's Ganymede, up
to the feet of the God, there to take what work he has for us to do for
him. I shall hope to see my little Florence before long in this world,
but if not, I trust there is a tie formed between us, which shall
continue in Eternity--if she is like you, I shall know her again there,
without her body on, perhaps the better for not having known her here
with it.


Letters to her sisters give glimpses of the life at Green Peace during
the years 1845-50.


                           _To her sister Louisa_

... I assure you it is a delightful but a terrible thing to be a mother.
The constant care, anxiety and thought of some possible evil that may
come to the little creature, too precious to be so frail, whose life and
well-being the mother feels God has almost placed in her hands! If I did
not think that angels watched over my baby, I should be crazy about it.


                                _To the same_

My trouble has been Chev's illness.... He was taken ill the night of his
return, and established himself next morning on the sofa, to be coddled
with Cologne, and dieted with peaches and grapes, when lo, in an hour
more, no coddling save that of (Dr.) Fisher, no _diet_ save ipecac and
werry thin gruel--chills, nausea, and blue devils. Bradford to watch by
night, Rosy and I by day; Fisher and I sympathizing deeply in holding
the head of a perfectabilian philanthropist. I making myself active in a
variety of ways, bathing Chev's eyes with cologne water by mistake
instead of his brow, laying the pillow the wrong way, and being
banished at last in disgrace, to make room for Rosa.

Am I not the most unfortunate of human beings? Devil a bit! I enjoy all
that I can--have I not milk for the baby, and the baby for milk? Cannot
Julia make arrowroot pudding and cold custard? Can I not refresh myself
by looking into Romana's sapphire eyes, with their deep dark fringe? Is
there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Yea, thou, oh
Bradford, art the balm, thou, oh Fisher, art the physician! Food also is
there for cachinnation, that chief duty of man--Quoth Chev this morning,
lifting up his feeble voice and shaking his dizzy head: "Oh, oh, if I
had fallen sick in New York, and old Francis had bled me, you would not
have seen me again...."

Florence's name is Florence Marion--pretty, _n'est-ce pas?_...

                              Farewell, my own darling. Your
                                                           JULES.

Well, life _am_ strange! I am again cookless. I imprudently turned old
Smith off and took a young girl, who left me in four days. Why? Her
lover would not allow her to stay in a family where she did not sit at
table with the lady. I had read of such things in Mrs. Trollope, and
thought them quite impossible. In the place from which I took her, she
had done all the cooking, washing and chamber work of the house--was, in
fine the only servant, for the compensation of six dollars a month. But
then, she sat at table!!! oh, ho!


                            _To the same_

                                    SOUTH BOSTON, April 21, 1845.

... The weather here is so gloomy, that one really deserves credit for
not hanging oneself!... I passed last evening with ----. Chev was going
to a "'versary," left me there at about seven, and did not come for me
until after ten. Consequence was, I got heartily tired of the whole
family, and concluded that bright people without hearts were in the long
run less agreeable than good gentle people without wits--glory on my
soul, likewise also on my baby's soul, which I am!


                         _To the same_[24]

  [24] Louisa Ward married Thomas Crawford in 1844, and lived thereafter
  in Rome.

                                    SOUTH BOSTON, November, 1845.

MY DARLING WEVIE,--

The children have been so very obliging as to go to sleep, and having
worried over them all day, and part of the evening, I will endeavor to
give you what is left of it. When you become the mother of two children
you will understand the value of time as you never understood it before.
My days and nights are pretty much divided between Julia and Florence. I
sleep with the baby, nurse her all night, get up, hurry through my
breakfast, take care of her while Emily gets hers, then wash and dress
her, put her to sleep, drag her out in the wagon, amuse Dudie, kiss,
love and scold her, etc., etc.... Oh, my dear Wevie, for one good
squeeze in your loving arms, for one kiss, and one smile from you, what
would I not give? Anything, even my box of Paris finery, which I have
just opened, with great edification. Oh, what headdresses! what silks!
what a bonnet, what a mantelet! I clapped my hands and cried glory for
the space of half an hour, then danced a few Polkas around the study
table, then sat down and felt happy, then remembered that I had now
nothing to do save to grow old and ugly, and so turned a misanthropic
look upon the Marie Stuart garland, etc., etc. You have certainly chosen
my things with your own perfect taste. The flowers and dresses are alike
exquisite, and so are all the things, not forgetting Dudie's little
darling bonnet. But I fear that even this beautiful toilette will hardly
tempt me from my nursery fireside where my presence is, in these days,
indispensable. I have not been ten minutes this whole day, without
holding one or other of the children. I have to sit with Fo-fo on one
knee and Dudie on the other, trotting them alternately, and singing,
"Jim along Josie," till I can't Jim along any further possibly. Well,
life is peculiar anyhow. Dudie doesn't go alone yet--heaven only knows
when she will. _Sunday evening._ I wore the new bonnet and mantelet to
church, to-day:--frightened the sexton, made the minister squint, and
the congregation stare. It looked rather like a green clam shell, some
folks thought. I did not. I cocked it as high as ever I could, but
somehow it did plague me a little. I shall soon get used to it. Sumner
has been dining with us, and he and Chev have been pitying unmarried
women. Oh, my dear friends, thought I, if you could only have one baby,
you would change your tune.... Heaven grant that your dear little child
may arrive safely, and gladden your heart with its sweet face. What a
new world will its birth open to you, an ocean of love unfathomed even
by your loving heart. I cannot tell you the comfort I have in my little
ones, troublesome as they sometimes are. However weary I may be at
night, it is sweet to feel that I have devoted the day to them. I am
become quite an adept in washing and dressing, and curl my little
Fo-fo's hair beautifully. Tell Donald that I can even wash out the
little crease in her back, without rubbing the skin off....


                     _To her sister Annie_[25]

  [25] Before the marriage of the latter to Adolphe Mailliard.

                                                            1846.

My poor dear little Ante-nuptial, I will write to you, and I will come
to you, though I can do you no good--sentiment and sympathy I have none,
but such insipidity as I have give I unto thee.... Dear Annie, your
marriage is to me a grave and solemn matter. I hardly allow myself to
think about it. God give you all happiness, dearest child. Some
sufferings and trials I fear you must have, for after all, the entering
into single combat, hand to hand, with the realities of life, will be
strange and painful to one who has hitherto lived, enjoyed, and
suffered, _en l'air_, as you have done.... To be happily married seems
to me the best thing for a woman. Oh! my sweet Annie, may you be
happy--your maidenhood has been pure, sinless, loving, beautiful--you
have no remorses, no anxious thought about the past. You have lived to
make the earth more beautiful and bright--may your married life be as
holy and harmless--may it be more complete, and more acceptable to God
than your single life could possibly have been. Marriage, like death, is
a debt we owe to nature, and though it costs us something to pay it, yet
are we more content and better _established_ in peace, when we have paid
it. A young girl is a loose flower or flower seed, blown about by the
wind, it may be cruelly battered, may be utterly blighted and lost to
this world, but the matron is the same flower or seed planted, springing
up and bearing fruit unto eternal life. What a comfort would Wevie now
be to you--she is so much more _loving_ than I, but thee knows I try. I
have been better lately, the quiet nights seem to speak to me again, and
to quicken my dead soul. What I feel is a premature _old age_, caused by
the strong passions and conflicts of my early life. It is the languor
and indifference of old age, without its wisdom, or its well-earned
right to repose. Sweetie, wasn't the bonnet letter hideous? I sent it
that you might see how _naughty I could be_....

       *       *       *       *       *

The Doctor's health had been affected by the hardships and exposures of
his service in the Greek Revolution, and his arduous labors now gave him
little time for rest or recuperation. He was subject to agonizing
headaches, each of which was a brief but distressing illness. In the
summer of 1846 he resolved to try the water cure, then considered by
many a sovereign remedy for all human ailments, and he and our mother
spent some delightful weeks at Brattleboro, Vermont.


                          _To her sister Louisa_

                                                  August 4, 1846.

DEAREST WEVIE,--

... We left dear old Brattleboro on Sunday afternoon, at five o'clock,
serenely packed in our little carriage; the good old boarding-house
woman kissed me, and presented me with a bundle, containing cake,
biscuits, and whortleberries.... Two calico bags, one big and one
little, contained our baggage for the journey. Chev and I felt well and
happy, the children were good, the horses went like birds, and showed
themselves horses of good mettle, by carrying us over a distance of one
hundred miles in something less than two days, for we arrived here at
three o'clock to-day, so that the second 24 hours was not completed.
Very pleasant was our little journey. We started very early each
morning, and went ten or twelve miles to becassim;[26] the country inns
were clean, quiet and funny. We had custards, pickles, and pies for
breakfast, and tea at dinner. Oh, it was a good time! At Athol, I found
a piano, and sat down to sing negro songs for the children. A charming
audience, comprising cook, ostler, and waiter, collected around the
parlour door, and encouraged me with a broom and a pitchfork. Well, it
was pleasant to arrive at our dear Green Peace, or Villa Julia, as they
call it. We found everything in beautiful order, the green corn grown as
high as our heads, and ripe enough to eat, the turkey sitting on eleven
eggs, the peahen on four, six young turkeys already growing up, and two
broods of young chickens.

  [26] Breakfast.

Peas, tomatoes, beans, squashes and potatoes, all flourishing. Our
garden entirely supplies us with vegetables, and we shall have many
apples and pears. Immediately upon my arrival, I found the box and
little parcel from you. You may imagine the pleasure it gave me to
receive, at this distance, things which your tasteful little fingers had
worked.... I am rather ashamed to see how beautiful your work is, when
mine is as coarse as possible. In truth, I am a clumsy seamstress, but I
make good puddings, and the little things I make do well enough here in
the country.... _August 15th._ I have passed eleven quiet and peaceful
days since I got so far with my letter. My chicks have been good, and my
husband well. My household affairs go on very pleasantly and easily
nowadays. My good stout German girl takes care of the chicks and helps a
little with the chamber work. My little Lizzie does the cooking, all but
the puddings which I always make myself, so I keep but two house
servants. The man takes care of the horses, drives and keeps the garden
in excellent order. I make my bed and put my room in order as well as I
can. I generally wipe the dishes when Lizzie has washed them, so you see
that I am quite an industrious flea. I have made very nice raspberry jam
and currant jelly with my own hands.... Felton came to tea last evening.
He was pleasant and bright. He will be married some time in November.
Hillard, too, has been to see me. Yesterday was made famous by the
purchase of a very beautiful piano of Chickering's manufacture. The
value of it was $450, but the kind Chick sold it to us at wholesale
price. It arrived at Green Peace to-day, and has already gladdened the
children's hearts by some gay tunes, the rags of my antiquated musical
repertory. You will be glad, I am sure, to know that I have one at last,
for I have been many months without any instrument, so that I have
almost forgotten how to touch one.... My mourning [for a sister-in-law]
has been quite an inconvenience to me, this summer. I had just spent all
the money I could afford for my summer clothes, and was forced to spend
$30 more for black dresses.... The black clothes, however, seem to me
very idle things, and I shall leave word in my will that no one shall
wear them for me....


                          _To the same_

                                        BORDENTOWN, August, 1846.

... Sumner and Chev came hither with us, and passed two days and nights
here. Chev is well and good. Sumner is as usual, funny but very good and
kind. Philanthropy goes ahead, and slavery will be abolished, and so
shall we. New York is full of engagements in which I feel no interest.
John Astor and Augusta Gibbs are engaged, and are, I think, fairly well
matched. One can only say that each is good enough for the other.

These were the days when Julia sang in her nursery:

  "Rero, rero, riddlety rad,
  This morning my baby caught sight of her Dad,
  Quoth she, 'Oh, Daddy, where have you been?'
  'With Mann and Sumner a-putting down sin!'"


                          _To her sister Annie_

                                                 August 17, 1846.

MY DEAR DARLING ANNIE,--

... After seeing the frugal manner in which country people live, and
after deriving great benefit from hydropathic diet, Chev and I thought
we could get along with one servant less, and so we have no cook.
Lizzie[27] cooks, I make the pudding, we have no tea, and live
principally upon vegetables from our own garden, hasty pudding, etc. I
make the beds and do the rooms, as well as I can. We get along quite
comfortably, and I like it very much--the fewer servants one has, the
more comfort, I think.... I have plenty of occupation for my fingers. My
heart will be much taken up with my babies; as for my soul, that part of
me which thinks and believes and imagines, I shall leave it alone till
the next world, for I see it has little to do in this....

                                      Good-bye. Your own, own

                                                           DUDIE.

  [27] The nurserymaid.


                               _To her sister Louisa_

                                        BOSTON, December 1, 1846.

Dearest old absurdity that you are, am I to write to you again? Is not
my life full enough of business, of flannel petticoats, aprons, and the
wiping of dirty little noses? Must I sew and trot babies and sing songs,
and tell Mother Goose stories, and still be expected to know how to
write? My fingers are becoming less and less familiar with the pen, my
thoughts grow daily more insignificant and commonplace. What earthly
good can my letters do to anyone? What interesting information can I
impart to anyone? Not that I am not happy, very happy, but then I have
quite lost the power of contributing to the amusement of others....


                           _To her sister Annie_

                                                    1845 or 1846.

... I visited my Mother Otis[28] on Thursday evening, and had a pleasant
time. I went alone, Chev being philanthropically engaged--party being
over, I called for him at Mr. Mann's, but they were so happy over their
report that they concluded to make a night of it, and I came home alone.
Chev returned at one, quite intoxicated with benevolence....

  [28] Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis.

Finding that the isolation of South Boston was telling seriously upon
her health and spirits, the Doctor decided on a change, and the winter
of 1846 was spent at the Winthrop House in Boston.


                            _To the same_

                                            Monday morning, 1846.

MY DEAREST, SWEETEST ANNIE,--

... I have neglected you sadly this winter, and my heart reproaches me
for it.... It has been strange to me, to return to life and to feel that
I have any sympathy with living beings.... I have been singing and
writing poetry, so you may know that I have been happy. Alas! am I not a
selfish creature to prize these enjoyments as I do, above _almost_
everything else in the world? God forgive me if I do wrong in following
with ardor the strongest instincts of my nature, but I have been doing
wrong all my life, in some way or other. I have been giving a succession
of little musical parties on Saturday evenings, and I assure you they
have been quite successful. I have to be sure only my little parlour in
the Winthrop House, but even that is larger than the grand saloon at S.
Niccolo da Tolentino which managed to hold so much fun on Friday
evenings. I have found some musical friends to sing with me--Lizzie
Cary, Mrs. Felton, Mr. Pelosos and William Story, of whom more anon....
Agassiz, the learned and charming Frenchman, is also one of my
_habitués_ on Saturday evenings, and Count Pourtalés, a Swiss nobleman
of good family, who has accompanied Agassiz to this country! I
illuminate my room with a chandelier and some candles, draw out the
piano into the room, and order some ice from Mrs. Mayer's--so that the
reception gives me very little trouble. My friends come at half-past
eight and stay until eleven. I do not usually have more than twenty
people, but once I have had nearly sixty, and those of the best people
in Boston. Chev is very desirous of having a house in town, and is far
more pleased with my success than I am. My next party will be on the
coming Saturday. It is for Lizzie Rice and Sam Guild who are just
married. Am I not an enterprising little woman?... Dear Annie, I am
anxious to be with you, that I may really know how you are, and talk
over all the little matters with you.... I always feel that this
suffering must be some expiation for all the follies of one's life,
whereupon I will improvise a couplet upon the subject.

  Woman, being of all critters the darn'dest,
  Is made to suffer the consarn'dest.


                      _To her sister Louisa_

                                                    May 17, 1847.

MY SWEETEST BEAUTIFULLEST WEVIE,--

... I have not written because I have been in a studious, meditative,
and most uncommunicative frame of mind, and have very few words to throw
at many dogs. It is quite delightful to take to study again, and to feel
that old and stupid as one may be, there is still in one's mind a little
power of improvement.... The longer I live the more do I feel my utter
childlike helplessness about all practical affairs. Certainly a creature
with such useless hands was never before seen. I seem to need a dry
nurse quite as much as my children. What useful thing can I possibly
teach these poor little monkeys? For everything that is not soul I am an
ass, that I am. I have now been at Green Peace some six weeks, and it is
very pleasant and quiet, but oh! the season is so backward; it is the
17th of May, and the trees are only beginning to blossom. Every day
comes a cold east wind to nip off my nose, and the devil a bit of
anything else comes to Green Peace. I am thin and languid. I have never
entirely recovered from my fever,[29] but my mind is clearer than it has
ever been since my marriage. I am able to think, to study and to pray,
things which I cannot accomplish when my brain is oppressed....

  [29] She had had a severe attack of scarlet fever during the winter.

Boston has been greatly enlivened during the past month by a really fine
opera, the troupe from Havana, much better than the N. Y. troupe, with a
fine orchestra and chorus, all Italians. The Prima Donna is an artist of
the first order, and has an exquisite voice. I have had season tickets,
and have been nearly every night. This is a great indulgence, as it is
very expensive, and I have one of the best boxes in the house, but Chev
is the most indulgent of husbands. I never knew anything like it. Think
of all he allows me, a house and garden, a delicious carriage and pair
of horses, etc., etc., etc. My children are coming on famously. Julia,
or as she calls herself, Romana, is really a fine creature, full of
sensibility and of talent. She learns very readily, and reasons about
things with great gravity. She remembers every tune that she hears, and
can sing a great many songs. She is very full of fun, and so is my sweet
Flossy, my little flaxen-haired wax doll. I play for them on the piano,
Lizzie beats the tambourine, and the two babies take hold of hands and
dance. "Is not your heart fully satisfied with such a sight?" you will
ask me. I reply, dear Wevie, that the soul whose desires are not fixed
upon the unattainable is dead even while it liveth, and that I am glad,
in the midst of all my comforts, to feel myself still a pilgrim in
pursuit of something that is neither house nor lands, nor children, nor
health. What that something is I scarce know. Sometimes it seems to me
one thing and sometimes another. Oh, immortality, thou art to us but a
painful rapture, an ecstatic burthen in this earthly life. God teach me
to bear thee until thou shalt bear me! The arms of the cross will one
day turn into angels' wings, and lift us up to heaven. Don't think from
this rhapsody that I am undergoing a fit of pietistic exaltation. I am
not, but as I grow older, many things become clearer to me, and I feel
at once the difficulty and the necessity of holding fast to one's soul
and to its divine relationships, lest the world should cheat us of it
utterly.


                         _To her sister Annie_

                                     June 19 [1847], GREEN PEACE.

MY DEAREST LITTLE ANNIE,--

... Boston has been in great excitement at the public debates of the
Prison Discipline Society, which have been intensely interesting. Chev
and Sumner have each spoken twice, in behalf of the Philadelphia system,
and against the course of the Society. They have been furiously attacked
by the opposite party. Chev's second speech drew tears from many eyes,
and was very beautiful. Both of Sumner's have been fine, but the last,
delivered last evening, was _masterly_. I never listened to anything
with more intense interest,--he held the audience breathless for two
hours and a half. I have attended all the debates save one--there have
been seven.


                        _To her sister Louisa_

                                                    July 1, 1847.

MY DEAREST OLD WEVIE,--

I should have written you yesterday but that I was obliged to entertain
the whole Club[30] at dinner, prior to Hillard's departure. I gave them
a neat little dinner, soup, salmon, sweetbreads, roast lamb and pigeon,
with green peas, potatoes _au maitre d'hotel_, spinach and salad. Then
came a delicious pudding and blanc-mange, then strawberries, pineapple,
and ice-cream, then coffee, etc. We had a pleasant time upon the whole.
That is, they had; for myself it is easy to find companions more
congenial than the Club. Still, I like them very well. I had last week a
little meeting of the _mutual correction_ club, which was far pleasanter
to me. This society is organized as follows: Julia Howe, grand universal
philosopher; Jane Belknap, charitable censor; Mary Ward, moderator;
Sarah Hale, optimist. I had them all to dinner and we were jolly, I do
assure you. My children looked so lovely yesterday, in muslin dresses of
bright pink plaid, made very full and reaching only to the knee, with
pink ribbands in their sleeves....

  [30] The Five of Clubs. See _ante_.

How I do wish for you this summer. My little place is so green, my
flowers so sweet, my strawberries so delicious--the garden produces six
quarts or more a day. The cow gives delicious cream. I even make a sort
of cream cheese which is not by any means to be despised. Do you eat
_ricotta_ nowadays? Chev gave me a little French dessert set yesterday,
which made my table look so pretty. White with very rich blue and gold.
Oh, but it was bunkum! Dear old Wevie, you must give me one summer, and
then I will give you a winter--isn't that fair? Chev promises to take me
abroad in five years, if we should sell Green Peace well. They talk of
moving the Institution, in which case I should have to leave my pretty
Green Peace in two years more, but I should be sad to leave it, for it
is very lovely. I don't know any news at all to communicate. The
President[31] has just made a visit here; he was coolly but civilly
received. His whole course has been very unpopular in Massachusetts, and
nobody wanted to see the man who had brought this cursed Mexican War
upon us. He was received by the Mayor with a brief but polite address,
lodgings were provided for him, and a dinner given him by the city. But
there was no crowd to welcome him, no shouts, no waving of
handkerchiefs. The people quietly looked at him and said, "This is our
chief magistrate, is it? Well, he is _très peu de chose_." I of course
did not trouble myself to go and see him.... I send you an extract from a
daily paper. Can you tell me who is the authoress? It has been much
admired. Uncle John was very much tickled to see _somebody_ in print.
Try it again, Blue Jacket.

  [31] James K. Polk.

       *       *       *       *       *

The wayward moods shown in these letters sometimes found other
expression. In those days her wit was wayward too: its arrows were
always winged, and sometimes over-sharp. In later life, when Boston and
everything connected with it was unspeakably dear to her, she would not
recall the day when, passing on Charles Street the Charitable Eye and
Ear Infirmary, she read the name aloud and exclaimed, "Oh! I did not
know there was a charitable eye or ear in Boston!" Or that other day,
when having dined with the Ticknors, a family of monumental dignity, she
said to a friend afterward, "Oh! I am so cold! I have been dining with
the _Tête Noir_, the _Mer(e) de Glace_, and the _Jungfrau_!"

It may have been in these days that an incident occurred which she thus
describes in "A Plea for Humour": "I once wrote to an intimate friend a
very high-flown and ridiculous letter of reproof for her frivolity. I
presently heard of her as ill in bed, in consequence of my unkindness. I
immediately wrote, 'Did not you see that the whole thing was intended to
be a burlesque?' After a while she wrote back, 'I am just beginning to
see the fun of it, but the next time you intend to make a joke, pray
give me a fortnight's notice.' It was now my turn to take to my bed."

In September, 1847, a heavy sorrow came to her in the death of her
brother Marion, "a gallant, gracious boy, a true, upright and useful
man." She writes to her sister Louisa: "Let us thank Him that Marion's
life gave us as much joy as his death has given us pain.... Our children
will grow up in love and beauty, and one of us will have a sweet boy who
shall bear the dear name of Marion and make it doubly dear to us."

This prophecy was fulfilled first by the birth, on March 2, 1848, of
Henry Marion Howe (named for the two lost brothers), and again in 1854
by that of Francis Marion Crawford.

The winter of 1847-48 was also spent in Boston, at No. 74 Mount Vernon
Street; here the first son was born. The Doctor, recording his birth in
the Family Bible, wrote after the name, "_Dieu donné!_" And, his mind
full of the Revolution of 1848 in France, added, "_Liberté, Egalité,
Fraternité!_"

On April 18 she writes: "My boy will be seven weeks old to-morrow, and
... such a darling little child was never seen in this world before....
I shall have some fears lest his temperament partake of the melancholy
which oppressed me during the period of his _creation_, but so far he is
so placid and gentle, that we call him the little saint.... I have seen
little of the world since his birth, and thought still less. I shall try
to pursue my studies as I have through this last year, for I am good for
nothing without them. I will rather give up the world and cut out Beacon
Street, but an hour or two for the cultivation of my poor little soul I
must and will have...."


                         _To her sister Annie_

                                                          [1848.]

DEAREST ANNIE,--

... My literary reputation is growing apace. Mr. Buchanan Read has
written to me from Philadelphia to beg some poetry for a book he is
about to publish, and I am going to hunt up some trash for him in the
course of the week. I find that my name has been advertised in relation
to Griswold's book[32]--people come to ask Chev if _that_ Mrs. Howe is
his wife. I feel as if I should make a horribly shabby appearance. Do
tell me if Griswold liked the poems....

  [32] _Female Poets of America._


                             _To the same_

                                       Sunday, December 15, 1849.

... I do want to see you, best Annie, and to have a few long talks with
you about theology, the soul, the heart, life, matrimony, and the points
of resemblance between the patriarch Noah and Sir Tipsy Squinteye. Those
talks, madam, are not to be had, so instead of the rich _crême fouettée_
of our conversation, we will take an insipid water-ice of a letter
together, the two spoons being ourselves, the sugar, ice and lemon
representing our three husbands, all mixed up together, the whole to be
considered good when one can't get anything better. I will be hanged,
however, if you shall make me say which is which.

I pass my life after a singular manner, Annie. I am in the old room, in
the old house, even in the old dressing-gown, which is of some value,
inasmuch as it furnishes my _rent_. I am in the old place, but the old
Dudie is not in me; in her stead is a spirit of crossness and dullness,
insensible to all the gentler influences of life, knowing no music,
poetry, wit, or devotion, intent mainly upon holding on to the ropes,
and upon getting through the present without too much consciousness of
it.... All society has been paralyzed by the shocking murder of Dr.
Parkman. There has perhaps never been in Boston so horrible and
atrocious an affair. The details of the crime are too heart-sickening to
be dwelt upon. There can scarcely be a doubt of the guilt of Dr.
Webster--the jury of inquest have returned a verdict of guilty, but he
has still a chance for his life, as his trial in court does not come on
for some months. The wisest people say that he will be convicted and
hanged. I saw Dr. Parkman two or three days before he was missing--he
was an old friend of Chev's.... I have not been able to see much
company, yet we have had a few pleasant people at the house, now and
then. Among these, a Mr. Twisleton, brother of Lord Saye and Sele, the
most agreeable John Bull I have seen this many a day, or indeed ever....


The winter of 1849-50 was also spent at No. 74 Mount Vernon Street.
Here, in February, 1850, a third daughter was born, and named Laura for
Laura Bridgman. In the spring, our parents made a second voyage to
Europe, taking with them the two youngest children, Julia Romana and
Florence being left in the household of Dr. Edward Jarvis.

They spent some weeks in England, renewing the friendships made seven
years before; thence they journeyed to Paris, and from there to Boppart,
where the Doctor took the water cure. Julia seems to have been too busy
for letter-writing during this year; the Doctor writes to Charles Sumner
of the beauty of Boppart, and adds: "Julia and I have been enjoying
walks upon the banks of the Rhine, and rambles upon the hillside, and
musings among the ruins, and jaunts upon the waters as we have enjoyed
nothing since we left home."

He had but six months' leave of absence; it was felt by both that Julia
needed a longer time of rest and refreshment; accordingly when he
returned she, with the two little children, joined her sisters, both
now married, and the three proceeded to Rome, where they spent the
winter.

Mrs. Crawford was living at Villa Negroni, where Mrs. Mailliard became
her companion; Julia found a comfortable apartment in Via Capo le Case,
with the Edward Freemans on the floor above, and Mrs. David Dudley Field
on that below.

These were pleasant neighbors. Mrs. Freeman was Julia's companion in
many delightful walks and excursions; when Mrs. Field had a party, she
borrowed Mrs. Howe's large lamp, and was ready to lend her tea-cups in
return. There was a Christmas tree--the first ever seen in Rome!--at
Villa Negroni; "an occasional ball, a box at the opera, a drive on the
Campagna."

Julia found a learned Rabbi from the Ghetto, and resumed the study of
Hebrew, which she had begun the year before in South Boston. This
accomplished man was obliged to wear the distinctive dress then imposed
upon the Jews of Rome, and to be within the walls of the Ghetto by six
in the evening. There were private theatricals, too, she appearing as
"Tilburina" in "The Critic."

Among the friends of this Roman winter none was so beloved as Horace
Binney Wallace. He was a Philadelphian, a _rosso_. He held that "the
highest effort of nature is to produce a _rosso_"; he was always in
search of the favored tint either in pictures or in living beings.
Together the two _rossi_ explored the ancient city, with mutual pleasure
and profit.

Some years later, on hearing of his death, she recalled these days of
companionship in a poem called "Via Felice,"[33] which she sang to an
air of her own composition. The poem appeared in "Words for the Hour,"
and is one of the tenderest of her personal tributes:--

  For Death's eternal city
  Has yet some happy street;
  'Tis in the Via Felice
  My friend and I shall meet.

  [33] Formerly part of the Via Sistina.

In the summer of 1851 she turned her face westward. The call of husband,
children, home, was imperative; yet so deep was the spell which Rome had
laid upon her that the parting was fraught with "pain, amounting almost
to anguish." She was oppressed by the thought that she might never again
see all that had grown so dear. Looking back upon this time, she says,
"I have indeed seen Rome and its wonders more than once since that time,
but never as I saw them then."

The homeward voyage was made in a sailing-vessel, in company with Mr.
and Mrs. Mailliard. They were a month at sea. In the long quiet mornings
Julia read Swedenborg's "Divine Love and Wisdom"; in the afternoons
Eugène Sue's "_Mystères de Paris_," borrowed from a steerage passenger.
There was whist in the evening; when her companions had gone to rest she
would sit alone, thinking over the six months, weaving into song their
pleasures and their pains. The actual record of this second Roman winter
is found in "Passion Flowers."




CHAPTER VII

"PASSION FLOWERS"

1852-1858; _aet._ 33-39

ROUGE GAGNE

  The wheel is turned, the cards are laid;
  The circle's drawn, the bets are made:
  I stake my gold upon the red.

  The rubies of the bosom mine,
  The river of life, so swift divine,
  In red all radiantly shine.

  Upon the cards, like gouts of blood,
  Lie dinted hearts, and diamonds good,
  The red for faith and hardihood.

  In red the sacred blushes start
  On errand from a virgin heart,
  To win its glorious counterpart.

  The rose that makes the summer fair,
  The velvet robe that sovereigns wear,
  The red revealment could not spare.

  And men who conquer deadly odds
  By fields of ice, and raging floods,
  Take the red passion from the gods.

  Now, Love is red, and Wisdom pale,
  But human hearts are faint and frail
  Till Love meets Love, and bids it hail.

  I see the chasm, yawning dread;
  I see the flaming arch o'erhead:
  I stake my life upon the red.

                                         J. W. H.


We have seen that from her earliest childhood Julia Ward's need of
expressing herself in verse was imperative. Every emotion, deep or
trivial, must take metrical shape; she laughed, wept, prayed--even
stormed, in verse.

Walking with her one day, her sister Annie, always half angel, half
sprite, pointed to an object in the road. "Dudie dear," she said;
"squashed frog! little verse, dear?"

We may laugh with the two sisters, but under the laughter lies a deep
sense of the poet's nature.

As in her dreamy girlhood she prayed--

  "Oh! give me back my golden lyre!"--

so in later life she was to pray--

  "On the Matron's time-worn mantle
  Let the Poet's wreath be laid."

The tide of song had been checked for a time; after the second visit to
Rome, it flowed more freely than ever. By the winter of 1853-54, a
volume was ready (the poems chosen and arranged with the help of James
T. Fields), and was published by Ticknor and Fields under the title of
"Passion Flowers."

No name appeared on the title-page; she had thought to keep her
_incognito_, but she was recognized at once as the author, and the book
became the literary sensation of the hour. It passed rapidly through
three editions; was, she says, "much praised, much blamed, and much
called in question."

She writes to her sister Annie:--

"The history of all these days, beloved, is comprised in one phrase, the
miseries of proof-reading. Oh, the endless, endless plague of looking
over these proof-sheets--the doubts about phrases, rhymes, and
expressions, the perplexity of names, especially, in which I have not
been fortunate. To-morrow I get my last proof. Then a fortnight must be
allowed for drying and binding. Then I shall be out, fairly out, do you
hear? So far my secret has been pretty well kept. My book is to bear a
simple title without my name, according to Longfellow's advice.
Longfellow has been reading a part of the volume in sheets. He says it
will make a sensation.... I feel much excited, quite unsettled,
sometimes a little frantic. If I succeed, I feel that I shall be humbled
by my happiness, devoutly thankful to God. Now, I will not write any
more about it."

The warmest praise came from the poets,--the "high, impassioned few" of
her "Salutatory." Whittier wrote:--

                                       AMESBURY, 29th, 12 mo. 53.

MY DEAR FR'D,--

A thousand thanks for thy volume! I rec'd it some days ago, but was too
ill to read it. I glanced at "Rome," "Newport and Rome," and they
excited me like a war-trumpet. To-day, with the wild storm drifting
without, my sister and I have been busy with thy book, and basking in
the warm atmosphere of its flowers of passion. It is a great book--it
has placed thee at the head of us all. I like its noble aims, its scorn
and hate of priestcraft and Slavery. It speaks out bravely, beautifully
all I have _felt_, but could not express, when contemplating the
condition of Europe. God bless thee for it!

I owe an apology to Dr. Howe, if not to thyself, for putting into
verse[34] an incident of his early life which a friend related to me.
When I saw his name connected with it, in some of the papers that copied
it, I felt fearful that I had wounded, perhaps, the feelings of one I
love and honor beyond almost any other man, by the liberty I have taken.
I can only say I could not well help it--a sort of necessity was before
me, to say what I did.

  [34] "The Hero." See Whittier's _Poems_.

I wish I _could_ tell thee how glad thy volume has made me. I have
marked it all over with notes of admiration. I dare say it has faults
enough, but thee need not fear on that account. It has beauty enough to
save thy "slender neck" from the axe of the critical headsman. The
veriest "de'il"--as Burns says--"wad look into thy face and swear he
could na wrang thee."

With love to the Doctor and thy lovely little folk,

I am
                           Very sincerely thy friend,
                                                JOHN G. WHITTIER.


Emerson wrote:--

                                   CONCORD, MASS., 30 Dec., 1853.
DEAR MRS. HOWE,--

I am just leaving home with much ado of happy preparation for an absence
of five weeks, but must take a few moments to thank you for the
happiness your gift brings me. It was very kind in you to send it to me,
who have forfeited all apparent claims to such favor, by breaking all
the laws of good neighborhood in these years. But you were entirely
right in sending it, because, I fancy, that among all your friends, few
had so earnest a desire to know your thoughts, and, I may say, so much
regret at never seeing you, as I. And the book, as I read in it, meets
this curiosity of mine, by its poems of character and confidence,
private lyrics, whose air and words [are] all your own. I have not gone
so far in them as to have any criticism to offer you, and like better
the pure pleasure I find in a new book of poetry so warm with life.
Perhaps, when I have finished the book, I shall ask the privilege of
saying something further. At present I content myself with thanking you.

                                    With great regard,
                                                   R. W. EMERSON.


Oliver Wendell Holmes, always generous in his welcome to younger
writers, sent the following poem, never before printed:--

  If I were one, O Minstrel wild.
    That held "the golden cup"
  Not unto thee, Art's stolen child,
    My hand should yield it up;

  Why should I waste its gold on one
    That holds a guerdon bright--
  A chalice, flashing in the sun
    Of perfect chrysolite.

  And shaped on such a swelling sphere
    As if some God had pressed
  Its flowing crystal, soft and clear
    On Hebe's virgin breast?

  What though the bitter grapes of earth
    Have mingled in its wine?
  The stolen fruits of heavenly birth
    Have made its hue divine.

  Oh, Lady, there are charms that win
    Their way to magic bowers,
  And they that weave them enter in
    In spite of mortal powers;

  And hearts that seek the chapel's floor
    Will throb the long aisle through,
  Though none are waiting at the door
    To sprinkle holy dew!

  I, sitting in the portal gray
    Of Art's cathedral dim,
  Can see thee, passing in to pray
    And sing thy first-born hymn;--

  Hold out thy hand! these scanty drops
    Come from a hallowed stream,
  Its sands, a poet's crumbling hopes,
    Its mists, his fading dream.

  Pass on. Around the inmost shrine
    A few faint tapers burn;
  This altar, Priestess, shall be thine
    To light and watch in turn;

  Above it smiles the Mother Maid,
    It leans on Love and Art,
  And in its glowing depth is laid
    The first true woman's heart!

                                                         O. W. H.

BOSTON, Jan. 1, 1854.

This tribute from the beloved Autocrat touched her deeply, the more so
that in the "Commonwealth"[35] she had recently reviewed some of his
own work rather severely. She made her acknowledgment in a poem entitled
"A Vision of Montgomery Place,"[36] in which she pictures herself as a
sheeted penitent knocking at Dr. Holmes's door.

  [35] The _Commonwealth_ was a daily newspaper published in the
  Anti-Slavery interest. Dr. Howe was one of its organizers, and for some
  time its editor-in-chief. She says, "Its immediate object was to reach
  the body politic which distrusted rhetoric and oratory, but which sooner
  or later gives heed to dispassionate argument and the advocacy of plain
  issues." She helped the Doctor in his editorial work, and enjoyed it
  greatly, writing literary and critical articles, while he furnished the
  political part.

  [36] Printed in _Words for the Hour_, 1857.

  I was the saucy Commonwealth:
  Oh! help me to repent.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Behind my embrasure well-braced,
  With every chance to hit,
  I made your banner, waving wide,
  A mark for wayward wit.

  'Twas now my turn to walk the street,
  In dangerous singleness,
  And run, as bravely as I might,
  The gauntlet of the press.

  And when I passed your balcony
  Expecting only blows,
  From height or vantage-ground, you stooped
  To whelm me with a rose.

  A rose, intense with crimson life
  And hidden perfume sweet--
  Call out your friends, and see me do
  My penance in the street.

       *       *       *       *       *

She writes her sister Annie:--

"My book came out, darling, on Friday last. You have it, I hope, ere
this time. The simple title, 'Passion Flowers,' was invented by
Scherb[37] and approved by Longfellow. Its success became certain at
once. Hundreds of copies have already been sold, and every one likes it.
Fields foretells a second edition--it is sure to pay for itself. It has
done more for me, in point of consideration here, than a fortune of a
hundred thousand dollars. Parker quoted some of my verses in his
Christmas sermon, and this I considered as the greatest of honors. I sat
there and heard them, glowing all over. The authorship is, of course, no
secret now...."

  [37] A German scholar, at this time an _habitué_ of the house.

Speaking of the volume long after, she says, "It was a timid performance
upon a slender reed."

Three years later a second volume of verse was published by Ticknor and
Fields under the title of "Words for the Hour." Of this, George William
Curtis wrote, "It is a better book than its predecessor, but will
probably not meet with the same success."

She had written plays ever since she was nine years old. In 1857, the
same year which saw the publication of "Words for the Hour," she
produced her first serious dramatic work, a five-act drama entitled "The
World's Own." It was performed in New York at Wallack's Theatre, and in
Boston with Matilda Heron and the elder Sothern in the leading parts.
She notes that one critic pronounced the play "full of literary merits
and of dramatic defects"; and she adds, "It did not, as they say, 'keep
the stage.'"

Yet her brother Sam writes to her from New York: "Lenore still draws the
best houses; there was hardly standing room on Friday night"; and again:
"Mr. Russell went last night, a second time, bought the libretto, which
I send you by this mail--declares that there is not a grander play in
our language. He says that it is full of dramatic vigor, that the
interest never flags--but that unhappily Miss H., with the soul and
self-abandonment of a great actress, lacks those graces of elocution,
which should set forth the beauties of your verses."

Some of the critics blamed the author severely for her choice of a
subject--the betrayal and abandonment of an innocent girl by a villain;
they thought it unfeminine, not to say indelicate, for a woman to write
of such matters.

At that time nothing could be farther from her thoughts than to be
classed with the advocates of Women's Rights as they then appeared; yet
in "The World's Own" are passages which show that already her heart
cherished the high ideal of her sex, for which her later voice was to be
uplifted:--

  I think we call them Women, who uphold
  Faint hearts and strong, with angel countenance;
  Who stand for all that's high in Faith's resolve,
  Or great in Hope's first promise.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Ev'n the frail creature with a moment's bloom,
  That pays your pleasure with her sacrifice,
  And, having first a marketable price,
  Grows thenceforth valueless,--ev'n such an one,
  Lifted a little from the mire, and purged
  By hands severely kind, will give to view
  The germ of all we honor, in the form
  Of all that we abhor. You fling a jewel
  Where wild feet tramp, and crushing wheels go by;
  You cannot tread the splendor from its dust;
  So, in the shattered relics, shimmers yet
  Through tears and grime, the pride of womanhood.

         *       *       *       *       *

We must not forget the Comic Muse. Comparatively little of her humorous
verse is preserved; she seldom thought it important enough to make two
copies, and the first draft was often lost or given away. The following
was written in the fifties, when Wulf Fries was a young and much-admired
musician in Boston. Miss Mary Bigelow had invited her to her house "at
nine o'clock" to hear him play, meaning nine in the morning. She took
this for nine in the evening; the rest explains itself:--

  Miss Mary Big'low, you who seem
      So debonair and kind,
  Pray, what the devil do you mean
      (If I may speak my mind)

  By asking me to come and hear
      That Wulf of yours a-Friesing,
  Then leaving me to cool my heels
      In manner so unpleasing?

         *       *       *       *       *

  With Mrs. Dr. Susan you
      That eve, forsooth, were tea-ing:
  Confess you knew that I should come,
      And from my wrath were fleeing!

  To Mrs. Dr. Susan's I
      Had not invited been:
  So when the maid said, "Best go there!"
      I answered, "Not so green!"

  Within the darksome carriage hid
      I bottled up my beauty,
  And, rather foolish, hurried home
      To fireside and duty.

  It's very pleasant, _you_ may think,
      On winter nights to roam;
  But when you next invite abroad,
      _This_ wolf will freeze at home!

While she was pouring out her heart in poem and play, and the Doctor was
riding the errands of the hour and binding up the wounds of Humanity,
what, it may be asked,--it _was_ asked by anxious friends,--was becoming
of the little Howes? Why, the little Howes (there were now five, Maud
having been born in November, 1854) were having perhaps the most
wonderful childhood that ever children had. Spite of the occasional
winters spent in town, our memories centre round Green Peace;--there
Paradise blossomed for us. Climbing the cherry trees, picnicking on the
terrace behind the house, playing in the bowling-alley, tumbling into
the fishpond,--we see ourselves here and there, always merry, always
vigorous and robust. We were also studying, sometimes at school,
sometimes with our mother, who gave us the earliest lessons in French
and music; more often, in those years, under various masters and
governesses. The former were apt to be political exiles, the Doctor
always having many such on hand, some learned, all impecunious, all
seeking employment. We recall a Pole, a Dane, two Germans, one
Frenchman. The last, poor man, was married to a Smyrniote woman with a
bad temper; neither spoke the other's language, and when they quarrelled
they came to the Doctor, demanding his services as interpreter.

Through successive additions, the house had grown to a goodly size; the
new part, with large, high-studded rooms, towering above the ancient
farmhouse, which nevertheless seemed always the heart of the place.
Between the two was a conservatory, a posy of all sweet flowers: the
large greenhouse was down in the garden, under the same roof as the
bowling-alley.

The pears and peaches and strawberries of Green Peace were like no
others that ever ripened; we see ourselves tagging at our father's
heels, watching his pruning and grafting with an absorption equalling
his own, learning from him that there must be honor in gardens as
elsewhere, and that fruit taken from his hand was sweet, while stolen
fruit would be bitter.

We see ourselves gathered in the great dining-room, where the grand
piano was, and the Gobelin carpet with the strange beasts and fishes,
bought at the sale of the ex-King Joseph Bonaparte's furniture at
Bordentown, and the Snyders' Boar Hunt, which one of us could never pass
without a shiver; see ourselves dancing to our mother's
playing,--wonderful dances, invented by Flossy, who was always _première
danseuse_, and whose "Lady Macbeth" dagger dance was a thing to
remember.

Then perhaps the door would open, and in would come "Papa" as a bear, in
his fur overcoat, growling horribly, and chase the dancers into corners,
they shrieking terrified delight.

Again, we see ourselves clustered round the piano while our mother sang
to us; songs of all nations, from the Polish drinking-songs that Uncle
Sam had learned in his student days in Germany, down to the Negro
melodies which were very near our hearts.

Best of all, however, we loved her own songs: cradle-songs and nursery
nonsense made for our very selves--

  "(Sleep, my little child.
  So gentle, sweet and mild!
  The little lamb has gone to rest,
  The little bird is in its nest,--"

"Put in the donkey!" cries Laura. The golden voice goes on without a
pause--

  "The little donkey in the stable
  Sleeps as sound as he is able;
  All things now their rest pursue,
  You are sleepy too!)"

Again, she would sing passionate songs of love or battle, or hymns of
lofty faith and aspiration. One and all, we listened eagerly; one and
all, we too began to see visions and dream dreams.

Now and then, the Muse and Humanity had to stand aside and wait while
the children had a party; such a party as no other children ever had.
What wonder, when both parents turned the full current of their power
into this channel?

Our mother writes of one such festival:--

"My guests arrived in omnibus loads at four o'clock. My notes to parents
concluded with the following P.S.: 'Return-omnibus provided, with
insurance against plum-cake and other accidents.' A donkey carriage
afforded great amusement out of doors, together with swing,
bowling-alley, and the Great Junk. While all this was going on, the
H.'s, J. S., and I prepared a theatrical exhibition, of which I had made
a hasty outline. It was the story of 'Blue Beard.' We had curtains which
drew back and forth, and regular footlights. You can't think how good it
was! There were four scenes. My antique cabinet was the 'Blue Beard'
cabinet; we yelled in delightful chorus when the door was opened, and
the children stretched their necks to the last degree to see the
horrible sight. The curtain closed upon a fainting-fit done by four
women. In the third scene we were scrubbing the fatal key, when I cried
out, 'Try the "Mustang Liniment"! It's the liniment for us, for you know
we _must hang_ if we don't succeed!' This, which was made on the spur of
the moment, overcame the whole audience with laughter, and I myself
shook so that I had to go down into the tub in which we were scrubbing
the key. Well, to make a long story short, our play was very successful,
and immediately afterward came supper. There were four long tables for
the children; twenty sat at each. Ice-cream, cake, blanc-mange, and
delicious sugar-plums, oranges, etc., were served up 'in style.' We had
our supper a little later. Three omnibus loads went from my door; the
last--the grown people--at nine o'clock."

And again:--

"I have written a play for our doll-theatre, and performed it yesterday
afternoon with great success. It occupied nearly an hour. I had
alternately to grunt and squeak the parts, while Chev played the
puppets. The effect was really extremely good. The spectators were in a
dark room, and the little theatre, lighted by a lamp from the top,
looked very pretty."

It was one of these parties of which the Doctor wrote to Charles Sumner:
"Altogether it was a good affair, a religious affair; I say religious,
for there is nothing which so calls forth my love and gratitude to God
as the sight of the happiness for which He has given the capacity and
furnished the means; and this happiness is nowhere more striking than in
the frolics of the young."

Among the plays given at Green Peace were the "Three Bears," the Doctor
appearing as the Great Big Huge Bear; and the "Rose and the Ring," in
which he played Kutasoff Hedzoff and our mother Countess Gruffanuff,
while John A. Andrew, not yet Governor, made an unforgettable Prince
Bulbo.

It was a matter of course to us children, that "Papa and Mamma" should
play with us, sing to us, tell us stories, bathe our bumps, and
accompany us to the dentist; these were things that papas and mammas
did! Looking back now, with some realization of all the other things
they did, we wonder how they managed it. For one thing, both were rapid
workers; for another, both had the power of leading and inspiring others
to work; for a third, so far as we can see, neither ever wasted a
moment; for a fourth, neither ever reached the point where there was not
some other task ahead, to be begun as soon as might be.

Life with a Comet-Apostle was not always easy. Some one once expressed
to "Auntie Francis" wonder at the patience with which she endured all
the troublesome traits of her much-loved husband. "My dear," she
replied, "I shipped as Captain's mate, for the voyage!"

Our mother, quoting this, says, "I cannot imagine a more useful motto
for married life."

During the thirty-four years of her own married life the Doctor was
captain, beyond dispute; yet sometimes the mate felt that she must take
her own way, and took it quietly. She was fond of quoting the words of
Thomas Garrett,[38] whose house was for years a station of the
Underground Railway, and who helped many slaves to freedom.

  [38] Of Wilmington, Delaware.

"How did you manage it?" she asked him.

His reply sank deep into her mind.

"It was borne in upon me at an early period, that if I told no one what
I intended to do, I should be enabled to do it."

The bond between our mother and father was not to be entirely broken
even by death. She survived him by thirty-four years; but she never
discussed with any one of us a question of deep import, or national
consideration, without saying, "Your father would think thus, say thus!"
It has been told elsewhere[39] how she once, being in Newport and waked
from sleep by some noise, called to him; and how he, in Boston, heard
her, and asked, when next they met, "Why did you call me?" To the end of
her life, if startled or alarmed, she never failed to cry aloud, "Chev!"

  [39] _Letters and Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe._

Children were not the only guests at Green Peace. Some of us remember
Kossuth's visit; our mother often told of the day when John Brown
knocked at the door, and she opened it herself. To all of us, Charles
Sumner and his brothers, Albert and George, Hillard, Agassiz, Andrew,
Parker were familiar figures, and fit naturally into the background of
Green Peace.

Of these Charles Sumner, always the Doctor's closest and best-beloved
friend, is most familiarly remembered. We called him "the harmless
giant"; and one of us was in the habit of using his stately figure as a
rule of measurement. Knowing that he was just six feet tall, she would
say that a thing was so much higher or lower than Mr. Sumner. His deep
musical voice, his rare but kindly smile, are not to be forgotten.

We do not remember Nathaniel Hawthorne's coming to the house, but his
shy disposition is illustrated by the record of a visit made by our
parents to his house at Concord. While they were in the parlor, talking
with Mrs. Hawthorne, they saw a tall, slim man come down the stairs, and
Mrs. Hawthorne called out, "Husband! Husband! Dr. Howe and Mrs. Howe are
here!" Hawthorne bolted across the hall and out through the door without
even looking into the parlor.

Of Whittier our mother says:--

"I shall always be glad that I saw the poet Whittier in his youth and
mine. I was staying in Boston during the winter of 1847, a young mother
with two dear girl babies, when Sumner, I think, brought Whittier to our
rooms and introduced him to me. His appearance then was most striking.
His eyes glowed like black diamonds--his hair was of the same hue,
brushed back from his forehead. Several were present on this occasion
who knew him familiarly, and one of these persons bantered him a little
on his bachelor state. Mr. Whittier said in reply: 'The world's people
have taken so many of our Quaker girls that there is none left for me.'
A year or two later, my husband invited him to dine, but was detained so
late that I had a tête-à-tête of half an hour with Mr. Whittier. We sat
near the fire, rather shy and silent, both of us. Whenever I spoke to
Whittier, he hitched his chair nearer to the fire. At last Dr. Howe came
in. I said to him afterwards, 'My dear, if you had been a little later,
Mr. Whittier would have gone up the chimney.'"

The most welcome visitor of all was Uncle Sam Ward. He came into the
house like light: we warmed our hands at his fire and were glad. It was
not because he brought us peaches and gold bracelets, Virginia hams (to
be boiled after his own recipe, with a bottle of champagne, a wisp of
new-mown hay and--we forget what else!), and fine editions of Horace: it
was because he brought himself.

"I disagree with Sam Ward," said Charles Sumner, "on almost every known
topic: but when I have talked with him five minutes I forget everything
save that he is the most delightful companion in the world!"

A volume might be filled with Uncle Sam's _mots_ and jests; but print
would do him cold justice, lacking the kindling of his eyes and smile,
the mellow music of his laugh. Memory pictures rise up, showing him and
our mother together in every variety of scene. We see them coming out of
church together after a long and dull sermon, and hear him whisper to
her, "_Ce pauvre Dieu!_"

Again, we see them driving together after some function at which the
address of one Potts had roused Uncle Sam to anger; hear him pouring
out a torrent of eloquent vituperation, forgetting all else in the joy
of freeing his mind. Pausing to draw breath, he glanced round, and,
seeing an unfamiliar landscape, exclaimed, "Where are we?" "At Potsdam,
I think!" said our mother quietly.

Hardly less dear to us than Green Peace, and far dearer to her, was the
summer home at Lawton's Valley, in Portsmouth,[40] Rhode Island. Here,
as at South Boston, the Doctor's genius for "construction and repairs"
wrought a lovely miracle. He found a tiny farmhouse, sheltered from the
seawinds by a rugged hillock; near at hand, a rocky gorge, through which
tumbled a wild little stream, checked here and there by a rude dam; in
one place turning the wheel of a mill, where the neighboring farmers
brought corn to grind. His quick eye caught the possibilities of the
situation. He bought the place and proceeded to make of it a second
earthly paradise. The house was enlarged, trees were felled here,
planted there; a garden appeared as if by magic; in the Valley itself
the turbulent stream was curbed by stone embankments; the open space
became an emerald lawn, set at intervals with Norway spruces; under the
great ash tree that towered in the centre rustic seats and tables were
placed. Here, through many years, the "Mistress of the Valley" was to
pass her happiest hours; to the Valley and its healing balm of quiet she
owed the inspiration of much of her best work.

  [40] Near Newport, of which it is really a suburb.

The following letters fill in the picture of a time to which in her
later years she looked back as one of the happiest of her life.

Yet she was often unhappy, sometimes suffering. Humanity, her husband's
faithful taskmistress, had not yet set her to work, and the long hours
of his service left her lonely, and--the babies once in bed--at a loss.

Her eyes, injured in Rome, in 1843, by the throwing of _confetti_ (made,
in those days, of lime), gave her much trouble, often exquisite pain.
She rarely, in our memory, used them in the evening. Yet, in later life,
all the miseries, little and big, were dismissed with a smile and a sigh
and a shake of the head. "I was very naughty in those days!" she would
say.


                        _To her sister Louisa_

                                      GREEN PEACE, Feb. 18, 1853.

MY DEAREST LOUISA,--

I have kept a long silence with you, but I suppose that it is too
evident before this time that letter-writing is not my _forte_, to need
any further explanation of such a fact. Let me say, however, once for
all, that I do not stand upon my reputation as a letter-writer. About my
poetry and my music, I may be touchy and exacting--about my talents for
drawing, correspondence, and housekeeping, I can only say that my
pretensions are as small as my merits. With such humility, Justice
herself must be satisfied. It is Modesty with her pink lining (commonly
mistaken for blushes) turned outside. Are you surprised, my love, at the
new style of my writing, and do you think I must have been taking
lessons of Mr. Bristow? Learn that my eyes do not allow me to look
attentively at my writing, and that I give a glance and a scribble, in a
truly frantic and indiscriminate manner. Having ruined my own eyes, you
see, I am doing my utmost to ruin the eyes of my friends. This is human
nature--all evil seeks thus to propagate itself, while good is satisfied
with itself, and stays where it is. When I think of this, I ask myself,
does not the devil, then, send missionaries? You will agree with me that
he at least sends ambassadors. I have passed, so far, a very studious
winter. Never, since my youth, have I lived so much in reading and
writing--hence these eyes! Of course, you exclaim, what madness! but,
indeed, I should have a worse madness if I did not cram myself with
books. The bareness and emptiness of life were then insupportable....

Of the nearly eighteen months since my return to America, I have passed
fourteen at South Boston. Last winter I was fresh from my travels, and
had still strength enough to keep up my relation with society, and to
invite people a good deal to my house. But this year I am more worn
down, my health quite impaired, and the exertion of going out or
receiving at home is too much for me....

I have made acquaintance with the Russell Lowells, but we are too far
apart to profit much by it. I cannot swim about in this frozen ocean of
Boston life in search of friends. I feel as if I had struggled enough
with it, as if I could now fold my arms and go down....


                            _To the same_

                                        S. BOSTON, Dec. 20, 1853.

MY DEAR SISTER WEVIE,--

I have been of late a shamefully bad correspondent, and am as much
ashamed of it as I ought to be. But, indeed, it hurts my eyes so
dreadfully to write, and _that_ you may find it difficult to believe,
for perhaps you find writing less trying to the eyes than reading. Most
people do, but with me the contrary is the case. I can read with
tolerable comfort, but cannot write a single page, without positive
pain. Well, that is enough about my eyes; now for other things. You say
that you tremble to know the result of the Lace purchase. Well you may,
wretched woman. Don't be satisfied with trembling; shake! shiver! shrink
into nothing at all! Do you know, Madam, that my cursed bill from Hooker
amounted to over $130? The rascal charged me ten per cent, which you and
he probably divided together, or had a miscellaneous spree upon. You
sent no specification of items. Madam, to this day, I do not know
whether the earrings or the lace cost the most. People ask me the price
of bertha, flounces and earrings, I can only reply that Mrs. Crawford
drew upon me for an enormous sum of money, but that I have no idea how
she spent it. Moreover, my poor little means (a favorite expression of
Annie Mailliard's) have been entirely exhausted by you and Hooker. My
purse is in a dangerous state of collapse--my credit all gone long ago.
I want a coat, a bonnet, stockings, and pkthdkfs, but when for want of
these things I am cold and snuffly, I go and take out the flounces,
look at them, turn them over, and say: "Well, they are _very_ warming
for the price, aren't they?" Besides, you send me a bill, and don't send
Aunt Lou McAllister any. Who paid for her Malachites? I have a great
mind to say that I did, and pocket the money, which she is anxious to
pay, if she could only get her account settled, which please to attend
to at once, you lymphatic, agreeable monster! About the mosaics, straw
for Bonnets, and worsted work, you were right in supposing that I would
not be very angry. It was undoubtedly a liberty, your sending them, but
it is one which I can make up my mind to overlook, especially as you
will not be likely to do it again for some time.

Now, if you really want to know about the lace, I will tell you that I
found it perfectly magnificent, and that every one who sees it admires
it prodigiously. If this is the case now, before I have worn it, how
much more will it be so when it shall show itself abroad heightened by
the charms of my person! Admiration will then know no bounds. Newspaper
paragraphs will begin thus: "The lovely wearer of the lace is about
thirty-four years of age, but looks much older--in fact, nearly as
antique as her own flounces," etc., etc. The ornaments are not less
beautiful, in their kind. I wear them on distinguished occasions, and at
sight of them, people who have closely adhered to the Decalogue all
their lives incontinently violate the Tenth Commandment, and then excuse
it by saying that Mrs. Howe does not happen to be their neighbor, living
as she does beyond the reach of everything but Omnibuses and Charity.
So you see that I consider the investment a most successful one, and may
in future honor you with more commissions. I even justify it to myself
on the ground that the Brooch and earrings will make charming pins for
my three girls, while the lace, Mrs. Cary says, is as good as Real
Estate. So set your kind heart completely at rest, you _could_ not have
done better for me, or if you could, I don't know it. As to my being
without pocket handkerchiefs, you will be the first to reply that _that_
is nothing new. Now for your charming presents; I was greatly delighted
at them. The Mosaics are perfectly exquisite, the most beautiful I ever
saw. The straw is very handsome, and will make me the envy of Newport,
next summer. The worsted work appears to me rich and quaint, and shall
be made up as soon as circumstances shall allow. For each and all accept
my hearty thanks....


(_No year. Probably from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, to her sister Annie_)

                                                Sunday, August 5.

... I went in town [Newport] the other day, and dined with Fanny
Longfellow. The L.'s, Curtis,[41] Tommo,[42] and Kensett are all living
together, but seem to make out tolerably. After dinner Fanny took me to
drive on the Beach in her Barouche. I looked fine, wore my grey grapery
with my drapery, and spread myself out as much as possible. Curtis took
Julia in his one-horse affair on the Beach. Julia wore a pink silk
dress, a white drawn bonnet with pink ribbons, and a little white
shawl. Oh, she did look lovely. Mamma was not at all proud, oh, no!
Well, thereafter, I dined elsewhere and did not want to tell Dudie
where. So when she asked, "Where did you dine yesterday?" I replied: "I
dined, dear, with Mrs. Jimfarlan, and her pig was at table. Now, before
we sat down, Mrs. J. said to me, 'Mrs. Howe, if you do not love my pig,
you cannot dine with me,' and I replied, 'Mrs. Jimfarlan, I adore your
pig,' so down we sat." "Oh, yes, Mamma," says Julia, "and I know the
rest. When you had got through dinner, and had had all you wanted, you
rose, and told the lady that you had something to tell her in the
greatest confidence. Then she went into the entry with you, and you
whispered in her ear, 'Mrs. Jimfarlan, I _hate_ your pig!' and then
rushed out of the house."... I have had one grand tea-party--the Longos,
Curtis, etc., etc. We had tea out of doors and read Tennyson in the
valley. It was very pleasant.... The children spent Tuesday with the
Hazards. I went over to tea. You remember the old beautiful place.[43]
We have now a donkey tandem, which is the joy of the Island. The
children go out with it, and every one who meets them is seized with
cramps in the region of the diaphragm, they double up and are relieved
by a hearty laugh.

  [41] George William Curtis.

  [42] Thomas Gold Appleton.

  [43] Vaucluse, at Portsmouth.


                          _To her sister Annie_

                                                   October, 1854.

I will tell you how I have been living since my return from Newport. I
get up at seven or a little before, and am always down at half-past for
breakfast. After breakfast I despatch the chicks to school and clear off
the table; then walk in the garden or around the house; then consult
with the cook and order dinner, and see as far as I can to all sewing
and other work. I get to my own room between ten and eleven, where I
study and write until two P.M. Dinner is at half-past two. After that I
take all the children in my room. I read to them and fix worsted work
for them. I get half an hour's reading for myself sometimes, but not
often, the days being so short. Then I walk with dear Julia, the dearest
little friend in the world. The others often join us, and sometimes we
have the donkey for a ride. I then go in and sing for the children, or
play for them to dance, until tea-time. At a quarter past eight I go to
put Dudie and Flossy to bed. I prolong this last pleasure and occupation
of the day. When I come down I sit with idle fingers, unable, as you
know, to do the least thing. Chev reads the papers to me. At ten I am
thankful to retire. I do not suppose that this life is more monotonous
than yours in Bordentown, is it?...

_Oct. 19th._ I was not able to finish this at one sitting, my best
darling. I cannot write long without great pain. I had to go in town on
Monday and Tuesday, and yesterday, for a wonder, Baby [Laura] was ill.
She had severe rheumatic pains in both knees, and could not be moved all
day. We sent for a physician, who prescribed various doses, and told us
we should have a siege of it. To-day she is almost well, though we gave
her no medicine. She is the funniest little soul in the world. You
should hear her admonishing her father not to "worry so about
everything." He is obliged to laugh in spite of himself.... I am very
poor just now. I furnished my Newport house with the money for my book
["Passion Flowers"]. It was very little--about $200.


Spite of the troublesome eyes, and the various "pribbles and prabbles,"
she was in those days editor-in-chief of "The Listener," a "Weekly
Publication." Julia Romana was sub-editor, and furnished most of the
material, stories, plays, and poems pouring with astonishing ease from
her ten-year-old pen; but there was an Editor's Table, sometimes
dictated by the chief editor, often written in her own hand.

The first number of "The Listener" appeared in October, 1854. The
sub-editor avows frankly that "The first number of our little paper will
not be very interesting, as we have not had time to give notice to those
who we expect to write for it."

This is followed by "Select Poetry, Mrs. Howe"; "The Lost Suitor" (to be
continued), and "Seaside Thoughts." The "Editor's Table" reads:--

"It is often said that Listeners hear no good of themselves, and it
often proves to be true. But we shall hope to hear, at least, no harm of
our modest little paper. We intend to listen only to good things, and
not to have ears for any unkind words about ourselves or others. Little
people of our age are expected to listen to those who are older, having
so many things to learn. We will promise, too, to listen as much as we
can to all the entertaining news about town, and to give accounts of the
newest fashions, the parties in high life (nurseries are generally three
stories _high_) and many other particulars. So, we venture to hope that
'The Listener' will find favour with our friends and Miss Stephenson's
select public."

This was Miss Hannah Stephenson's school for girls, which Julia and
Florence were attending. "The Listener" gives pleasant glimpses of life
at Green Peace, the Nursery Fair, the dancing-school, the new baby, and
so forth.

Sometimes the "Table" is a rhyming one:--

  What shall we do for an Editor's table?
  To make one really we are not able.
  Our Editorial head is aching,
  Our lily white hand is rather shaking.
  Our baby cries both day and night,
  And puts our "intelligence" all to flight.
  Yet, for the gentle Julia's sake,
  Some little effort we must make.
  We didn't go vote for the know-nothing Mayor,
  A know-nothing's what we cannot bear,
  We know our lessons, that's well for us,
  Or the school would be in a terrible fuss.

         *       *       *       *       *

  That's all for the present, we make our best bow,
  And are your affectionate

                                            _Editor Howe_.

On January 14, 1855, we read:--

"Last evening began the opera season. Now, as all the Somebodies were
there, we would not like to have you suppose, dear reader, that we were
not, although perhaps you did not see us, with our little squeezed-up
hat slipping off of our head, and we screwing up our eyebrows to keep
it on. There was a moment when we thought we felt it going down the back
of our neck, but a dexterous twitch of the left ear restored the natural
order of things. Well, to show you that we were there, we'll tell you of
what the Opera was composed. There was love of course, and misery, and
plenty of both. The slim man married the lady in white, and then ran
away with another woman. She tore her hair, and went mad. One of the
stout gentlemen doubled his fists, the other spread out his hands and
looked pitiful. The mad lady sang occasionally, and retained wonderful
command of her voice. They all felt dreadfully, and went thro' a great
deal, singing all the time. The thing came right at last, but we have no
room to explain how."

In May, 1855, the paper died a natural death.


                        _To her sister Annie_

                                     SOUTH BOSTON, Jan. 19, 1855.

MY SWEET MEATEST,--

... First of all you wish to know about the Bonnet, of course. I am
happy to say that it is entirely successful, cheap, handsome, and
becoming. Boston can show nothing like it. As to the green and lilac, I
all but sleep in it. I never wear it, glory on my soul, without
attracting notice. Those who don't know me, at lectures and sich, seem
to say: "Good heavens, who is that lovely creature?" Those who do know
me seem to be whispering to each other, "I never saw Julia Howe look so
well!" So much for the green bonnet. As for the white one, since I took
out the pinch behind, it fits and flatters--to the Opera, I will
incontinently wear it. I have been there and still would go. Every woman
seen in front, seems to have a cap with a great frill, like that of an
old-fashioned night-cap; it is only when she turns sideways that you can
see the little hat behind....

Did I write you that I have been to the Assembly? Chev went to the first
without me, with his niece, the pretty one, of course, much to my
vexation, so I spunked up, and determined to go to the second. A white
silk dress was a necessary tho' unprofitable investment. Turnbull had,
fortunately for me, made a failure, and was selling very cheap. I got a
pretty silk for $17, and had it made by a Boston fashionable dressmaker,
with three pinked flounces--it looked unkimmon. Next I caused my hair to
be dressed by Pauline, the wife of Canegally. "Will you have it in the
newest fashion?" asked she; "the very newest," answered I. She put in
front two horrid hair cushions and, combing the hair over them, made a
sort of turban of hair, in which I was, may I say? captivating. I was
proud of my hair, and frequented rooms with looking-glasses in them, the
rest of the afternoon. At the Ass-embly, Chev and I entered somewhat
timidly, but soon took courage, and parted company. Little B---- (your
neighbor of Bond St.) was there, wiggy and smiley, but oh! so youthful!!
Life is short, they say, but I don't think so when I see little B----
trying to look down upon me from beneath, and doing the patronizing.
There was something very nice about her, however, that is, her pearl
necklace with a diamond clasp two inches long, and one and a half
broad.... Oculist said weakness was the disease, and rest the
remedy--oculist recommended veratrine ointment, frequent refreshing of
eyes with wet cloth, cleared his throat every minute, and was an old
humbug.

They are playing at the Boston Museum a piece, probably a farce, called
"A Blighted Being." When I see the handbills posted up in the streets it
is like reading one's own name. I must now bid you farewell and am ever
with dearest love,

                               Your affectionate sister and
                                             A BLIGHTED BEING!!!!


                          _To the same_

                                      SOUTH BOSTON, June 1, 1855.

... Well, my darling, it is a very uninteresting time with me. I am
alive, and so are my five children. I made a vow, when dear Laura was so
ill, to complain never more of dulness or ennui. So I won't, but you
understand if I hadn't made such a vow, I could under present
circumstances indulge in the howling in which my soul delighteth. I
don't know how I keep alive. The five children seem always waiting,
morally, to pick my bones, and are always quarrelling over their savage
feast.... The stairs as aforesaid kill me. The Baby keeps me awake, and
keeps me down in strength. Were it not for beer, I were little better
than a dead woman, but, blessed be the infusion of hops, I can still
wink my left eye and look knowing with my right, which is more, God be
praised, than could have been expected after eight months of
Institution. I have seen Opera of "Trovatore"--in bonnet trimmed with
grapes I went, bonnet baptized with "oh d-Cologne," but Alexander
McDonald was my escort, Chev feeling very ill just at Opera time, but
making himself strangely comfortable after my departure with easy-chair,
foot-stool, and unlimited pile of papers. Well, dear, you know they
would be better if they could, but somehow they can't--it isn't in
them....


                              _To the same_

                                     SOUTH BOSTON, Nov. 27, 1855.

I have been having a wow-wow time of late, or you should have heard from
me. As it is, I shall scribble a hasty sheet of Hieroglyphics, and put
in it as much of myself as I can. Mme. Kossuth (Kossuth's sister
divorced from former husband) has been here for ten days past; as she is
much worn and depressed I have had a good deal of comforting up to
do--very little time and much trouble. She is a _lady_, and has many
interesting qualities, but you can imagine how I long for the sanctity
of home. Still, my heart aches that this woman, as well bred as any one
of ourselves, should go back to live in two miserable rooms, with three
of her four children, cooking, and washing everything with her own
hands, and sitting up half the night to earn a pittance by sewing or
fancy work. Her eldest son has been employed as engineer on the Saratoga
and Sacketts Harbor railroad for two years, but has not been paid a
cent--the R.R. being nearly or quite bankrupt. He is earning $5 a week
in a Bank, and this is all they have to depend upon. She wants to hire
a small farm somewhere in New Jersey and live upon it with her
children....


                            _To her sisters_

                                              Thursday, 29, 1856.

... We have been in the most painful state of excitement relative to
Kansas matters and dear Charles Sumner, whose condition gives great
anxiety.[44] Chev is as you might expect under such circumstances; he
has had much to do with meetings here, etc., etc. New England spunk
seems to be pretty well up, but what will be done is uncertain as yet.
One thing we have got: the Massachusetts Legislature has passed the
"personal liberty bill," which will effectually prevent the rendition of
any more fugitive slaves from Massachusetts. Another thing, the Tract
Society here (orthodox) has put out old Dr. Adams, who published a book
in favor of slavery; a third thing, the Connecticut legislature has
withdrawn its invitation to Mr. Everett to deliver his oration before
them, in consequence of his having declined to speak at the Sumner
meeting in Faneuil Hall....

  [44] In consequence of the assault upon him in the Senate Chamber by
  Preston Brooks of South Carolina.


                       _To her sister Annie_

                                        CINCINNATI, May 26, 1857.

                                               CASA GREENIS.

DEAREST ANNIE, _Fiancée de marbre et Femme de glace_,--

Heaven knows what I have not been through with since I saw you--dust,
dirt, dyspepsia, hotels, railroads, prairies, Western steamboats,
Western people, more prairies, tobacco juice, captains of boats, pilots
of ditto, long days of jolting in the cars, with stoppages of ten
minutes for dinner, and the devil take the hindmost. There ought to be
no chickens this year, so many eggs have we eaten. Flossy was quite ill
for two days at St. Louis. Chev is too rapid and restless a traveller
for pleasure. Still, I think I shall be glad to have made the journey
when it is all over--I must be stronger than I was, for I bear fatigue
very well now and at first I could not bear it at all. We went from
Philadelphia to Baltimore, thence to Wheeling, thence to see the Manns
at Antioch--they almost ate us up, so glad were they to see us. Thence
to Cincinnati, where two days with Kitty Rölker, a party at Larz
Anderson's--Longworth's wine-cellar, pleasant attentions from a
gentleman by the name of King, who took me about in a carriage and
proposed everything but marriage. After passing the morning with me, he
asked if I was English. I told him no. When we met in the evening, he
had thought matters over, and exclaimed, "You must be Miss Ward!" "And
you," I cried, "must be the nephew of my father's old partner. Do you
happen to have a strawberry mark or anything of that kind about you?"
"No." "Then you are my long-lost Rufus!" And so we rushed into each
other's confidence and swore, like troopers, eternal friendship. Thence
to Louisville, dear, a beastly place, where I saw the Negro jail, and
the criminal court in session, trying a man for the harmless pleasantry
of murdering his wife. Thence to St. Louis, where Chev left us and went
to Kansas, and Fwotty and I boated it back here and went to a hotel, and
the William Greenes they came and took us, and that's all for the
present....


                          _To the same_

                                         GARRET PLATFORM,
                                  LAWTON'S VALLEY, July 13, 1857.

... Charlotte Brontë is deeply interesting, but I think she and I would
not have liked each other, while still I see points of resemblance--many
indeed--between us. Her life, on the whole, a very serious and
instructive page in literary history. God rest her! she was as faithful
and earnest as she was clever--she suffered much.

... Theodore Parker and wife came here last night, to stay a week if
they like it (have just had a fight with a bumble-bee, in avoiding which
I banged my head considerably against a door, in the narrow limits of my
garret platform); so you see I am still a few squashes ("some pumpkins"
is vulgar, and I isn't)....


                           _To her sisters_

                                        S. BOSTON, April 4, 1858.

... I am perfectly worn out in mind, body and estate. The Fair[45]
lasted five days and five evenings. I was there every day, and nearly
all day, and at the end of it I dropped like a dead person. Never did I
experience such fatigue--the crowd of faces, the bad air, the
responsibility of selling and the difficulty of suiting everybody, was
almost too much for me. On the other hand, it was an entirely new
experience, and a very amusing one. My table was one of the prettiest,
and, as I took care to have some young and pretty assistants, it proved
one of the most attractive. I cleared $426.00, which was doing pretty
well, as I had very little given me.... For a week after the Fair I
could do nothing but lie on a sofa or in an easy-chair, ... but by the
end of the week I revived, and it pleased the Devil to suggest to me
that this was the moment to give a long promised party to the Governor
and his wife. All hands set to work, therefore, writing notes. With the
assistance of three Amanuenses I scoured the whole surface of Boston
society.... Unluckily I had fixed upon an evening when there were to be
two other parties, and of course the cream of the cream was already
engaged. I believe in my soul that I invited 300 people--every day
everybody sent word they could not come. I was full of anxiety, got the
house well arranged though, engaged a colored man, and got a splendid
supper. Miss Hunt, who is writing for me, smacks her lips at the
remembrance of the same, I mean the supper, not the black man. Well! the
evening came, and with it all the odds and ends of half a dozen sets of
people, including some of the most primitive and some of the most
fashionable. I had the greatest pleasure in introducing a dowdy high
neck, got up for the occasion, with short sleeves and a bow behind, to
the most elaborate of French ball-dresses with head-dress to match, and
leaving them to take care of each other the best way they could. As for
the Governor [Nathaniel P. Banks], I introduced him right and left to
people who had never voted for him and never will. The pious were
permitted to enjoy Theodore Parker, and Julia's schoolmaster sat on a
sofa and talked about Carlyle. I did not care--the colored man made it
all right. Imagine my astonishment at hearing the party then and after
pronounced one of the most brilliant and successful ever given in
Boston. The people all said, "It is such a relief to see new faces--we
always meet the same people at city parties." Well, darlings, the
pickings of the supper was very good for near a week afterwards, and,
having got through with my party, I have nearly killed myself with going
to hear Mr. Booth, whose playing is beautiful exceedingly. Having for
once in my life had play enough and a great deal too much, I am going to
work to-morrow like an old Trojan building a new city. I am too poor to
come to New York this spring; still it is not impossible. Farewell,
Beloveds, it is church time, and this edifying critter is uncommon
punctual in her devotions. So farewell, love much, and so far as human
weakness allows imitate the noble example of

                                                  Your sister,
                                                           JULIA.

  [45] This Fair was got up by Mr. Robert C. Winthrop for the benefit
  of the poor.




CHAPTER VIII

LITTLE SAMMY: THE CIVIL WAR

1859-1863; _aet._ 40-44

  There came indeed an hour of fate
  By bitter war made desolate
  When, reading portents in the sky,
  All in a dream I leapt on high
  To pin my rhyme to my country's gown.
  'Tis my one verse that will not down.
  Stars have grown out of mortal crown.

                                               J. W. H.

     I honour the author of the "Battle Hymn," and of "The Flag." She
     was born in the city of New York. I could well wish she were a
     native of Massachusetts. We have had no such poetess in New
     England.

                                            EMERSON'S _Journals_.


In the winter of 1859 the Doctor's health became so much impaired by
overwork that a change of air and scene was imperative. At the same time
Theodore Parker, already stricken with a mortal disease, was ordered to
Cuba in the hope that a mild climate might check the progress of the
consumption. He begged the Howes to join him and his wife, and in
February the four sailed for Havana. This expedition is described in "A
Trip to Cuba."

The opening chapter presents three of the little party during the rough
and stormy voyage:--

"The Philanthropist has lost the movement of the age,--keeled up in an
upper berth, convulsively embracing a blanket, what conservative more
immovable than he? The Great Man of the party refrains from his large
theories, which, like the circles made by the stone thrown into the
water, begin somewhere and end nowhere. As we have said, he expounds
himself no more, the significant forefinger is down, the eye no longer
imprisons yours. But if you ask him how he does, he shakes himself as
if, like Farinata,--

  '_avesse l'inferno in gran dispetto_,'--

he had a very contemptible opinion of hell."

Several "portraits" follow, among them her own.

"A woman, said to be of a literary turn of mind, in the miserablest
condition imaginable. Her clothes, flung at her by the Stewardess, seem
to have hit in some places and missed in others. Her listless hands
occasionally make an attempt to keep her draperies together, and to pull
her hat on her head; but though the intention is evident, she
accomplishes little by her motion. She is being perpetually lugged about
by a stout steward, who knocks her head against both sides of the
vessel, folds her up in the gangway, spreads her out on the deck, and
takes her upstairs, downstairs, and in my lady's chamber, where, report
says, he feeds her with a spoon, and comforts her with such philosophy
as he is master of. N.B. This woman, upon the first change of weather,
rose like a cork, dressed like a Christian, and toddled about the deck
in the easiest manner, sipping her grog, and cutting sly jokes upon her
late companions in misery;--is supposed by some to have been an
impostor, and, when ill-treated, announced intentions of writing a book.

"No. 4, my last, is only a sketch;--circumstances allowed no more. Can
Grande,[46] the great dog, has been got up out of the pit, where he has
worried the Stewardess and snapped at the friend who tried to pat him on
the head. Everybody asks where he is. Don't you see that heap of shawls
yonder, lying in the sun, and heated up to about 212° Fahrenheit? That
slouched hat on top marks the spot where his head should lie,--by
treading cautiously in the opposite direction you may discover his feet.
All between is perfectly passive and harmless. His chief food is
pickles,--his only desire is rest. After all these years of controversy,
after all these battles, bravely fought and nobly won, you might write
with truth upon this moveless mound of woollens the pathetic words from
Père La Chaise: _Implora Pace_."

  [46] Her pet name for Theodore Parker. _Vide_ Dante's _Inferno_.

The trip to Cuba was only the beginning of a long voyage for the
Parkers, who were bound for Italy. The parting between the friends was
sad. All felt that they were to meet no more. Parker died in Florence
fifteen months later.

"A pleasant row brought us to the side of the steamer. It was dusk
already as we ascended her steep gangway, and from that to darkness
there is, at this season, but the interval of a breath. Dusk too were
our thoughts, at parting from Can Grande, the mighty, the vehement, the
great fighter. How were we to miss his deep music, here and at home!
With his assistance we had made a very respectable band; now we were to
be only a wandering drum and fife,--the fife particularly shrill, and
the drum particularly solemn.... And now came silence, and tears, and
last embraces; we slipped down the gangway into our little craft, and
looking up, saw bending above us, between the slouched hat and the
silver beard, the eyes that we can never forget, that seemed to drop
back in the darkness with the solemnity of a last farewell. We went
home, and the drum hung himself gloomily on his peg, and the little fife
_shut up_ for the remainder of the evening."

"A Trip to Cuba" appeared first serially in the "Atlantic Monthly," then
in book form. Years after, a friend, visiting Cuba, took with her a copy
of the little volume; it was seized at Havana by the customs house
officers, and confiscated as dangerous and incendiary material.

On her return, our mother was asked to write regularly for the New York
"Tribune," describing the season at Newport. This was the beginning of a
correspondence which lasted well into the time of the Civil War. She
says of it:--

"My letters dealt somewhat with social doings in Newport and in Boston,
but more with the great events of the time. To me the experience was
valuable in that I found myself brought nearer in sympathy to the
general public, and helped to a better understanding of its needs and
demands."


                         _To her sister Annie_

                                        Sunday, November 6, 1859.

The potatoes arrived long since and were most jolly, as indeed they
continue to be. Didn't acknowledge them 'cause knew other people did,
and thought it best to be unlike the common herd. Have just been to
church and heard Clarke preach about John Brown, whom God bless, and
will bless! I am much too dull to write anything good about him, but
shall say something at the end of my book on Cuba, whereof I am at
present correcting the proof-sheets. I went to see his poor wife, who
passed through here some days since. We shed tears together and embraced
at parting, poor soul! Folks say that the last number of my Cuba is the
best thing I ever did, in prose or verse. Even Emerson wrote me about it
from Concord. I tell you this in case you should not find out of your
own accord that it is good. I have had rather an unsettled autumn--have
been very infirm and inactive, but have kept up as well as
possible--going to church, also to Opera, also to hear dear Edwin Booth,
who is playing better than ever. My children are all well and
delightful....

I have finished Tacitus' history, also his Germans.... Chev is not at
all annoyed by the newspapers, but has been greatly overdone by anxiety
and labor for Brown. Much has come upon his shoulders, getting money,
paying counsel, and so on. Of course all the stories about the Northern
Abolitionists are the merest stuff. No one knew of Brown's intentions
but Brown himself and his handful of men. The attempt I must judge
insane but the spirit _heroic_. I should be glad to be as sure of heaven
as that old man may be, following right in the spirit and footsteps of
the old martyrs, girding on his sword for the weak and oppressed. His
death will be holy and glorious--the gallows cannot dishonor him--he
will hallow it....

On Christmas Day, 1859, she gave birth to a second son, who was named
Samuel Gridley. This latest and perhaps dearest child was for three
short years to fill his parents' life with a joy which came and went
with him. His little life was all beautiful, all bright. We associate
him specially with the years we spent at No. 13 Chestnut Street, Boston,
a spacious and cheerful house which we remember with real affection. The
other children were at school; little Sam was the dear companion of our
mother's walks, the delight of our father's few leisure hours. For him
new songs were made, new games invented: both parents looked forward to
fresh youth and vigor in his sweet companionship. This was not to be.
"In short measures, life may perfect be": little Sam died of
diphtheritic croup, May 17, 1863.

This heavy sorrow for a time crushed both these tender parents to the
earth. Our father became seriously ill from grief; our mother, younger
and more resilient, found some relief in nursing him and caring for the
other children; but this was not enough. She could not banish from her
mind the terrible memory of her little boy's suffering, the anguish of
parting with him. While her soul lifted its eyes to the hills, her heart
sought some way to keep his image constantly before her. Her sad
thoughts must be recorded, and she took up, for the first time since
1843, the habit of keeping a journal.

The first journal is a slender Diary and Memorandum Book. On May 13, the
first note of alarm is sounded. Sammy "did not seem quite right." From
that date the record goes on, the agonizing details briefly described,
the loss spoken of in words which no one could read unmoved. But even
this was not enough: grief must find further expression, yet must be
repressed, so far as might be, in the presence of others, lest her
sorrow make theirs heavier. This need of expression took a singular
form. She wrote a letter to the child himself, telling the story of his
life and death; wrote it with care and precision, omitting no smallest
detail, gathering, as it were a handful of pearls, every slightest
memory of the brief time.

A few extracts show the tenor of this letter:--


"MY DEAREST LITTLE SAMMY,--

"It is four weeks to-day since I saw your sweet face for the last time
on earth. It did not look like your little face, my dear pet, it was so
still, and sad, and quiet. But Death had changed it, and I had to
submit, and was thankful to have even so much of you as that still face,
for some days. Everybody grieved to part from you, dear little soul, but
I suppose that I grieved most of all, because you belonged most to me.
You were always with me, from the time you began to exist at all. The
time of your birth was a sad one. It was the time of the imprisonment
and death of John Brown, a very noble man, who should be in one of the
many mansions of which Christ tells us, and in which I hope, dear, that
you are nearer to Him than any of us can be....

"You arrived, I think, at three in the morning, very red in the face,
and making a great time about it. You were a fine large Baby, weighing
twelve pounds.... I have some of your baby dresses left, and shall hunt
them up and lay them with the clothes you have worn lately.... I gave
you milk myself.... I used to lay you across my breast when you cried,
and you liked this so well that you often insisted upon sleeping in that
position after you were grown quite large. It hurt me so much that I
finally managed to break you of the habit, but not until you were more
than a year old.... I had a nice crimson merino cloak made for you,
trimmed with velvet, and lined with white silk. I bought also a very
nice crochet cap, of white and crimson worsted, and in these you were
taken to drive with me....

"During this first year of your life I had some troubles, and your Baby
ways were my greatest comfort. I used to think: this Baby will grow up
to be a man, and will protect me when I am old. For I thought, dear,
that you should have outlived me many years. But you are removed from us
to grow in another world, of which I know nothing but what Christ has
told me....

"You used to keep me awake a good deal at night, and this sometimes made
me nervous and fretful, though I was usually very happy with you. I
would give a good deal for one of those bad nights now, though at the
time they were pretty hard upon me....

"... Your second summer brings me to the winter that followed. It was
quite a gay winter for us at old South Boston. Marie, the German cook,
made very nice dishes, and I had many people to dine, and one or two
pleasant evening parties. You still slept in my room, and when I was
going to a party in the evening, Annie[47] used to bring my nice dress
and my ornaments softly out of the room, that I might dress in the
nursery, and not disturb your slumbers. I was always glad to get home
and undress, and it was always sweet to come to the bed, and find you in
it, sound asleep, and lying right across.... I learned to sleep on a
very little bit of the bed, you wanted so much of it. This winter, I
bought you a pair of snow-boots, of which you were very proud....

  [47] The child's faithful nurse.

"We all got along happily, dear, till early in April (1863), when your
father desired me to make a journey with Julia, who needed change of
scene a little. So I had to go and leave you, my sweet of sweets....

"We were glad enough to see each other again, you and I, and I felt as
if I could never part with you again. But I was only to have you for a
few days, my darling....

"Thursday I sat up in your nursery, in the afternoon, as I usually did,
with my book--you having your toys. When I had finished reading, I built
houses with blocks for you, and rolled the balls and dumbbells across
the floor to you. You rolled them back to me and this amused you very
much. I go to sit up in your nursery in the afternoon now, with my
book--the light shines in now as it used to do, and I hear the
hand-organ and children's voices in the street. It seems to bring you a
little nearer to me, my dear lost one, but not near enough for
comfort."

The child's illness and death are described minutely, every symptom,
every remedy, every anguish noted. Then follows:--

"It gives me dreadful pain to recall these things and write them down,
my dearest. I don't do it to make myself miserable, but in order that I
may have some lasting record of how you lived and died. You left little
by which you might be remembered, save the love of kindred and friendly
hearts, but in my heart, dear, your precious image is deeply sculptured.
All my life will be full of grief for you, dearest Boy, and I think that
I shall hardly live as long as I should have lived, if I had had you to
make me happy. Perhaps it seems very foolish that I should write all
this, and talk to you in it as if you could know what I write. But, my
little darling, it comforts me to think that your sweet soul lives, and
that you do know something about me. Christ said, 'This day thou shalt
be with me in Paradise': and he knew that this was no vain promise. So,
believing the dear Christ, I am led along to have faith in immortal
life, of which, dear, I know nothing of myself.

"Your little funeral, dear, was bitter and agonizing. The good God does
not send affliction without comfort, but the weeping eyes and breaking
heart must struggle through much anguish before they can reach it...."


There was no hearse at this little funeral. The small white casket was
placed on the front seat in the carriage in which she rode.

"We came near the gate of Mount Auburn, when I began to realize that the
parting was very near. I now opened the casket, took your dear little
cold hand in mine, and began to take silent farewell of you. And here,
dearest child, I must stop. The remembrance of those last moments so
cuts me to the heart, that I cannot say one word more about them, and
not much about the life of loneliness and desolation which now began for
me, and of which I do not see the end. God knows why I lost you, and how
I suffer for you, and He knows how and when I shall see you again, as I
hope to do, my dearest, because Christ says we are to live again after
this life, and I know that if I am immortal, God will not inflict upon
me the pain of an eternal separation from you. So, we shall meet again,
sweet Angel Sammy. God grant that the rest of my life may be worthy of
this hope, more dear than life itself....

"I must finish these words by saying that I am happy in believing that
my dear Child lives, in a broader land, with better teaching and higher
joys than I could have given him. I hope that the years to come will
brighten, not efface, my mind's picture of him, and that among these,
the cipher of one blessed year is already written, in which the picture
will become reality, and the present sorrow the foundation of an eternal
joy."

The following stanzas are chosen from among many poems on little Sammy's
life and death:--


                  REMEMBRANCE

       *       *       *       *       *

  So thou art hid again, and wilt not come
  For any knockings at the veilèd door;
  Nor mother-pangs, nor nature, can restore
  The heart's delight and blossom of thy home.

  And I with others, in the outer court,
  Must sadly follow the excluding will,
  In painful admiration, of the skill
  Of God, who speaks his sweetest sentence short.

At this time she writes to her sister Annie:--

"I cannot yet write of what has come to me. Chev and I feel that we are
baptized into a new order of suffering--those who have lost children,
loving them, can never be like those who have not. It makes a new heaven
and a new earth. The new heaven I have not yet--the blow is too rough
and recent. But the new earth, sown with tears, with the beauty and
glory gone out of it, the spring itself, that should have made us happy
together, grown tasteless and almost hateful. All the relish of life
seems gone with him. I have no patience to make phrases about it--for
the moment it seems utterness of doubt and of loss.

"No doubt about him. 'This night shalt thou be with me in Paradise' was
said by one who knew what he promised. My precious Baby is with the
Beautiful One who was so tender with the children. But I am alone, still
fighting over the dark battle of his death, still questioning whether
there is any forgiveness for such a death. Something must have been
wrong somewhere--to find it out, I have tortured myself almost out of
sanity. Now I must only say, it is, and look and wait for divine lessons
which follow our bitter afflictions.

"God bless you all, darling. Ask dear Cogswell to write me a few
lines--tell him that this deep cut makes all my previous life seem
shallow and superficial. Tell him to think of me a little in my great
sorrow.

                                                "Your loving
                                                         "JULIA."

She had by now definitely joined the Unitarian Church, in whose
doctrines her mind found full and lasting rest; throughout this
sorrowful time the Reverend James Freeman Clarke was one of her kindest
helpers. Several years before this, she had unwillingly left Theodore
Parker's congregation at our father's request. She records in the
"Reminiscences" his views on this subject:--

"'The children (our two oldest girls) are now of an age at which they
should receive impressions of reverence. They should, therefore, see
nothing at the Sunday service which militates against that feeling. At
Parker's meeting individuals read the newspapers before the exercises
begin. A good many persons come in after the prayer, and some go out
before the conclusion of the sermon. These irregularities offend my
sense of decorum, and appear to me undesirable in the religious
education of my family.'"

It was a grievous thing to her to make this sacrifice; she said to
Horace Mann that to give up Parker's ministry for any other would be
like going to the synagogue when Paul was preaching near at hand; yet,
once made, it was the source of a lifelong joy and comfort.

Mr. Clarke was then preaching at Williams Hall; hearing Parker speak of
him warmly, she determined to attend his services. She found his
preaching "as unlike as possible to that of Theodore Parker. He had not
the philosophic and militant genius of Parker, but he had a genius of
his own, poetical, harmonizing. In after years I esteemed myself
fortunate in having passed from the drastic discipline of the one to the
tender and reconciling ministry of the other."

She has much to say in the "Reminiscences" about the dear "Saint James,"
as his friends loved to call him. The relation between them was close
and affectionate: the Church of the Disciples became her spiritual home.

These were the days of the Civil War; we must turn back to its opening
year to record an episode of importance to her and to others.

In the autumn of 1861 she went to Washington in company with Governor
and Mrs. Andrew, Mr. Clarke and the Doctor, who was one of the pioneers
of the Sanitary Commission, carrying his restless energy and indomitable
will from camp to hospital, from battle-field to bureau. She longed to
help in some way, but felt that there was nothing she could do--except
make lint, which we were all doing.

"I could not leave my nursery to follow the march of our armies, neither
had I the practical deftness which the preparing and packing of sanitary
stores demanded. Something seemed to say to me, 'You would be glad to
serve, but you cannot help anyone: you have nothing to give, and there
is nothing for you to do.' Yet, because of my sincere desire, a word
was given me to say, which did strengthen the hearts of those who fought
in the field and of those who languished in the prison."

Returning from a review of troops near Washington, her carriage was
surrounded and delayed by the marching regiments: she and her companions
sang, to beguile the tedium of the way, the war songs which every one
was singing in those days; among them--

  "John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave.
          His soul is marching on!"

The soldiers liked this, cried, "Good for you!" and took up the chorus
with its rhythmic swing.

"Mrs. Howe," said Mr. Clarke, "why do you not write some good words for
that stirring tune?"

"I have often wished to do so!" she replied.

Waking in the gray of the next morning, as she lay waiting for the dawn,
the word came to her.

  "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord--"

She lay perfectly still. Line by line, stanza by stanza, the words came
sweeping on with the rhythm of marching feet, pauseless, resistless. She
saw the long lines swinging into place before her eyes, heard the voice
of the nation speaking through her lips. She waited till the voice was
silent, till the last line was ended; then sprang from bed, and groping
for pen and paper, scrawled in the gray twilight the "Battle Hymn of the
Republic." She was used to writing thus; verses often came to her at
night, and must be scribbled in the dark for fear of waking the baby;
she crept back to bed, and as she fell asleep she said to herself, "I
like this better than most things I have written." In the morning,
while recalling the incident, she found she had forgotten the words.

The poem was published in the "Atlantic Monthly" for February, 1862. "It
was somewhat praised," she says, "on its appearance, but the
vicissitudes of the war so engrossed public attention that small heed
was taken of literary matters.... I knew and was content to know, that
the poem soon found its way to the camps, as I heard from time to time
of its being sung in chorus by the soldiers."

She did not, however, realize how rapidly the hymn made its way, nor how
strong a hold it took upon the people. It was "sung, chanted, recited,
and used in exhortation and prayer on the eve of battle." It was printed
in newspapers, in army hymn-books, on broadsides; it was the word of the
hour, and the Union armies marched to its swing.

Among the singers of the "Battle Hymn" was Chaplain McCabe, the fighting
chaplain of the 122d Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He read the poem in the
"Atlantic," and was so struck with it that he committed it to memory
before rising from his chair. He took it with him to the front, and in
due time to Libby Prison, whither he was sent after being captured at
Winchester. Here, in the great bare room where hundreds of Northern
soldiers were herded together, came one night a rumor of disaster to the
Union arms. A great battle, their jailers told them; a great Confederate
victory. Sadly the Northern men gathered together in groups, sitting or
lying on the floor, talking in low tones, wondering how, where, why.
Suddenly, one of the negroes who brought food for the prisoners stooped
in passing and whispered to one of the sorrowful groups. The news was
false: there had, indeed, been a great battle, but the Union army had
won, the Confederates were defeated and scattered. Like a flame the word
flashed through the prison. Men leaped to their feet, shouted, embraced
one another in a frenzy of joy and triumph; and Chaplain McCabe,
standing in the middle of the room, lifted up his great voice and sang
aloud,--

  "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"

Every voice took up the chorus, and Libby Prison rang with the shout of
"Glory, glory, hallelujah!"

The victory was that of Gettysburg. When, some time after, McCabe was
released from prison, he told in Washington, before a great audience of
loyal people, the story of his war-time experiences; and when he came to
that night in Libby Prison, he sang the "Battle Hymn" once more. The
effect was magical: people shouted, wept, and sang, all together; and
when the song was ended, above the tumult of applause was heard the
voice of Abraham Lincoln, exclaiming, while the tears rolled down his
cheeks,--

"Sing it again!"

(Our mother met Lincoln in 1861, and was presented to him by Governor
Andrew. After greeting the party, the President "seated himself so near
the famous portrait of Washington by Gilbert Stuart as naturally to
suggest some comparison between the two figures. On the canvas we saw
the calm presence, the serene assurance of the man who had successfully
accomplished a great undertaking, a vision of health and of peace. In
the chair beside it sat a tall, bony figure, devoid of grace, a
countenance almost redeemed from plainness by two kindly blue eyes, but
overshadowed by the dark problems of the moment....

"When we had left the presence, one of our number exclaimed, 'Helpless
Honesty!' As if Honesty could ever be helpless.")

The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" has been translated into Italian,
Spanish, and Armenian. Written in the dark on a scrap of Sanitary
Commission paper, it has been printed in every imaginable form, from the
beautiful parchment edition presented to the author on her seventieth
birthday by the New England Woman's Club, down to the cover of a tiny
brochure advertising a cure for consumption. It has also been set to
music many times, but never successfully. It is inseparably wedded to
the air for which it was written, an air simple, martial, and dignified:
no attempt to divorce the two could ever succeed.

From the time of writing it to that of her death, she was constantly
besieged by requests for autograph copies of part or the whole of the
hymn. Sometimes the petitioners realized what they asked, as when Edmund
Clarence Stedman wrote:--

"I can well understand what a Frankenstein's monster such a creation
grows to be--such a poem as the 'Battle Hymn,' when it has become the
sacred scroll of millions, each one of whom would fain obtain a copy of
it."

Reasonable or unreasonable, she tried to meet every such request; no
one can ever know how many times she copied the hymn, but if a record
had been kept, some one with a turn for multiplication might tell us
whether the lines put together made up a mile, or more, or less.

She wrote many other poems of the war, among them "The Flag," which is
to be found in many anthologies. As the "Battle Hymn" was the voice of
the nation's, so this was the expression of her own ardent patriotism:--

  There's a flag hangs over my threshold
      Whose folds are more dear to me
  Than the blood that thrills in my bosom
      Its earnest of liberty.

  And dear are the stars it harbors
      In its sunny field of blue,
  As the hope of a further Heaven
      That lights all our dim lives through.

This was no figure of speech, but the truth. The war and its mighty
issues filled her heart and mind; she poured out song after song, all
breathing the spirit of the time, the spirit of hope, resolve,
aspiration. Everything she saw connected itself in some way with the
great struggle. Seeing her daughters among their young friends, gay as
youth must be gay, even in war-time, she cries out,--

  Weave no more silks, ye Lyons looms,
      To deck our girls for gay delights!
  The crimson flower of battle blooms,
      And solemn marches fill the night.

  Weave but the flag whose bars to-day
      Drooped heavy o'er our early dead,
  And homely garments, coarse and gray,
      For orphans that must earn their bread![48]

  [48] "Our Orders."

"The Jeweller's Shop in War-Time," "The Battle Eucharist," "The Harvard
Student's Song," all reveal the deep feeling of her heart; we remember
her singing of "Left Behind" (set to her own music, a wild, mournful
chant) as something so thrilling that it catches the breath as we think
of it.

Being again in Washington in the spring of 1863, she visited the Army of
the Potomac, in company with the wife of General Francis Barlow, and
wrote on her return a sketch of the expedition. She carried "a fine
Horace, which repeatedly annoyed me by tumbling in the dirt, a volume of
Sully's Memoirs, and a little fag end of Spinoza, being his _Tractat_
upon the Old Testament."

She saw the working of the Sanitary Commission; saw "Fighting Joe"
Hooker, who looked like "the man who can tell nineteen secrets and keep
the twentieth, which will be the only one worth knowing"; and William H.
Seward, "looking singularly like a man who has balanced a chip on the
fence, and who congratulates himself upon its remaining there"; saw,
too, from the heights above Fredericksburg (within the danger line!), an
artillery skirmish.

Departing, she writes:--

"Farewell, bristling heights! farewell, sad Fredericksburg! farewell,
river of sorrows; farewell, soldiers death-determined, upon whose
mournful sacrifice we must shut unwilling eyes. Would it were all at
end! the dead wept and buried, the living justified before God. For the
deep and terrible secret of the divine idea still lies buried in the
burning bosom of the contest. Suspected by the few, shunned by the many,
it has not as yet leapt to light in the sight of all. This direful
tragedy, in whose third dreary act we are, hangs all upon a great
thought. To interpret this, through waste and woe, is the first moral
obligation of the situation.... This terrible development of moral
causes and effects will enchain the wonder of the world until the crisis
of poetical justice which must end it shall have won the acquiescence of
mankind, carrying its irresistible lesson into the mind of the critics,
into the heart of the multitude."




CHAPTER IX

NO. 13 CHESTNUT STREET, BOSTON

1864; _aet._ 45

PHILOSOPHY

  Naked and poor thou goest, Philosophy!
  Thy robe of serge hath lain beneath the stars;
  Thy weight of tresses, ponderously free,
  Of iron hue, no golden circlet bars.

  Thy pale page, Study, by thy side doth hold,
  As by Cyprigna's her persuasive boy:
  Twin sacks thou bear'st; one doth thy gifts infold,
  Whose modest tendering proves immortal joy.

  The other at thy patient back doth hang
  To keep the boons thou'rt wonted to receive:
  Reproof therein doth hide her venomed fang,
  And hard barbaric arts, that mock and grieve.

  Here is a stab, and here a mortal thrust;
  Here galley service brought the age to loss;
  Here lies thy virgin forehead rolled in dust
  Beside the martyr stake of hero cross.

  They who besmirched thy whiteness with their pitch,
  Thy gallery of glories did complete;
  They who accepted of thee so grew rich,
  Men could not count their treasures in the street.

  Thy hollow cheek, and eye of distant light,
  Won from the chief of men their noblest love;
  Olympian feasts thy temperance requite,
  And thy worn weeds a priceless dowry prove.

  I know not if I've caught the matchless mood
  In which impassioned Petrarch sang of thee;
  But this I know,--the world its plenitude
  May keep, so I may share thy beggary.

                                            J. W. H.


After the two real homes, Green Peace and Lawton's Valley, the Chestnut
Street house was nearest to our hearts; this, though we were there only
three years, and though it was there that we children first saw the face
of sorrow. It was an heroic time. The Doctor was in constant touch with
the events of the war. He was sent by Governor Andrew to examine
conditions of camps and hospitals, in Massachusetts and at the seat of
war; he worked as hard on the Sanitary Commission, to which he had been
appointed by President Lincoln, as on any other of his multifarious
labors: his knowledge of practical warfare and his grasp of situations
gave him a foresight of coming events which seemed well-nigh miraculous.
When he entered the house, we all felt the electric touch, found
ourselves in the circuit of the great current.

So, these three years were notable for us all, especially for our
mother; for beside these vital interests, she was entering upon another
phase of development. Heretofore her life had been domestic, studious,
social; her chief relation with the public had been through her pen. She
now felt the need of personal contact with her audience; felt that she
must speak her message. She says in her "Reminiscences": "In the days of
which I now write, it was borne in upon me (as the Friends say) that I
had much to say to my day and generation which could not and should not
be communicated in rhyme, or even in rhythm."

The character of the message, too, was changing. In the anguish of
bereavement she sought relief in study, her lifelong resource. Religion
and philosophy went hand in hand with her. She read Spinoza eagerly:
read Fichte, Hegel, Schelling; finally, found in Immanuel Kant a prophet
and a friend. But it was not enough for her to receive; she must also
give out: her nature was radiant. She must formulate a philosophy of her
own, and must at least offer it to the world.

In September, 1863, she writes to her sister Louisa, "My Ethics are now
the joke of my family, and Flossy or any child, wishing a second
helping, will say: 'Is it ethical, Mamma?' Too much of my life, indeed,
runs in this channel. I can only hope that the things I write may do
good to somebody, how much or how little we ourselves are unable to
measure."

Yet she could make fun of her philosophers: _vide_ the following passage
from one of her "Tribune" letters:--

"We like to make a clean cut occasionally, and distinguish ourselves
from our surroundings. Else, we and they get so wedded that we scarcely
know ourselves apart. Do I own these four walls, or do they own me, and
detain me here for their pleasure and preservation? Do I want these
books, or do their ghostly authors seize me wandering near the shelves,
impanel me by the button-hole, and insist upon pouring their bottled-up
wisdom into my passive mind? I once read a terrible treatise of Fichte
upon the _me and not me_, in which he gave so many reasons why I could
not be the washstand, nor the washstand I, that I began after a while to
doubt the fact. Had I read further, I think I should never have known
myself from house-furniture again. Let me here remark that many of
these gymnastics of German metaphysics seem to have no other office than
that of harmlessly emptying the brain of all its electricity. Their
battery strikes no hammer, turns no wheel. Fichte, having decided that
he was not the washstand, smoked, took beer, and walked out to meet some
philosophic friend, who, viewing himself _inclusive___, as the Germans
say, thought he might be that among other things. Fatherland meantime
going to the Devil--strong hands wanted, clear, practical
brains,--infinitesimal oppression to be undermined, the century helped
on. 'I am not the washstand,' says Fichte; 'I am everything,' says
Hegel. Fatherland, take care of yourself. Yet who shall say that it is
not a vital point to know our real selves from the factitious
personalities imposed upon us, and to distinguish between the symptoms
of our fancy and the valid phenomena of our lives?"

The Journal says:--

"At 11.53 [September 24] finished my Essay on Religion, for the power to
produce which I thank God. I believe that I have in this built up a
greater coherence between things natural and things divine than I have
seen or heard made out after this sort by anyone else. I therefore
rejoice over my work, ... hoping it may be of service to others, as it
has certainly been to me."

Two days later she adds, "I leave this record of my opinion of my work,
but on reading it aloud to Paddock,[49] I found the execution of the
task to have fallen far short of my conception of it. I shall try to
rewrite much of the Essay."

  [49] Miss Mary Paddock, our father's devoted amanuensis: one of the
  earliest and best-loved teachers at the Perkins Institution; often our
  mother's good helper; the faithful and lifelong friend of us all.

The Journal of 1864 is a quarto volume, with a full page for every day.
There are many blank pages, but the record is much fuller than
heretofore.

"_January 15._ Worked all the afternoon at my Essay on Distinction
between Philosophy and Religion. Got a bad feeling from fatigue. A sort
of trembling agony in my back and left side."

Yet she went to the opera in the evening, and saw "Faust," a
"composition with more faults than merits." She concludes the entry with
"_Dilige et relinque_ is a good motto for some things."

"_Sunday, January 17._ It was announced from the pulpit that an Essay on
the Soul and Body would be read by a friend at Wednesday evening
meeting. That friend was myself, that essay my Lecture on Duality. This
would be an honor, but for my ill-deserts. Be witness, O God! that this
is no imaginary or sentimental exclamation, but a feeling too well
founded on fact."

After the lecture she writes: "Mr. Clarke introduced me charmingly. I
wore my white cap, not wishing to read in my thick bonnet. I had quite a
full audience.... I consider this opportunity a great honor and
privilege conferred upon me."

"_January 28._ At a quarter before 2 P.M. finished my Essay on
Philosophy and Religion. I thank God for this, for many infirmities,
some physical, some moral, have threatened to interrupt my work. It is
done, and if it is all I am to do, I am ready to die, since life now
means work of my best sort, and I value little else, except the comfort
of my family. Now for a little rest!"

The "rest" of the following day consisted in paying eight visits between
twelve and two o'clock and going to the opera in the evening.

She now began to read her philosophical essays aloud to a chosen circle
of friends gathered in the parlor of No. 13 Chestnut Street. After one
of these occasions she says: "Professor Rogers took me up sharply (not
in temper), on my first statement and definition of Polarity. I suffered
in this, but was bound to take it in good part. A thoroughbred dog can
bear to be lifted by the ear without squealing. Endurance is a test of
breeding...."

"_May 27, 1864._ My birthday; forty-five years old. This year, begun in
intolerable distress, has been, I think, the most valuable one of my
life. Paralyzed at first by Sammy's death, I soon found my only refuge
from grief in increased activity after my kind. When he died I had
written two-thirds of 'Proteus.' As soon as I was able, I wrote the
remaining portion which treats of affection. At Newport I wrote my
Introductory Lecture on 'How _Not_ to Teach Ethics,' then 'Duality of
Character,' then my first Lecture on Religion. Returned from Newport, I
wrote my second and third essays on Religion. I read the six essays of
my first course to a large circle of friends at my own house, not asking
any payment. This done, I began to write a long essay on Polarity which
is only partially completed, intending also to write on Limitations and
the three degrees, should it be given to me to do so. I have read and
re-read Spinoza's Ethics within the last thirteen months. His method in
the arrangement of thought and motive has been of great use to me, but I
think that I have been able to give them an extended application and
some practical illustrations which did not lie within his scope."

The next day she writes: "Dreamed of dearest Sammy. Thought that he was
in the bed, and that I was trying to nurse him in the dark as I have so
often done. I thought that when his little lips had found my breast,
something said in my ear, 'My life's life--the glory of the world.'
Quoting from my lines on Mary Booth. This woke me with a sudden
impression, _Thus Nature remembers_."

She decided this spring to read some of her essays in Washington. There
were various difficulties in the way, and she was uncertain of the
outcome of the enterprise. She writes:--

"I leave Bordentown [the home of her sister Annie] with a resolute, not
a sanguine heart. I have no one to stand for me there, Sumner against
me, Channing almost unknown to me, everyone else indifferent. I go in
obedience to a deep and strong impulse which I do not understand nor
explain, but whose bidding I cannot neglect. The satisfaction of having
at last obeyed this interior guide is all that keeps me up, for no one,
so far as I know, altogether approves of my going."

Spite of these doubts and fears, the enterprise was successful. Perhaps
people were glad to shut their ears for a moment to the sound of cannon
and the crying of "Latest news from the front!" and listen to the quiet
words of philosophic thought and suggestion.

Side by side with work, as usual, went play. In January she records the
first meeting of the new club, the "Ladies' Social," at the home of Mrs.
Josiah Quincy. This club of clever people, familiarly known as the
"Brain Club," was for many years one of her great pleasures. Mrs. Quincy
was its first president. It may have been at this meeting that our
mother, being asked to present in a few words the nature and object of
the club, addressed the company as follows: "Ladies and Gentlemen; this
club has been formed for the purpose of carrying on"--she paused, and
began to twinkle--"for the purpose of _carrying on_!"

She describes briefly a meeting of the club at 13 Chestnut Street:--

"Entertained my Club with two charades. _Pan-demon-ium_ was the first,
_Catastrophe_ __the second. For _Pan_ I recited some verses of Mrs.
Browning's 'Dead Pan,' with the gods she mentions in the background, my
own boy as Hermes. For 'Demon' I had a female Faust and a female Satan.
Was aided by Fanny McGregor, Alice Howe, Hamilton Wilde, Charles
Carroll, and James C. Davis, with my Flossy, who looked beautifully. The
entertainment was voted an entire success."

We remember these charades well. The words

  "Aphrodite, dead and driven
    As thy native foam thou art ..."

call up the vision of Fanny McGregor, white and beautiful, lying on a
white couch in an attitude of perfect grace.

We hear our mother's voice reciting the stately verses. We see her as
the "female Faust," first bending over her book, then listening
entranced to the promises of Mephistopheles, finally vanishing behind a
curtain from which the next instant sprang Florence (the one child who
resembled her) in all the gayety of her bright youth.

The next day she was, "Very weary all day. Put things to rights as well
as I could. Read in Spinoza, Cotta, and Livy."

It was for the Brain Club that she wrote "The Socio-Maniac," a cantata
caricaturing fashionable society. She set the words to music, and sang
with much solemnity the "Mad Song" of the heroine whose brain had been
turned by too much gayety:--

  "Her mother was a Shaw,
    And her father was a Tompkins;
  Her sister was a bore,
    And her brother was a bumpkin;
      Oh! Soci--oh! Soci--
      Oh! Soci--e--ty!

  "Her flounces were of gold,
    And her slippers were of ermine;
  And she looked a little bold
    When she rose to lead the Germin;
      Oh! Soci--oh! Soci--
      Oh! Soci--e--ty!

  "For my part I never saw
    Where she kept her fascination;
  But I thought she had an aw-
    Ful conceit and affectation;
      Oh! Soci--oh! Soci--
      Oh! Soci--e--ty!"

New interests were constantly arising. In these days Edwin Booth made
his first appearance in Boston. Our mother and father went to the Boston
Theatre one rainy evening, "expecting to see nothing more than an
ordinary performance. The play was 'Richelieu,' and we had seen but
little of Mr. Booth's part in it before we turned to each other and
said, 'This is the real thing!'"

Then they saw him in "Hamlet" and realized even more fully that a star
had risen. He seemed

  ... beautiful as dreams of maidenhood,
      That doubt defy,
  Young Hamlet, with his forehead grief-subdued,
      And visioning eye.[50]

  [50] "Hamlet at the Boston," _Later Lyrics_, 1866.

Mr. Booth's manager asked her to write a play for the young tragedian.
She gladly consented; Booth himself came to see her; she found him
"modest, intelligent, and above all genuine,--the man as worthy of
admiration as the artist."

In all the range of classic fiction, to which her mind naturally turned,
no character seemed to fit him so well as that of Hippolytus; his
austere beauty, his reserve and shyness, all seemed to her the
personification of the hunter-prince, beloved of Artemis, and she chose
this theme for her play.

The writing of "Hippolytus" was accomplished under difficulties. She
says of it:--

"I had at this time and for many years afterward a superstition about a
north light. My eyes had given me some trouble, and I felt obliged to
follow my literary work under circumstances most favorable for their
use. The exposure of our little farmhouse [at Lawton's Valley] was south
and west, and its only north light was derived from a window at the top
of the attic stairs. Here was a platform just large enough to give room
for a table two feet square. The stairs were shut off from the rest of
the house by a stout door. And here, through the summer heats, and in
spite of many wasps, I wrote my five-act drama, dreaming of the fine
emphasis which Mr. Booth would give to its best passages and of the
beautiful appearance he would make in classic costume. He, meanwhile,
was growing into great fame and favor with the public, and was called
hither and thither by numerous engagements. The period of his courtship
and marriage[51] intervened, and a number of years elapsed between the
completion of the play and his first reading of it."

  [51] To Mary Devlin, an actress of great charm.

At last the time seemed ripe for the production of the play. E. L.
Davenport, the actor manager of the Howard Athenæum, agreed to produce
it: Charlotte Cushman was to play Phædra to Booth's Hippolytus.
Rehearsals began, the author's dream seemed close upon fulfilment. Then
came a slip never fully explained: the manager suddenly discovered that
the subject of the play was a painful one; other reasons were given, but
none that appeared sufficient to author or actors.

"My dear," said Miss Cushman, "if Edwin Booth and I had done nothing
more than stand upon the stage and say 'good evening' to each other, the
house would have been filled."

Briefly, the play was withdrawn. Our mother says: "This was, I think,
the greatest 'let down' that I ever experienced. It affected me
seriously for some days, after which I determined to attempt nothing
more for the stage."

She never forgot the play nor her bitter disappointment.

Many memories cluster about the gracious figure of Edwin Booth. He came
often--for so shy and retiring a man--to the Chestnut Street house. We
children all worshipped at his shrine; the elder girls worked his
initials on the under side of the chair in which he once sat, which was
thereafter like no other chair; the younger ones gazed in round-eyed
admiration, but the great man had eyes for one only of us all. We gave a
party for him, and Beacon Street came in force to meet the brilliant
young actor. Alas! the brilliant young actor, after the briefest and
shyest of greetings to the company, retired into a corner with
eight-year-old Maud, where he sat on the floor making dolls and rabbits
out of his pocket handkerchief!

This recalls an oft-quoted anecdote of the time. Our mother wished
Charles Sumner to see and know Booth. One evening when the Senator was
at the house, she told him of her wish. The next day she writes in her
Journal: "Sumner to tea. Made a rude speech on being asked to meet
Booth. Said: 'I don't know that I should care to meet him. I have
outlived my interest in individuals.' Fortunately, God Almighty had not,
by last accounts, got so far."

Sumner was told of this in her presence. "What a strange sort of book,"
he exclaimed, "your diary must be! You ought to strike that out
immediately."

She admired Charles Sumner heartily, but they disagreed on many points.
He disapproved of women's speaking in public (as did the Doctor),
and--with wholly kind intentions--did what he could to prevent her
giving the above-mentioned readings in Washington. She notes this in her
Journal.

"I wrote him a very warm letter, but with no injurious phrase, as I felt
only grief and indignation, not dis-esteem, towards him. Yet the fact of
having written the letter became extremely painful to me, when it was
once beyond recall. I could not help writing a second on the day
following, to apologize for the roughness of the first. This was a
diplomatic fault, I think, but one inseparable from my character. C.S.'s
reply, which I dreaded to read, was very kind. While I clearly saw his
misapprehension of the whole matter, I saw also the thorough kindliness
and sincerity of his nature. So we disagree, but I love him."

Mr. Sumner did not attend the readings, but he came to see her, and was,
as always, kind and friendly. After seeing him in the Senate she writes:
"Sumner looks up and smiles. That smile seems to illuminate the Senate."

Another passage in the Journal of March, 1864, is in a different note:
"Maggie ill and company to dinner. I washed breakfast things, cleared
the table, walked, read Spinoza a little, then had to 'fly round,' as my
dinner was an early one. Picked a grouse, and saw to various matters.
Company came, a little early. The room was cold. Hedge, Palfrey, and
Alger to dinner. Conversation pleasant, but dinner late, and not well
served. Palfrey and Hedge read Parker's Latin epitaph on Chev, amazed at
the bad Latinity."

       *       *       *       *       *

In June, 1864, a Russian squadron, sent to show Russia's good-will
toward the United States, dropped anchor in Boston Harbor, and
hospitable Boston rose up in haste to receive the strangers. Dr. Holmes
wrote a song beginning,--

  "Seabirds of Muscovy,
    Rest in our waters,"--

which was sung to the Russian national air at a public reception.

Our mother for once made no "little verse," but she saw a good deal of
the Russian officers; gave parties for them, and attended various
functions and festivities on board the ships. On Sunday, June 22, she
writes:--

"To mass on board the Oslaba.... The service was like the Armenian
Easter I saw in Rome.... It is a sacrifice to God instead of a lesson
from Him, which after all makes the difference between the old religions
and the true Christian. For even Judaism is heathen compared with
Christianity. Yet I found this very consoling, as filling out the
verities of religious development. I seemed to hear in the responses a
great harmony in which the first man had the extreme bass and the last
born babe the extreme treble. Theo. Parker and my dear Sammy were
blended in it."

Soon after this the "seabirds of Muscovy" departed; then came the
flitting to Newport, and a summer of steady work.

"Read Paul in the Valley. Thought of writing a review of his first two
epistles from the point of view of the common understanding. The clumsy
Western mind has made such literal and material interpretations of the
Oriental finesses of the New Testament, that the present coarse and
monstrous beliefs, so far behind the philosophical, æsthetic, and
natural culture of the age, is imposed by the authority of the few upon
the ignorance of the many, and stands a monument of the stupidity of
all.

"Paul's views of the natural man are, inevitably, much colored by the
current bestiality of the period. To apply his expressions to the
innocent and inevitable course of Nature is coarse, unjust, and
demoralizing, because confusing to the moral sense."

"I came to the conclusion to-day that an heroic intention is not to be
kept in sight without much endeavor. Now that I have finished at least
one portion of my Ethics and Dynamics, I find myself thinking how to get
just credit for it, rather than how to make my work most useful to
others. The latter must, however, be my object, and shall be. Did not
Chev so discourage it, I should feel bound to give these lectures
publicly, being, as they are, a work for the public. I do not as yet
decide what to do with them."

Returning to 13 Chestnut Street, she found a multiplicity of work
awaiting her. Ethics had to stand aside and make way for Poetry and
Philanthropy. New York was to celebrate the seventieth birthday of
William Cullen Bryant; she was asked to write a poem for the occasion.
This she did joyfully, composing and arranging the stanzas mostly in the
train between Newport and Boston.

On the day of the celebration, she took an early train for New York: Dr.
Oliver Wendell Holmes was on the train. "I will sit by you, Mrs. Howe,"
he said, "but I must not talk! I am going to read a poem at the Bryant
celebration, and must save my voice."

"By all means let us keep silent," she replied. "I also have a poem to
read at the Bryant Celebration."

Describing this scene she says, "The dear Doctor, always my friend,
overestimated his power of abstinence from the interchange of thought
which was so congenial to him. He at once launched forth in his own
brilliant vein, and we were within a few miles of our destination when
we suddenly remembered that we had not taken time to eat our luncheon."

George Bancroft met them at the station, carried her trunk himself ("a
small one!"), and put her into his own carriage. The reception was in
the Century Building. She entered on Mr. Bryant's arm, and sat between
him and Mr. Bancroft on the platform. The Journal tells us:--

"After Mr. Emerson's remarks my poem was announced. I stepped to the
middle of the platform, and read my poem. I was full of it, and read it
well, I think, as every one heard me, and the large room was crammed.
The last two verses--not the best--were applauded.... This was, I
suppose, the greatest public honor of my life. I record it for my
grandchildren."

The November pages of the Journal are blank, but on that for November 21
is pasted a significant note. It is from the secretary of the National
Sailors' Fair, and conveys the thanks of the Board of Managers to Mrs.
Howe "for her great industry and labor in editing the 'Boatswain's
Whistle.'"

Neither Journal nor "Reminiscences" has one word to say about fair or
paper; yet both were notable. The great war-time fairs were far more
than a device for raising money. They were festivals of patriotism;
people bought and sold with a kind of sacred ardor. This fair was
Boston's contribution toward the National Sailors' Home. It was held in
the Boston Theatre, which for a week was transformed into a wonderful
hive of varicolored bees, all "workers," all humming and hurrying. The
"Boatswain's Whistle" was the organ of the fair. There were ten numbers
of the paper: it lies before us now, a small folio volume of eighty
pages.

Title and management are indicated at the top of the first column:--


THE BOATSWAIN'S WHISTLE.

         -----------------
         Editorial Council.

  Edward Everett.        A. P. Peabody.

  John G. Whittier.      J. R. Lowell.

  O. W. Holmes.          E. P. Whipple.

         -----------------
              Editor.

          Julia Ward Howe.

Each member of the Council made at least one contribution to the paper;
but the burden fell on the Editor's shoulders. She worked day and night;
no wonder that the pages of the Journal are blank. Beside the editorials
and many other unsigned articles, she wrote a serial story, "The Journal
of a Fancy Fair," which brings back vividly the scene it describes. In
those days the raffle was not discredited. Few people realized that it
was a crude form of gambling; clergy and laity alike raffled merrily.
Our mother, however, in her story speaks through the lips of her hero a
pungent word on the subject:--

"The raffle business is, I suppose, the great humbug of occasions of
this kind. It seems to me very much like taking a front tooth from a
certain number of persons in order to make up a set of teeth for a party
who wants it and who does not want to pay for it."

We should like to linger over the pages of the "Boatswain's Whistle"; to
quote from James Freeman Clarke's witty dialogues, Edward Everett's
stately periods, Dr. Holmes's sparkling verse; to describe General
Grant, the prize ox, white as driven snow and weighing 3900 pounds,
presented by the owner to President Lincoln and by him to the fair. Did
we not see him drawn in triumph through Boston streets on an open car,
and realize in an instant--fresh from our "Wonder-Book"--what Europa's
bull looked like?

But of all the treasures of the little paper, we must content ourselves
with this dispatch:--

Allow me to wish you a great success. With the old fame of the navy made
bright by the present war, you cannot fail. I name none lest I wrong
others by omission. To all, from Rear Admiral to honest Jack, I tender
the nation's admiration and gratitude.

                                                      A. LINCOLN.




CHAPTER X

THE WIDER OUTLOOK

1865; _aet._ 46

THE WORD

  Had I one of thy words, my Master,
    With a spirit and tone of thine,
  I would run to the farthest Indies
    To scatter the joy divine.

  I would waken the frozen ocean
    With a billowy burst of joy:
  Stir the ships at their grim ice-moorings
    The summer passes by.

  I would enter court and hovel,
    Forgetful of mien or dress,
  With a treasure that all should ask for,
    An errand that all should bless.

  I seek for thy words, my Master,
    With a spelling vexed and slow:
  With scanty illuminations
    In an alphabet of woe.

  But while I am searching, scanning
    A lesson none ask to hear,
  My life writeth out thy sentence
    Divinely just and dear.

                                      J. W. H.


The war was nearly over, and all hearts were with Grant and Lee in their
long duel before Richmond. Patriotism and philosophy together ruled our
mother's life in these days; the former more apparent in her daily walk
among us, the latter in the quiet hours with her Journal.

The Journal for 1865 is much fuller than that of 1864; the record of
events is more regular, and we find more and more reflection,
meditation, and speculation. The influence of Kant is apparent; the
entries become largely notes of study, to take final shape in lectures
and essays.

"A morning visit received in study hours is a sickness from which the
day does not recover. I can neither afford to be idle, nor to have
friends who are so."

"Man is impelled by inward force, regulated by outward circumstance. He
is inspired from within, moralized from without.... A man may be devout
in himself, but he can be moral only in his relation with other men...."

"Early to Mary Dorr's, to consult about the Charade. Read Kant and wrote
as usual. Spent the afternoon in getting up my costumes for the Charade.
The word was Au-thor-ship.... Authorship was expressed by my appearing
as a great composer, Jerry Abbott performing my Oratorio--a very comical
thing, indeed. The whole was a success."

No one who saw the "Oratorio" can forget it. Mr. Abbott, our neighbor in
Chestnut Street, was a comedian who would have adorned any stage. The
"book" of the Oratorio was a simple rhyme of Boston authorship.

  "Abigail Lord,
  Of her own accord,
  Went down to see her sister,
  When Jason Lee,
  As brisk as a flea,
  He hopped right up and kissed her."

With these words, an umbrella, and a chair held before him like a
violoncello, Mr. Abbott gave a truly Handelian performance. Fugue and
counterpoint, first violin and bass tuba, solo and full chorus, all were
rendered with a _verve_ and spirit which sent the audience into
convulsions of laughter.--This was one of the "carryings-on" of the
Brain Club. After another such occasion our mother writes:--

"Very weary and aching a little. I must keep out of these tomfooleries,
though they have their uses. They are much better than some other social
entertainments, as after all they present some æsthetic points of
interest. They are better than scandal, gluttony, or wild dancing. But
the artists and I have still better things to do."

"_January 23._ It is always legitimate to wish to rise above one's self,
never above others. In this, however, as in other things, we must
remember the maxim: '_Natura nil facit per saltum_.' All true rising
must be gradual and laborious, in such wise that the men of to-morrow
shall look down almost imperceptibly upon the men of to-day. All sudden
elevations are either imaginary or factitious. If you had not a kingly
mind before your coronation, no crown will make a king of you. The true
king is somewhere, starving or hiding, very like. For the true value
which the counterfeit represents exists somewhere. The world has much
dodging about to produce the real value and escape the false one."

Throughout the Journal, we find a revelation of the conflict in this
strangely dual nature. Her study was, she thought, her true home; yet no
one who saw her in society would have dreamed that she was making an
effort: _nor was she_! She gave herself up entirely to the work or the
play of the hour. She was a many-sided crystal: every aspect of life met
its answering flash. The glow of human intercourse kindled her to flame;
but when the flame had cooled, the need of solitude and study lay on her
with twofold poignancy. She went through life in double harness, thought
and feeling abreast; though often torn between the two, in the main she
gave free rein to both, trusting the issue to God.

The winter of 1864-65 was an arduous one. She was writing new
philosophical essays, and reading them before various circles of
friends. The larger audience which she craved was not for the moment
attainable. She was studying deeply, reading Latin by way of relaxation,
going somewhat into society (Julia and Florence being now of the dancing
age), and entertaining a good deal in a quiet way. In February she
writes: "Much tormented by interruptions. Could not get five quiet
minutes at a time. Everybody torments me with every smallest errand. And
I am trying to study philosophy!"

Probably we were troublesome children and made more noise than we
should. Her accurate ear for music was often a source of distress to
her, as one of us can witness, an indolent child who neglected her
practising. As this child drummed over her scales, the door of the
upstairs study would open, and a clear voice come ringing down, "_B
flat_, dear, _not_ B natural!"

It seemed to the child a miracle; she, with the book before her, could
not get it right: "Mamma," studying Kant upstairs behind closed doors,
knew what the note should be.

"Few of us consider the wide and laborious significance of the simplest
formulas we employ. 'I love you!' opens out a long vista of labor and
endeavor; otherwise it means: 'I love myself and need you.'..."

"Played all last evening for Laura's company to dance. My heart flutters
to-day. It is a feeling unknown to me until lately."

Now, Laura would have gone barefoot in snow to save her mother pain or
fatigue; yet she has no recollection of ever questioning the
inevitability of "Mamma's" playing for all youthful dancing. Grown-up
parties were different; for them there were hired musicians, who made
inferior music; but for the frolics of the early 'teens, who _should_
play except "Mamma"?

On March 10, she writes: "I have now been too long in my study. I must
break out into real life, and learn some more of its lessons."

Two days later a lesson began: "I stay from church to-day to take care
of Maud, who is quite unwell. This is a sacrifice, although I am bound
and glad to make it. But I shall miss the church all the week."

The child became so ill that "all pursuits had to be given up in the
care of her." The Journal gives a minute account of this illness, and of
the remedies used, among them "long-continued and gentle friction with
the hand." The words bring back the touch of her hand, which was like no
other. There were no trained nurses in our nursery, rarely any doctor
save "Papa," but "Mamma" rubbed us, and that was a whole
pharmacopœia in itself.

At this time she gave her first public lecture before the Parker
Fraternity. This was an important event to her; she had earnestly
desired yet greatly dreaded it. She found the hall pleasant, the
audience attentive. "When I came to read the lecture," she says, "I felt
that it had a value."

"All these things in my mind point one way, viz.: towards the adoption
of a profession of Ethical exposition, after my sort."

She had been asked to give a lecture at Tufts College, and says of this:
"The difficulties are great, the question is to me one of simple duty.
If I am sent for, and have the word to say, I should say it."

And again: "I determine that I can only be good in fulfilling my highest
function--all else implies waste of power, leading to demoralization."

She declined the invitation, "feeling unable to decide in favor of
accepting it."

"But I was sorry," she says, "and I remembered the words: 'He that hath
put his hand to the plough and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom
of heaven.' God keep me from so looking back!"

The Journal of this spring is largely devoted to philosophic
speculations and commentaries on Kant, whose theories she finds more and
more luminous and convincing; now and then comes a note of her own:--

"'I am God!' says the fool. 'I see God!' says the wise man. For while
you are your own supreme, you are your own God, and self-worship is true
atheism."

"It is better to use a bad man by his better side than a good man by his
worse side."

"Christ said that he was older than Abraham. I think that he used this
expression as a measure of value. His thoughts were further back in the
primal Ideal necessity. He did not speak of any personal life antedating
his own existence.... In his own sense, Christ was also newer than we
are, for his doctrine is still beyond the attainment of all and the
appreciation of most of us."

"There is no essential religious element in negation."

"Saw Booth in 'Hamlet'--still first-rate, I think, although he has
played it one hundred nights in New York. 'Hamlet' is an æsthetic
Evangel. I know of no direct ethical work which contains such powerful
moral illustration and instruction."

"James Freeman [Clarke] does not think much of Sam's book, probably not
as well as it deserves. But the knowledge of Sam's personality is the
light behind the transparency in all that he does."[52]

  [52] _Lyrical Ventures_, by Samuel Ward.

These were the closing months of the Civil War. All hearts were lifted
up in thankfulness that the end was near. She speaks of it seldom, but
her few words are significant.

"_Monday, April 3...._ Richmond was taken this morning. _Laus Deo!_"

On April 10, after "Maud's boots, $3.00, Vegetables, .12, Bread, .04,"
we read, "Ribbons for victory, .40. To-day we have the news of Lee's
surrender with the whole remnant of his army. The city is alive with
people. All flags hung out--shop windows decorated--processions in the
street. All friends meet and shake hands. On the newspaper bulletins
such placards as '_Gloria in excelsis Deo_,' 'Thanks be to God!' We all
call it the greatest day of our lives.

"Apples, half-peck, .50."

That week was one of joy and thankfulness for all. Thursday was Fast
Day; she "went to church to fatigue Satan. Afterwards made a visit to
Mrs. ---- who did not seem to have tired her devil out."

The joy bells were soon to be silenced. Saturday, April 15, was

"A black day in history, though outwardly most fair. President Lincoln
was assassinated in his box at the theatre, last evening, by J. Wilkes
Booth. This atrocious act, which was consummated in a very theatrical
manner, is enough to ruin not the Booth family alone, but the theatrical
profession. Since my Sammy's death, nothing has happened that has given
me so much personal pain as this event. The city is paralyzed. But we
can only work on, and trust in God."

Our father's face of tragedy, the anguish in his voice, as he called us
down to hear the news, come vividly before us to-day, one of the
clearest impressions of our youth. Our mother went with him next day to
hear Governor Andrew's official announcement of the murder to the
Legislature, and heard with deep emotion his quotation from
"Macbeth":--

                  "Besides, this Duncan
  Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
  So clear in his great office, that his virtues
  Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
  The deep damnation of his taking-off," etc.

Wednesday, April 19, was:--

"The day of President Lincoln's funeral. A sad, disconnected day. I
could not work, but strolled around to see the houses, variously draped
in black and white. Went to Bartol's church, not knowing of a service at
our own. Bartol's remarks were tender and pathetic. I was pleased to
have heard them.

"Wrote some verses about the President--pretty good,
perhaps,--scratching the last nearly in the dark, just before bedtime."

This is the poem called "Parricide." It begins:--

  O'er the warrior gauntlet grim
  Late the silken glove we drew.
  Bade the watch-fires slacken dim
  In the dawn's auspicious hue.
  Staid the armèd heel;
  Still the clanging steel;
  Joys unwonted thrilled the silence through.

On April 27 she "heard of Wilkes Booth's death--shot on refusing to give
himself up--the best thing that could have happened to himself and his
family"; and wrote a second poem entitled "Pardon," embodying her second
and permanent thought on the subject:

  Pains the sharp sentence the heart in whose wrath it was uttered,
                    Now thou art cold;
  Vengeance, the headlong, and Justice, with purpose close muttered,
                    Loosen their hold, etc.

Brief entries note the closing events of the war.

"_May 13._ Worked much on Essay.... In the evening said to Laura: 'Jeff
Davis will be taken to-morrow.' Was so strongly impressed with the
thought that I wanted to say it to Chev, but thought it was too silly."

"_May 14._ The first thing I heard in the morning was the news of the
capture of Jeff Davis. This made me think of my preluding the night
before...."

       *       *       *       *       *

Other things beside essays demanded work in these days. The great
struggle was now over, and with it the long strain on heart and nerve,
culminating in the tragic emotion of the past weeks. The inevitable
reaction set in. Her whole nature cried out for play, and play meant
work.

"Working all day for the Girls' Party, to-morrow evening. Got only a
very short reading of Kant, and of Tyndall. Tea with the Bartols. Talk
with [E. P.] Whipple, who furiously attacked Tacitus. Bartol and I, who
know a good deal more about him, made a strong fight in his behalf."

"Working all day for the Party. The lists of men and women accepting and
declining were balanced by my daughter F. with amusing anxiety.... The
two sexes are now neck and neck. Dear little Maud was in high glee over
every male acceptance. Out of all this hubbub got a precious forty-five
minutes with Kant...."

The party proved "very gay and pleasant."

Now came a more important event: the Musical Festival celebrating the
close of the war, which was given by the Handel and Haydn Society, at
its semi-centennial, in May, 1865. Our mother sang alto in the chorus.
The Journal records daily, sometimes semi-daily, rehearsals and
performances, Kant squeezed to the wall, and getting with difficulty his
daily hour or half-hour. Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise" and "Elijah";
Haydn's "Creation," Handel's "Messiah" and "Israel in Egypt"; she sang
in them all.

Here is a sample Festival day:--

"Attended morning rehearsal, afternoon concert, and sang in the evening.
We gave 'Israel in Egypt' and Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise.' I got a
short reading of Kant, which helped me through the day. But so much
music is more than human nerves can respond to with pleasure. This
confirms my belief in the limited power of our sensibilities in the
direction of pure enjoyment. The singing in the choruses fatigues me
less than hearing so many things."

After describing the glorious final performance of the "Messiah," she
writes:--

"So farewell, delightful Festival! I little thought what a week of youth
was in store for me. For these things carried me back to my early years,
and their passion for music. I remembered the wholeness with which I
used to give myself up to the concerts and oratorios in New York, and
the intense reaction of melancholy which always followed these
occasions."

And the next day:--

"Still mourning the Festival a little. If I had kept up my music as I
intended, in my early youth, I should never have done what I have
done--should never have studied philosophy, nor written what I have
written. My life would have been more natural and passionate, but I
think less valuable. Yet I cannot but regret the privation of this
element in which I have lived for years. But I do believe that music is
the most expensive of the fine arts. It uses up the whole man more than
the other arts do, and builds him up less. It is more passional, less
intellectual, than the other arts. Its mastery is simple and absolute,
while that of the other arts is so complex as to involve a larger sphere
of thought and reflection. I have observed the faces of this orchestra
just disbanded. Their average is considerably above the ordinary one.
But they have probably more talent than thought."

On May 31 we find a significant entry. The evening before she had
attended the Unitarian Convention, and "heard much tolerable speaking,
but nothing of any special value or importance." She now writes:--

"I really suffered last evening from the crowd of things which I wished
to say, and which, at one word of command, would have flashed into life
and, I think, into eloquence. It is by a fine use of natural logic that
the Quaker denomination allows women to speak, under the pressure of
religious conviction. 'In Christ Jesus there is neither male nor
female,' is a good sentence. Paul did not carry this out in his church
discipline, yet, one sees, he felt it in his religious contemplation. I
feel that a woman's whole moral responsibility is lowered by the fact
that she must never obey a transcendent command of conscience. Man can
give her nothing to take the place of this. It is the _divine_ right of
the human soul."

The fatigue and excitement of the Festival had to be paid for: the
inevitable reaction set in.

"_June 3._ Decidedly I have spleen in these days. Throughout my whole
body, I feel a mingled restlessness and feebleness, as if the nerves
were irritated, and the muscles powerless. I feel puzzled, too, about
the worth of what I have been doing for nearly three years past. There
is no one to help me in these matters. I determine still to work on and
hope on. Much of the work of every life is done in the dark."

Again: "Spleen to-day, and utter discouragement. The wind is east, and
this gives me the strange feeling, described before, of restlessness and
powerlessness. My literary affairs are in a very confused state. I have
no market. This troubles me.... God keep me from falling away from my
purpose, to do only what seems to me necessary and called for in my
vocation, and not to produce for money, praise, or amusement."

"Was melancholy and Godless all day, having taken my volume of Kant back
to the Athenæum for the yearly rearrangement. Could not interest myself
in anything.... Visited old Mrs. Sumner,[53] whose chariot and horses
are nearly ready."

  [53] The mother of Charles Sumner.

At this time there was some question of selling Lawton's Valley for
economic reasons. The exigency passed, but the following words show the
depth of her feeling on the subject: "If I have any true philosophy, any
sincere religion, these must support me under the privation of the
Valley. I feel this, and resolve to do well, but nature will suffer.
That place has been my confidante,--my bosom friend,--intimate to me as
no human being ever will be--dear and comforting also to my
children...."

"_June 11...._ Thought of a good text for a sermon, 'In the world ye
shall have tribulation,' the scope being to show that our tribulation,
if we try to do well, is in the world, our refuge and comfort in the
church. Thought of starting a society in Newport for the practice of
sacred music, availing ourselves of the summer musicians and the
possible aid of such ladies as Miss Reed, etc., for solos. Such an
enterprise would be humanizing, and would supply a better object than
the empty reunions of fashion...."

"_Wednesday, June 21._ Attended the meeting at Faneuil Hall, for the
consideration of reconstruction of the Southern States. Dana made a
statement to the effect that voting was a civic, not a natural, right,
and built up the propriety of negro suffrage on the basis first of
military right, then of duty to the negro, this being the only mode of
enabling him to protect himself against his late master. His treatment
was intended to be exhaustive, and was able, though cold and conceited.
Beecher tumbled up on the platform immediately after, not having heard
him, knocked the whole question to pieces with his great democratic
power, his humor, his passion, and his magnetism. It was Nature after
Art, and his nature is much greater than Dana's art."

A few days after this she writes: "... Sumner in the evening--a long
and pleasant visit. He is a very sweet-hearted man, and does not grow
old."

The Musical Festival had not yet exacted full arrears of payment; she
was too weary even to enjoy the Valley at first; but after a few days of
its beloved seclusion she shook off fatigue and was herself again,
reading Kant and Livy, teaching the children, and gathering mussels on
the beach.

She flits up to town to see the new statue of Horace Mann, "in order to
criticise it for Chev's pamphlet";[54] meets William Hunt, who praises
its simplicity and parental character; and Charles Sumner, who tells her
it looks better on a nearer view.

  [54] Dr. Howe raised the money for this statue.

The day after--"we abode in the Valley, when three detachments of
company tumbled in upon us, to wit, Colonel Higginson and Mrs. McKay,
the Tweedys and John Field, and the Gulstons. All were friendly. Only on
my speaking of the rudeness occasionally shown me by a certain lady,
Mrs. Tweedy said: 'But that was in the presence of your superiors, was
it not?' I replied: 'I do not know that I was ever in Mrs. X.'s company
under those circumstances!' After which we all laughed."

She was at this time sitting to Miss Margaret Foley for a portrait
medallion and was writing philosophy and poetry. Family and household
matters also claimed their share of attention.

"Finished reading over 'Polarity' [her essay]. Reading to the children,
'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man
hath not where to lay his head'--my little Maud's eyes filled with
tears."

"Much worried by want of preparedness for today's picnic. Managed to get
up three chickens killed on short notice, a pan of excellent
gingerbread, two cans of peaches, and a little bread and butter. Went in
the express wagon.... At the picnic I repeated my Cambridge poem, ...
and read 'Amanda's Inventory' and my long poem on Lincoln's death....
Duty depends on an objective, happiness upon a subjective, sense. The
first is capable of a general and particular definition, the second is
not."

"In the afternoon mended Harry's shirt, finished Maud's skirt, read Livy
and Tyndall, and played croquet, which made me very cross."

"Exhumed my French story and began its termination. Mended a sheet badly
torn."

After a long list of purchases--

"Worked like a dog all day. Went in town, running about to pick up all
the articles above mentioned.... Came home--cut bread and butter and
spread sandwiches till just within time to slip off one dress and slip
on another. My company was most pleasant, and more numerous than I had
anticipated...."

"Legal right is the universal compulsion which secures universal
liberty."

"I feel quite disheartened when I compare this summer with the last. I
was so happy and hopeful in writing my three Essays and thought they
should open such a vista of usefulness to me, and of good to others. But
the opposition of my family has made it almost impossible for me to
make the use intended of them. My health has not allowed me to continue
to produce so much. I feel saddened and doubtful of the value of what I
have done or can do...."

"_August 23...._ Rights and duties are inseparable in human beings. God
has rights without duties. Men have rights and duties. If a slave have
not rights, he also has not duties...."

"With the girls to a matinée at Bellevue Hall. They danced and I was
happy."

"My croquet party kept me busy all day. It was pleasant enough...."

"... 'My peace I give unto you' is a wonderful saying. What peace have
most of us to give each other? But Christ has given peace to the world,
peace at least as an ideal object, to be ever sought, though never fully
attained."

"_September 10...._ Read Kant on state rights. According to him, wars of
conquest are allowable only in a state of nature, not in a state of
peace (which is not to be attained without a compact whose necessity is
supreme and whose obligations are sacred). So Napoleon's crusade against
the constituted authority of the European republic was without logical
justification,--which accounts for the speedy downfall of his empire.
What he accomplished had only the subjective justification of his genius
and his ambition. His work was of great indirect use in sweeping away
certain barriers of usage and of superstition. He drew a picture of
government on a large scale and thus set a pattern which inevitably
enlarged the procedures of his successors, who lost through him the
prestige of divine right and of absolute power. But the inadequacy of
his object showed itself through the affluence of his genius. The
universal dominion of the Napoleon family was not to be desired or
endured by the civilized world at large. The tortoise in the end
overtook the hare, and slow, plodding Justice, with her loyal hack,
distanced splendid Ambition mounted on first-rate ability, once and
forever...."

"To Zion church, to hear ---- preach. Text, 'Son, remember that thou in
thy lifetime receivedst thy good things.' Sermon as far removed from it
as possible, weak, sentimental, and illiterate. He left out the 'd' in
'receivedst,' and committed other errors in pronunciation. But to sit
with the two aunts[55] in the old church, so familiar to my childhood,
was touching and impressive. Hither my father was careful to bring us.
Imperfect as his doctrine now appears to me, he looks down upon me from
the height of a better life than mine, and still appears to me as my
superior."

  [55] Mrs. Francis and Mrs. McAllister.

"A little nervous about my reading. Reached Mrs. [Richard] Hunt's at
twelve. Saw the sweet little boy. Mrs. Hunt very kind and cordial. At
one Mr. Hunt led me to the studio which I found well filled, my two
aunts in the front row, to my great surprise; Bancroft, too, quite near
me. I shortened the essay somewhat. It was well heard and received.
Afterwards I read my poem called 'Philosophy,' and was urged to recite
my 'Battle Hymn,' which I did. I was much gratified by the kind
reception I met with and the sight of many friends of my youth. A most
pleasant lunch afterwards at Mrs. Hunt's, with Tweedys, Tuckermans, and
Laura."

"I see no outlook before me. So many fields for activity, but for
passivity, which seems incumbent upon me, only uselessness, obscurity,
deterioration. Some effort I must make."

Many efforts were impending, though not precisely in the direction
contemplated. First, a new abode must be found for the winter, as the
owners of 13 Chestnut Street claimed it for themselves. She and the
Doctor added house-hunting to their other burdens, and found it a heavy
one. On October 6 she writes:--

"Much excited about plans and prospects. Chev has bought the house in
Boylston Place.[56] God grant it may be for the best. Determine to have
classes in philosophy, and to ask a reasonable price for my tickets....

  [56] No. 19.

"The Sunday's devotion without the week's thought and use is a spire
without a meeting-house. It leaps upward, but crowns and covers nothing.

"I have too often set down the moral weight I have to carry, and frisked
around it. But the voice now tells me that I must bear it to the end, or
lose it forever."

The move to Boylston Place was in November. Early in the month a
"frisking" took place, with amusing results. Our mother went with
Governor and Mrs. Andrew and a gay party to Barnstable for the annual
festival and ball. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company acted as
escort, and--according to custom--the band of the Company furnished the
music. For some reason--the townspeople thought because the pretty girls
were all engaged beforehand for the dance--the officer in command
stopped the music at twelve o'clock, to the great distress of the
Barnstable people who had ordered their carriages at two or later. The
party broke up in disorder far from "admired," and our mother
crystallized the general feeling in the following verses, which the
Barnstableites promptly printed in a "broadside," and sang to the then
popular tune of "Lanigan's Ball":--


THE BARNSTABLE BALL

A LYRIC

(_Appointed to be sung in all Social Meetings on the Cape_)

  March away with your old artillery;
    Don't come back till we give you a call.
  Put your Colonel into the pillory;
    He broke up the Barnstable Ball.

  Country folks don't go a-pleasuring
    Every day, as it doth befall;
  They with deepest scorn are measuring
    Him who broke up the Barnstable Ball.

  He came down with his motley company,
    Stalking round the 'cultural hall;
  Couldn't find a partner to jump any,
    So broke up the Barnstable Ball.

  Warn't it enough with their smoking and thundering,
    Sweeping about like leaves in a squall,
  But they must take to theft and plundering,--
    Steal the half of the Barnstable Ball?

  Put the music into their pocket,
    Order the figure-man not to bawl,
  Twenty jigs were still on the docket,
    When they adjourned the Barnstable Ball.

  Gov'nor A. won't hang for homicide,
    That's a point that bothers us all;
  He must banish ever from his side
    Such as murdered the Barnstable Ball.

  When they're old and draw'd with rheumatiz,
    Let them say to their grandbabes small,
  "Deary me, what a shadow of gloom it is
    To remember the Barnstable Ball!"

This autumn saw the preparation of a new volume of poems, "Later
Lyrics." Years had passed since the appearance of "Words for the Hour,"
and our mother had a great accumulation of poems, the arrangement of
which proved a heavy task.

"The labor of looking over the manuscript nearly made me ill.... Had a
new bad feeling of intense pressure in the right temple."

And again:--

"Nearly disabled by headaches.... Determine to push on with my volume."

"Almost distracted with work of various sorts--my book--the new
house--this one full of company, and a small party in the evening."

"All these days much hurried by proofs. Went in the evening to the
opening of the new wards in the Women's Hospital--read two short poems,
according to promise. These were kindly received...."

The next day she went with a party of friends to the Boys' Reform School
at Westboro. "In the yard where the boys were collected, the guests
were introduced. Quite a number crowded to see the Author of the 'Battle
Hymn.' Two or three said to me: 'Are you the woman that wrote that
"Battle Hymn"?' When I told them that I was, they seemed much pleased.
This I felt to be a great honor."

The next day again she is harassed with correcting proofs and furnishing
copy. "Ran to Bartol for a little help, which he gave me."

The Reverend C. A. Bartol was our next-door neighbor in Chestnut Street,
a most kind and friendly one. His venerable figure, wrapped in a wide
cloak, walking always in the middle of the road (we never knew why he
eschewed the sidewalk), is one of the pleasant memories of Chestnut
Street. We were now to leave that beloved street; a sorrowful flitting
it was.

"_Friday, November 3._ Moving all day. This is my last writing in this
dear house, No. 13 Chestnut Street, where I have had three years of good
work, social and family enjoyment. Here I enjoyed my dear Sammy for six
happy months--here I mourned long and bitterly for him. Here I read my
six lectures on Practical Ethics. Some of my best days have been passed
in this house. God be thanked for the same!"




CHAPTER XI

NO. 19 BOYLSTON PLACE: "LATER LYRICS"

1866; _aet._ 47

IN MY VALLEY

  From the hurried city fleeing,
  From the dusty men and ways,
  In my golden sheltered valley,
  Count I yet some sunny days.

  Golden, for the ripened Autumn
  Kindles there its yellow blaze;
  And the fiery sunshine haunts it
  Like a ghost of summer days.

  Walking where the running water
  Twines its silvery caprice,
  Treading soft the leaf-spread carpet,
  I encounter thoughts like these:--

  "Keep but heart, and healthful courage,
  Keep the ship against the sea,
  Thou shalt pass the dangerous quicksands
  That ensnare Futurity;

  "Thou shalt live for song and story,
  For the service of the pen;
  Shalt survive till children's children
  Bring thee mother-joys again.

  "Thou hast many years to gather;
  And these falling years shall bring
  The benignant fruits of Autumn,
  Answering to the hopes of Spring.

  "Passing where the shades that darken
  Grow transfigured to thy mind,
  Thou shalt go with soul untroubled
  To the mysteries behind;

  "Pass unmoved the silent portal
  Where beatitude begins,
  With an equal balance bearing
  Thy misfortunes and thy sins."

  Treading soft the leaf-spread carpet,
  Thus the Spirits talked with me;
  And I left my valley, musing
  On their gracious prophecy.

  To my fiery youth's ambition
  Such a boon were scarcely dear;
  "Thou shalt live to be a grandame,
  Work and die, devoid of fear."

  "Now, as utmost grace it steads me,
  Add but this thereto," I said:
  "On the matron's time-worn mantle
  Let the Poet's wreath be laid."

                                 J. W. H.


"My first writing in the new house, where may God help and bless us all.
May no dark action shade our record in this house, and if possible, no
surpassing sorrow."

After the wide sunny spaces of No. 13 Chestnut Street, the new house
seemed small and dark; nor was Boylston Place even in those days a
specially cheerful _cul de sac_; yet we remember it pleasantly enough as
the home of much work and much play.

"_November 19._ Had the comforts of faith from dear James Freeman
[Clarke] to-day. Felt restored to something like the peace I enjoyed
before these two tasks of printing and moving broke up all leisure and
all study. Determined to hold on with both hands to the largeness of
philosophical pursuit and study, and to do my utmost to be useful in
this connection and path of life...."

"Comforting myself with Hedge's book. Determined to pass no more godless
days...."

She began to read Grote's Plato, and the Journal contains much comment
on the Platonic philosophy. Another interest which came to her this
autumn was that of singing with the Handel and Haydn Society. She and
Florence joined the altos, while "Harry," then in college (Harvard,
1869), sang bass. We find her also, in early December, rehearsing with a
small chorus the Christmas music for the Church of the Disciples, and
writing and rehearsing a charade for the Club.

"_December 12._ Saw my new book at Tilton's. It looks very well, but I
am not sanguine about its fate."

"Later Lyrics" made less impression than either of the earlier volumes.
It has been long out of print; our mother does not mention it in her
"Reminiscences"; even in the Journal, the book once published, there are
few allusions to it, and those in a sad note: "Discouraged about my
book," and so forth; yet it contains much of her best work.

"_December 16._ Sarah Clarke[57] and Foley[58] are to dine with me at
5.30. Went out at 10 A.M. to take Foley to see [William] Hunt, whom we
found in his studio in a queer knitted coat. He showed an unfinished
head of General Grant, in which it struck me that the eyes looked like
the two scales of a balance in which men and events could be weighed."

  [57] Sister of James Freeman Clarke. An artist of some note and a
  beloved friend of our mother.

  [58] Margaret Foley, the sculptor.


The Journal for 1866 opens with a Latin aspiration: "_Quod bonus, felix,
faustusque sit hic annus mihi et meis amicis dilectis et generi
humano!_"

February finds her in New York, going to a "family party at Aunt
Maria's.[59] Uncle John came. He was the eldest, my Harry the youngest
member. I made a charade, _Shoddy_, in which Mary [Ward] and Flossy took
part. Mary did very well. Flossy always does well. I enjoyed this family
gathering more than anything since leaving home. It is so rare a
pleasure for me. Family occasions are useful in bringing people together
on the disinterested ground of natural affection, without any purpose of
show or self-advancement. Relations should meet on more substantial
ground than that of fashion and personal ambition. Nature and
self-respect here have the predominance. In my youth I had no notion of
this, though I always clung to those of my own blood."

From New York she went to Washington, where she gave a series of
philosophical readings. Here, while staying at the house of Mrs. Eames,
she had a violent attack of malarial fever, but struggled up again with
her usual buoyancy.

"_February 19._ Weather rainy, so stayed at home; eyes weak, so could do
little but lie in my easy-chair, avoid cold, and hang on to
conversation. To-day the President[60] vetoed the bill for the
Freedmen's Bureau. The reading of the veto was received by the Senate
with intense, though suppressed, excitement. Governor Andrew read it to
us. It was specious, and ingeniously overstated the scope and powers
demanded for the Bureau, in order to make its withholdment appear a
liberal and democratic measure. Montgomery Blair is supposed to have
written this veto."

  [59] The widow of her uncle, William G. Ward.

  [60] Andrew Johnson.

At her first reading, she had "an excellent audience. The rooms were
well filled and there were many men of note there.... Governor Andrew
brought me in. Sam Hooper was there. I read 'The Fact Accomplished.'
They received it very well. I was well pleased with my reception."

The next day she was so weary that she fell asleep while the Marquis de
Chambrun was talking to her.


"_February 23._ To-day we learned the particulars of President Johnson's
disgraceful speech, which awakens but one roar of indignation. To the
Senate at 11.30. When the business hour is over, Fessenden moves the
consideration of the House Resolution proposing the delay in the
admission of members for the Southern States until the whole South shall
be in a state for readmission. Sherman, of Ohio, moves the postponement
of the question, alleging the present excitement as a reason for this.
(He probably does this in the Copperhead interest.) At this Fessenden
shows his teeth and shakes the Ohio puppy pretty well. Howe of Wisconsin
also speaks for the immediate discussion of the question. Doolittle, of
----, speaking against it, Trumbull calls him to order. Reverdy Johnson
pitches in a little. The Ayes and Noes are called for and the immediate
consideration receives a good majority. Fessenden now makes his speech,
reads the passage from the President's speech, calling the committee of
fifteen a directory,--comments fully on the powers of Congress, the
injustice of the President and his defiant attitude.... He has force as
debater, but no grasp of thought.... In the evening I read the first
half of 'Limitations' to a very small circle. A Republican caucus took
all the members of Congress. Garrison also lectured. I was sorry, but
did my best and said, 'God's will be done.' But I ought to have worked
harder to get an audience."

"_February 25...._ Rode with Lieber[61] as far as Baltimore. He heard
Hegel in his youth and thinks him, as I do, decidedly inferior to Kant,
morally as well as philosophically....

  [61] Dr. Francis Lieber, the eminent German-American publicist.

"The laws and duties of society rest upon a supposed compact, but this
compact cannot deprive any set of men of rights and limit them to
duties, for if you refuse them all rights, you deprive them even of the
power to become a party to this compact, which rests upon their right to
do so. Our slaves had no rights. Women have few."


After leaving Washington, she spent several days with her sister Annie
in Bordentown, and there and in New York gave readings which seem to
have been much more successful than those in Washington. After the New
York reading she is "glad and thankful."

The visits in Bordentown were always a delight and refreshment to her.
She and her "little Hitter" frolicked, once more two girls together:
e.g., the following incident:--

The Reverend ---- Bishop was the Mailliards' pastor; a kindly gentleman,
who could frolic as well as another. One day our Aunt Annie, wishing to
ask him to dine, sat down at her desk and wrote:--

  "My dear Mr. Bishop,
  To-day we shall dish up
  At one and a half
  The hind leg of a calf--"

At this point she was called away on household business. Our mother sat
down and wrote:--

  "Now B., if he's civil,
  May join in our revel;
  But if he is not,
  He may go to the devil!"

During the days that followed, Kant and charades divided her time pretty
evenly.

"Kant's 'Anthropologia' is rather trifling, after his great works. I
read it to find out what Anthropology is."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Good is a direction; virtue is a habit."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Wearied by endless running about to find help for my charade, ----
having disappointed me. Determine to undertake nothing more of the
kind."

       *       *       *       *       *

The charade (_Belabor_), which came off the following evening, was
marked by a comic "To be or not to be," composed and recited by her in a
"Hamlet costume, consisting of a narrow, rather short black skirt, a
long black cloak and a black velvet toque, splendid lace ruff, amethyst
necklace. It was very effective, and the verses gave reasonable
pleasure."

"_March 15...._ Went to the Masonic Banquet, which was preceded by a
long ceremony, the consecration of three new banners. The forms were
curious, the music good, the occasion unique. The association appeared
to me a pale ghost of knighthood, and the solemnities a compromise
between high mass and dress parade. The institution now means nothing
more than a military and religious toy."


In this year she met with a serious loss in the death of her uncle, John
Ward. He had been a second father to her and her sisters; his kindly
welcome always made No. 8 Bond Street a family home.

"_April 4._ The contents of uncle's will are known to-day. He had made a
new one, changing the disposition of his property made in a previous
will which would have made my sisters and me much richer. This one gives
equally to my cousins, Uncle William's four sons, and to us; largely to
Uncle Richard, and most kindly to Brother Sam and Wardie. We know not
why this change was made, but once made, it must be acquiesced in, like
other events past remedy. My cousins are wealthy already--this makes
little difference to them, but much to us. God's will be done, however.
I must remember my own doctrine, and build upon 'The Fact
Accomplished.'"

This passage explains the financial worries which, from now on, often
oppressed her. She was brought up in wealth and luxury; sober wealth,
unostentatious luxury, but enough of both to make it needless for her
ever to consider questions of ways and means. Her whole family, from
the adoring father down to the loving youngest sister, felt that she
must be shielded from every sordid care or anxiety; she was tended like
an orchid, lest any rough wind check her perfect blossoming.

Her father left a large fortune, much of which was invested in blocks of
real estate in what is now the heart of New York. Uncle John, best and
kindest of men, had no knowledge of real estate and none of the
foresight which characterized his elder brother. After Mr. Ward's death,
he made the mistake of selling out the Manhattan real estate, and
investing the proceeds in stocks and bonds. Later, realizing his grave
error, he resolved to mitigate the loss to his three nieces by dividing
among them the bulk of his property.

This failing, the disappointment could not but be a sensible one, even
to the least money-loving of women. The Doctor's salary was never a
large one: the children must be given every possible advantage of
education and society; no door that was open to her own youth should be
closed to them; again, to entertain their friends (albeit in simple
fashion), to respond to every call of need or distress, was matter of
necessity to both our parents: small wonder that they were often pressed
for money. All through the Journals we find this note of financial
anxiety: not for herself, but for her children, and later for her
grandchildren. She accepted the restricted means; she triumphed over
them, and taught us to hold such matters of little account compared with
the real things of life; but they never ceased to bewilder her.

Yet to-day, realizing of what vital importance this seeming misfortune
was to her; how but for this, her life and other lives might have lacked
"the rich flavor of hope and toil"; how but for this she might have
failed to lock hands with humanity in a bond as close as it was
permanent, who can seriously regret Uncle John's devastating yet
fruitful mistake?

In April again she writes:--

"Dull, sad and perplexed. My uncle not having made me a rich woman, I
feel more than ever impelled to make some great effort to realize the
value of my mental capacities and acquisitions. I am as well entitled to
an efficient literary position as any woman in this country--perhaps
better than any other. Still I hang by the way, picking up ten dollars
here and there with great difficulty. I pray God to help me to an
occasion or sphere in which I may do my utmost. I had as lief die as
live unless I can be satisfied that I have delivered the whole value of
my literary cargo--all at least that was invoiced for this world. Hear
me, great Heaven! Guide and assist me. No mortal can."

The next day's entry is more cheerful.

"Feel better to-day. Made the acquaintance of Aldrich and Howells and
their wives, at Alger's last evening. I enjoyed the evening more than
usual. Aldrich has a very refined face. Howells[62] is odd-looking, but
sympathetic and intelligent. Alger was in all his glory."

  [62] Mr. Howells, in his _Literary Boston Thirty Years Ago_, thus speaks
  of her (1895): "I should not be just to a vivid phase if I failed to
  speak of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and the impulse of reform which she
  personified. I did not sympathize with this then so much as I do now,
  but I could appreciate it on the intellectual side. Once, many years
  later, I heard Mrs. Howe speak in public, and it seemed to me that she
  made one of the best speeches I had ever heard. It gave me for the first
  time a notion of what women might do in that sort if they entered public
  life; but when we met in those earlier days I was interested in her as
  perhaps our chief poetess. I believe she did not care to speak much of
  literature; she was alert for other meanings in life, and I remember how
  she once brought to book a youthful matron who had perhaps unduly
  lamented the hardships of housekeeping, with the sharp demand, 'Child,
  where is your _religion_?' After the many years of an acquaintance which
  had not nearly so many meetings as years, it was pleasant to find her,
  not long ago, as strenuous as ever for the faith or work, and as eager
  to aid Stepniak as John Brown. In her beautiful old age she survives a
  certain literary impulse of Boston, but a still higher impulse of Boston
  she will not survive, for that will last while the city endures."


"_April 11...._ Between a man governed by inner and one governed by
outer control, there is the difference which we find between a reptile
in a shell and a vertebrate. The one has his vertebræ within to support
him, the other has them without to contain him."

"_April 19._ Very busy all day. Ran about too much, and was very tired.
Had friends, in the evening, to meet young Perabo. I did not wish to
give a party, on account of Uncle's death, but could not help getting
together quite a lovely company of friends. Aldrich and wife were here,
Alger, Bartol, Professor Youmans, Perabo, Dresel, Louisa D. Hunt, and
others. It was a good time.... Saw my last cent go--nothing now till
May, unless I can earn something."

"_April 20._ Began to work over and correct my poem for the Church
Festival, which must be licked into shape, for the Gods will give me
none other. So I must hammer at it slowly, and a good deal.... To write
purely for money is to beg, first telling a story."

In these days the Doctor was very weary through excess of work. He
longed for a change, and would have been glad to receive the mission to
Greece, of which some prospect had been held out to him. She writes:
"Chev full of the Greek mission, which I think he cannot get. I wish he
might, because he wishes it. Surely a man so modest and meritorious in
his public career might claim so small an acknowledgment as this. But as
we are, he represents Charity, I the study of Philosophy--we cannot be
more honored than by standing for these things."

It was thought that she might have some influence in obtaining the
mission: accordingly she went to Washington, anxious to help if she
might. She saw the President of the Senate, who promised support. While
there she writes: "Governor Andrew took me to General Grant's, where I
saw the General, with great satisfaction. Prayed at bedtime that I might
not become a superficial sham and humbug."

Hearing that Charles Sumner had sought her at the house of Mrs. Eames,
she sent a message to him by a common friend. She writes: "Sumner cannot
make a visit at the hotel, but will see me at the Capitol. I know of
nothing which exempts a man in public life from the duty of having, in
private, some _human_ qualities." Mr. Sumner did come to see her later,
when she was staying with Mrs. Eames. She saw Secretary Seward, who was
very ungracious to her; and President Johnson, whom she found "not one
inclined to much speech." Before the latter interview her prayer was:
"Let me be neither unskilful nor mean!"

The visit to Mrs. Eames was a sad one, being at the time of the death of
Count Gurowski, a singular man whom she has described in her
"Reminiscences"; but she met many notable persons, and had much
interesting conversation with her host and hostess. She records one or
two bits of talk.

"Mr. Eames saying that Mrs. X. was an intelligent but not an original
woman, I said: 'She is not a silk-worm, but a silk-wearer!' Nine women
out of ten would rather be the latter than the former."

"Mr. Eames saying that he often talked because he could not make the
effort to be silent, I said: 'Yes, sir; we know that the _vis inertiæ_
often shows itself in motion.'

"I record these sayings," she adds, "because they interested me, opening
to myself little shades of thought not perceived before."


"_May 27._ Boston. My birthday. Forty-seven years old. J. F. C. preached
on 'The seed is the word,' and gave a significant statement of the
seminal power of Christianity. They sang also a psalm tune which I like,
so that the day (a rainy one) seems to me auspicious. I have little to
show for the past year's work, having produced no work of any length and
read but little in public. The doctrine of the _seed_ does, however,
encourage us to continue our small efforts. The most effectual
quickening of society is through that small influence which creeps like
the leaven through the dough...."

"... Roman piety was the duteous care of one's relatives. It follows
from this that the disregard of parents and elders common in America is
in itself an irreligious trait, and one which education should
sedulously correct."

On May 29 she attended the Unitarian Festival. She recalls the fact that
at the last festival she was "tormented by the desire to speak. But I am
now grown more patient, knowing that silence also is valuable...."

The Chevalier was not to receive the only reward he had ever sought for
his labors. On May 31 she writes: "To-day the blow fell. A kind letter
from Vice-President Foster informed me that Charles T. Tuckerman had
been nominated for the Greek mission. This gave me an unhappy hour. Chev
was a good deal overcome by it for a time, but rallied and bears up
bravely. The girls are rather glad. I am content, but I do not see what
can take the place of this cherished object to Chev...."

The following verses embody her thoughts on this matter:--

                   To S. G. H.

_On his failure to receive the Grecian mission which he had been led to
think might be offered to him. 1866._

  The Grecian olives vanish from thy sight,
  The wondrous hills, the old historic soil;
  The elastic air, that freshened with delight
  Thy youthful temples, flushed with soldier toil.

  O noble soul! thy laurel early wreathed
  Gathers the Christian rose and lilies fair,
  For civic virtues when the sword was sheathed,
  And perfect faith that learns from every snare.

  Let, then, the modern embassy float by,
  Nor one regret in thy high bosom lurk:
  God's mission called thy youth to that soft sky;
  Wait God's dismissal where thou build'st His work!

"_Divide et impera_ is an old maxim of despotism which does not look as
if States' rights pointed in the direction of true freedom."

"It is only in the natural order that the living dog is better than the
dead lion. Will any one say that the living thief is better than the
dead hero? No one, save perhaps the thief himself, who is no judge."

The Journal is now largely concerned with Kant, and with Maine's work on
"Ancient Law," from which she quotes freely. Here and there are touches
of her own.

"Epicureans are to Stoics as circumference to centre."

"I think Hegel more difficult than important. Many people suppose that
the difficulty of a study is a sure indication of its importance."

In these years the Doctor and our sister Julia were in summer time
rather visitors than members of the family. The former was, as Governor
Bullock said of him, "driving all the Charities of Massachusetts
abreast," and could enjoy the Valley only by snatches, flying down for a
day or a week as he could. Julia, from her early girlhood, had
interested herself deeply in all that concerned the blind, and had
become more and more the Doctor's companion and workfellow at the
Perkins Institution, where much of his time was necessarily spent. She
had classes in various branches of study, and in school and out gave
herself freely to her blind pupils. A friend said to her mother, many
years later, "It was one of the sights of Boston in the days of the
Harvard Musical concerts to see your Julia's radiant face as she would
come into Music Hall, leading a blind pupil in either hand."

Early in this summer of 1866 Julia accompanied the Doctor on a visit to
the State Almshouse at Monson, and saw there a little orphan boy, some
three years old, who attracted her so strongly that she begged to be
allowed to take him home with her. Accordingly she brought him to the
Valley, a sturdy, blue-eyed Irish lad. Julia, child of study and poetry,
had no nursery adaptability, and little "Tukey" was soon turned over to
our mother, who gladly took charge of him. He was nearly of the age of
her little Sammy: something in his countenance reminded her of the lost
child, and she found delight in playing with him. She would have been
glad to adopt him, but this was not thought practicable. Julia had
already tired of him; the Doctor for many reasons advised against it.

She grieved all summer for the child; but was afterward made happy by
his adoption into a cheerful and prosperous home.

This was a summer of arduous work. The "Tribune" demanded more letters;
Kant and Maine could not be neglected, and soon Fichte was added to
them.

Moreover, the children must have every pleasure that she could give
them.

"Worked hard all the morning for the croquet party in the afternoon,
which was very pleasant and successful.

"Took Julia to the party on board the Rhode Island. She looked
charmingly, and danced. I was quite happy because she enjoyed it."

Early August found her in Northampton, reporting for the "Tribune" the
Convention of the American Academy of Science. The Doctor and Julia
joined her, and she had "very busy days," attending the sessions and
writing her reports.

"Read over several times my crabbed essay on the 'Two Necessities,'
which I determine to read in the evening. I have with me also the essay
on 'Limitations,' far more amusing and popular. But for a scientific
occasion, I will choose a treatise which aims at least at a scientific
treatment of a great question. This essay asserts the distinctness of
the Ideal Order and its legitimate supremacy in human processes of
thought. I make a great effort to get its points thoroughly in my mind.
Go late to the Barnards'. The scientifics arrive very late, Agassiz gets
there at 9. I begin to read soon after. The ladies of our party are all
there. I feel a certain enthusiasm in my work and subject, but do not
communicate it to the audience, which seemed fatigued and cold; all at
least but Pierce, Agassiz, and Davis. Had I done well or ill to read
it?... Some soul may have carried away a seed-grain of thought."

"_August 11...._ To Mount Holyoke in the afternoon. The ascent was
frightful, the view sublime. In the evening went to read to the insane
people at the asylum; had not 'Later Lyrics,' but 'Passion Flowers.'
Read from this and recited from the other. Had great pleasure in doing
this, albeit under difficulties. Finished second 'Tribune' letter and
sent it."

Back at the Valley, she plunges once more into Fichte; long hours of
study, varied by picnics and sailing parties.

"To church at St. Mary's. X. preached. The beginning of his sermon was
liberal,--the latter half sentimental and sensational. 'The love of
Christ constraineth us,' but he dwelt far too much on the supposition of
a personal and emotional relation between the soul and Christ. It is
Christian doctrine interpreted by human sympathy that reclaims us.
Christ lives in his doctrine, influences us through that, and his
historical personality. All else is myth and miracle. What Christ is
to-day ideally we may be able to state, of what he is really, Mr. X.
knows no more than I do, and I know nothing.

"Stayed to Communion, which was partly pleasant. But the Episcopal
Communion struck me as dismal, compared to our own. It is too literal
and cannibalistic;--the symbolism of the eating and drinking is too
little made out. Our Unitarian Communion is a feast of joy. The
blessedness of Christ's accomplishment swallows up the sorrow of his
sacrifice. We have been commemorating the greatest act and fact of human
history, the initiation of the gentler morals of the purer faith. We are
glad,--not trivially, but solemnly, and our dear Master is glad with us,
but not as if he aimed a direct personal influence at each one of us.
This is too human and small a mode of operation.

"He is there for us as the sun is there and the brightness of his deed
and doctrine penetrates the recesses of our mind and consciousness. But
that he knows each one of us cannot and need not be affirmed.

        'The moon looks
        On many brooks:
  The brook can see no moon but this.'

So that we see him, it matters not whether he sees us or no.

"Spinoza's great word;--if we love God, we shall not trouble ourselves
about his loving us."

"I yesterday spoke to Joseph Coggeshall, offering to give a reading at
the schoolhouse, in order to start a library fund. He appeared pleased
with the idea. I proposed to ask .50 for each ticket."

"Chev suggests Europe. '_Je suis content du palazzo Pitti._'"

"I cannot study Fichte for more than forty-five minutes at a time.
Reading him is not so bad as translating, which utterly overpowers my
brain, although I find it useful in comprehending him."

"I begin to doubt the availability of Fichte's methods for me. I become
each day more dispirited over him. With the purest intention he is much
less of an ethicist than Kant. These endless refinements in _rationale_
of the _ego_ confuse rather than enlighten the moral sense. Where the
study of metaphysics becomes de-energizing, it becomes demoralizing.
Subtlety used in a certain way unravels confusion, in a certain other
way produces it. Kant unwinds the silkworm's web, but Fichte tangles the
skein of silk,--at least so it seems to me.

"Spent most of the afternoon in preparing for a tea party, cutting
peaches and preparing bread and butter."

"Read 11th and 12th chapters of Mark in the Valley. At some moments one
gets a clearer and nearer perception of the thought and personality of
Christ than that which we commonly carry with us."

Early in October came the move "home to Boylston Place, leaving the
Valley with great regret, but feeling more the importance of being with
the children, as I draw nearer to them."

Our mother had remained after the rest of us, to close the house. In
Boston she had the great pleasure of welcoming to this country her
nephew, Francis Marion Crawford, then a boy of twelve years. Born and
bred in Rome, a beautiful and petted child, he was now to learn to be an
American schoolboy. She took him herself to St. Paul's School in
Concord, New Hampshire; and for a year or two he spent most of his
holidays with us, to the delight of us all.

In this autumn of 1866 she undertook a new task, of which the first
mention in the Journal reads: "I will here put the names of some writers
of stories whom I may employ for the magazine."

A list of writers follows: and the next day she writes: "I saw J. R.
Gilmour and agreed with him to do editorial service for thirty dollars
per week for three months."

This magazine was the "Northern Lights." The first number appeared in
January, 1867. It contained two articles by Mrs. Howe: the "Salutation"
and a thoughtful poem called "The Two R's" (Rachel and Ristori). Later,
we find her in the "Sittings of the Owl Club," making game of the
studies she loved.

         This owl went to Germany,
          This owl stayed at home;
        This owl read Kant and Fichte,
            This owl read none.
  This owl said "To-whit! I can't understand
           the dogmatic categorical!"

The "Northern Lights" gleam fitfully in the Journal.

"_October 26._ To write Henry James for story, Charles T. Brooks for
sketches of travel. Saw and talked with Gilmour, who confuses my mind."

"_October 29._ Chev went with me to Ristori's _début_, which was in
Medea."

"_November 3._ All of these days have been busy and interrupted.
Maggi[63] has been reading Ristori's plays in my parlor every day this
week and my presence has been compulsory. I have kept on with Fichte
whose '_Sittenlehre_' I have nearly finished. Have copied one or two
poems, written various letters in behalf of the magazine, have seen
Ristori thrice on the stage and once in private."

  [63] Count Alberto Maggi, an Italian _littérateur_.

"_November 10._ Finished copying and correcting my editorial for the
first number of my weekly. Finished also Fichte's '_Sittenlehre_' for
whose delightful reading I thank God, praying never to act quite
unworthily of its maxims."

"_November 11._ Called on Mrs. Charles Sumner, and saw both parties, who
were very cordial and seemed very happy."

"_November 15._ Crackers, .25, eggs, .43, rosewater for Frank Crawford,
.48. Very weary and overdone. The twelve apostles shall judge the
twelve tribes in that the Christian doctrine judges the Jews.

"I lead a weary life of hurry and interruption."

"_November 18._ Weary hearts must, I think, be idle hearts, for it is
cheery even to be overworked. My studies and experience have combined to
show me the difficulty of moral attainment, but both have made me feel
that with every average human being there is a certain possible
conjunction of conviction, affection, and personality which, being
effected, the individual will see the reality of the ethical aspects of
life and the necessary following of happiness upon a good will and its
strenuous prosecution.

"I began Fichte's '_Wissenschaftslehre_' two or three days ago.

"Gave a small party to Baron Osten Sacken.... Peaceably if we can,
forcibly if we must, makes the difference between the beggar and the
thief."

"_November 26._ Very unwell; a good day's work, nevertheless."

"_November 27._ Better. Last week was too fatiguing for a woman of my
age. I cannot remember my forty-seven years, and run about too much. The
oratorio should, I fear, be given up."

"_December 8._ I came in from Lexington last night after the reading[64]
in an open buggy with a strange driver, a boy of eighteen, who when we
were well under way showed me a pistol,--a revolver, I think,--and said
that he never travelled at night without one. As the boy's very face was
unknown to me, the whole adventure seemed bizarre. He brought me home
to my own house.... Am writing on 'Representation.'... Man asks nothing
so much as to be helped to self-control."

  [64] At the Lexington Lyceum for the Monument Fund.

"_December 9._ Heard J. F. C. as usual. 'She hath done what she
could'--a good text for me at this moment. Independently of ambition,
vanity, pride,--all of which prompt all of us, I feel that I must do
what my hand finds to do, taking my dictation and my reward from sources
quite above human will and approbation."

"_December 19...._ Vicomte de Chabreuil came. We had a long, and to me
splendid, conversation. Were I young this person would occupy my
thoughts somewhat. Very intelligent, simple, and perfectly bred, also a
_rosso_,--a rare feature in a Frenchman."

"_December 27._ Let me live until to-morrow, and not be ridiculous! I
have a dinner party and an evening party to-day and night, and knowing
myself to be a fool for my pains, am fain to desire that others may not
find it out and reproach me as they discover it.

"Got hold of Fichte a little which rested my weary brain.

"My party proved very pleasant and friendly."

"_December 29...._ I read last night at the Club a poem, 'The Rich Man's
Library,' which contrasts material and mental wealth, much to the
disparagement of the former. I felt as if I ought to read it, having
inwardly resolved never again to disregard that inner prompting which
leaves us no doubt as to the authority of certain acts which present
themselves to us for accomplishment. Having read the poem, however, I
felt doubtful whether after all I had done well to read it in that
company. I will hope, however, that it may prove not to have been
utterly useless. The imperfection of that which we try to do well
sometimes reacts severely upon us and discourages us from further
effort. It should not."

"_December 31._ Ran about all day, but studied and wrote also.

"Farewell, old Diary, farewell, old Year! Good, happy and auspicious to
me and mine, and to mankind, I prayed that you might be, and such I
think you have been. To me you have brought valued experience and
renewed study. You have introduced me to Fichte, you have given me the
honor of a new responsibility, you have made me acquainted with some
excellent personages, among them Baron McKaye, a youth of high and noble
nature; Perabo, an artist of real genius.... You have taught me new
lessons of the true meaning and discipline of life,--the which should
make me more patient in all endurance, more strenuous in all endeavor.
You have shown me more clearly the line of demarcation between different
talents, pursuits, and characters. So I thank and bless your good days,
looking to the Supreme from whom we receive all things. The most
noticeable events of the year just passed, so far as I am concerned, are
the following: the invitation received by me to read at the Century Club
in New York. This reading was hindered by the death of my
brother-in-law, J. N. Howe. The death of dear Uncle John. My journey to
Washington to get Chev the Greek appointment. Gurowski's death.
Attendance at the American Academy of Science at Northampton in August.
The editorship of the new weekly. My study of Fichte's '_Sittenlehre_'
and the appearance of my essay on the 'Ideal State' in the 'Christian
Examiner.' My reading at Lexington for the Monument Association. My
being appointed a delegate from the Indiana Place Church to the Boston
Conference of Unitarian and other Christian Churches. My readings at
Northampton, Washington, and elsewhere are all set down in their place.
The bitter opposition of my family renders this service a very difficult
and painful one for me. I do not, therefore, seek occasions of
performing it, not being quite clear as to the extent to which they
ought to limit my efficiency; but when the word and the time come
together I always try to give the one to the other and always shall. God
instruct whichever of us is in the wrong about this. And may God keep
mean and personal passions far removed from me in the coming years. The
teaching of life has of late done much to wean me from them, but the
true human requires culture and the false human suppression every day of
our lives and as long as we live."




CHAPTER XII

GREECE AND OTHER LANDS

1867; _aet._ 48

OUR COUNTRY

  On primal rocks she wrote her name,
  Her towers were reared on holy graves;
  The golden seed that bore her came
  Swift-winged with prayer o'er ocean waves.

  The Forest bowed his solemn crest,
  And open flung his sylvan doors;
  Meek Rivers led the appointed Guest
  To clasp the wide-embracing shores;

  Till, fold by fold, the broidered Land
  To swell her virgin vestments grew,
  While Sages, strong in heart and hand,
  Her virtue's fiery girdle drew.

  O Exile of the wrath of Kings!
  O Pilgrim Ark of Liberty!
  The refuge of divinest things,
  Their record must abide in thee.

  First in the glories of thy front
  Let the crown jewel Truth be found;
  Thy right hand fling with generous wont
  Love's happy chain to farthest bound.

  Let Justice with the faultless scales
  Hold fast the worship of thy sons,
  Thy commerce spread her shining sails
  Where no dark tide of rapine runs.

  So link thy ways to those of God,
  So follow firm the heavenly laws,
  That stars may greet thee, warrior-browed,
  And storm-sped angels hail thy cause.

  O Land, the measure of our prayers,
  Hope of the world, in grief and wrong!
  Be thine the blessing of the years,
  The gift of faith, the crown of song.

                                        J. W. H.


In January, 1867, a new note is sounded.

"In the evening attended meeting in behalf of Crete, at which Chev
presided and spoke. Excellent as to matter, but always with a defective
elocution, not sending his voice out. He was much and deservedly
glorified by other speakers, and, indeed, his appearance on this
occasion was most touching and interesting. Phillips was very fine;
Huntington was careful, polished, and interesting. Andrew read the
resolutions, with a splendid compliment to Chev."

Some months before this, in August, 1866, the Cretans had risen against
their Turkish oppressors, and made a valiant struggle for freedom. From
the first the Doctor had been deeply interested in the insurrection:
now, as reports came of the sufferings of the brave mountaineers, and of
their women and children, who had been sent to the mainland for safety,
he felt impelled to help them as he had helped their fathers forty years
before.

He was sixty-six years old, but looked much younger. When, at the first
meeting called by him, he rose and said, "Forty-five years ago I was
much interested in the Greek Revolution," the audience was amazed. His
hair was but lightly touched with silver; his eyes were as bright, his
figure as erect and martial, as when, in 1826, he had fought and marched
under the Greek banner, and slept under the Greek stars, wrapped in his
shaggy capote.

His appeal in behalf of Crete roused the ever-generous heart of Boston.
Committees were formed, and other meetings were held, among them that
just described. Governor Andrew's "splendid compliment" to him was given
thus:--

"I venture, Mr. Chairman, to make one single suggestion--that if all of
us were dumb to-night, if the eloquent voices which have stimulated our
blood and inspired our hearts had been silent as the tomb, your
presence, sir, would have been more eloquent than a thousand orations;
when we remember that after the life-time of a whole generation of men,
he who forty years ago bared his arm to seize the Suliote blade, speaks
again with the voice of his age in defence of the cause of his youth."

Thirty-seven thousand dollars were raised for Crete, and in March, 1867,
Dr. Howe sailed again for Greece on an errand of mercy. The Journal
gives an outline of the busy winter:--

"The post is the poor man's valet...."

"_January 12._ A busy and studious day; had the neighbors in after tea.
Want clamors for relief, but calls for cure, which begins in
discipline...."

"_January 24._ N. P. Willis's funeral. Chev came home quite suddenly and
asked me to go with him to the church, St. Paul's. The pallbearers were
Longfellow and Lowell, Drs. Holmes and Howe, Whipple and Fields, T. B.
Aldrich and I don't know who. Coffin covered with flowers. Appearance of
the family interesting: the widow bowed and closely shrouded. Thus ends
a man of perhaps first-rate genius, ruined by the adoption of an utterly
frivolous standard of labor and of life. George IV and Bulwer have to
answer for some of these failures.

"My tea party was delightful, friendly, not fashionable. We had a good
talk, and a lovely, familiar time.

"Heard J. F. C. Took my dear Francesco [Marion Crawford] at his request,
with great pleasure, feeling that he would find there a living Jesus
immortal in influence, instead of the perfumed and embalmed mummy of
orthodoxy....

"Of that which is not clear one cannot have a clear idea. My reading in
Fichte to-day is of the most confused."

"_February 7._ Chev came dancing in to tell me that Flossy is engaged to
David Hall. His delight knew no bounds. I am also pleased, for David is
of excellent character and excellent blood, the Halls being first-rate
people and with no family infirmity (insanity or blindness). My only
regret is that it must prove a long engagement, David being a very young
lawyer."

"_February 14._ All's up, as I feared, with 'Northern Lights' in its
present form. Gilmour proposes to go to New York and to change its form
and character to that of a weekly newspaper. I of course retire from it
and, indeed, despite my title of editor, have been only a reader of
manuscripts and contributor--nothing more. I have not had power of any
sort to make engagements."

The tenth number of "Northern Lights" was also the last, and we hear no
more of the ill-fated magazine.

The Journal says nothing of the proposed trip to Greece, until February
15:--

"I had rather die, it seems to me, than decide wrongly about going to
Europe and leaving the children. And yet I am almost sure I shall do so.
Chev clearly wishes me to go.... Whether I go or stay, God help me to
make the best of it. My desire to help Julia is a strong point in favor
of the journey. It would be, I think, a turning-point for her."

Later she writes:--

"Chev has taken our passage in the Asia, which sails on the 13th
proximo. So we have the note of preparation, and the prospect of change
and separation makes us feel how happy we have been, in passing this
whole winter together."

The remaining days were full of work of every kind. She gave readings
here and there in aid of the Cretans.

"Ran about much: saw Miss Rogers's deaf pupils at Mrs. Lamson's, very
interesting.... For the first time in three days got a peep at Fichte.
Finished Jesse's 'George the Third.'

"Went to Roxbury to read at Mrs. Harrington's for the benefit of the
Cretans. It was a literary and musical entertainment. Tickets, one
dollar. We made one hundred dollars. My poems were very kindly received.
Afterwards, in great haste, to Sophia Whitwell's,[65] where I received a
great ovation, all members greeting me most affectionately. Presently
Mr. [Josiah] Quincy, with some very pleasant and complimentary remarks
on Dr. Howe and myself, introduced Mrs. Silsbee's farewell verses to me,
which were cordial and feeling. Afterwards I read my valedictory verses,
strung together in a very headlong fashion, but just as well liked as
though I had bestowed more care upon them. A bouquet of flowers crowned
the whole, really a very gratifying occasion."

  [65] This was evidently a meeting of the "Brain Club."

"_March 13._ Departure auspicious. Dear Maud, Harry, and Flossy on board
to say farewell, with J. S. Dwight, H. P. Warner, and other near
friends. Many flowers; the best first day at sea I ever passed."

Julia and Laura were the happy two chosen to join this expedition, the
other children staying with relatives and friends. From first to last
the journey was one of deepest interest. The Journal keeps a faithful
record of sight-seeing, which afterward took shape in a volume, "From
the Oak to the Olive," published in 1868, and dedicated "To S. G. H.,
the strenuous champion of Greek liberty and of human rights."

It is written in the light vein of "A Trip to Cuba." In the first
chapter she says: "The less we know about a thing, the easier it is to
write about it. To give quite an assured and fluent account of a
country, we should lose no time on our first arrival. The first
impression is the strongest. Familiarity constantly wears off the edge
of observation. The face of the new country astonishes us once, and once
only."

Though much that she saw during this trip was already familiar to her,
there is no lack of strength in the impression. She sees things with new
eyes; the presence of "the neophytes," as she calls the daughters, gives
an atmosphere of "first sight" to the whole.

In London she finds "the old delightful account reopened, the friendly
visits frequent, and the luxurious invitations to dinner occupy every
evening of our short week."

"_London._ Lunch with the Benzons, whose palatial residence moved me
not to envy. This seems an idle word, but I like to record my
satisfaction in a simple, unencumbered life, without state of any kind,
save my pleasant relations and my good position in my own country. Mrs.
Benzon asked me to come alone to dinner in the evening. First, however,
I called upon Arthur Mills at Hyde Park Gardens; then upon Mrs.
Ambassadress Adams, who was quite cordial; then in frantic hurry home to
dress. At Benzon's I met Robert Browning, a dear and sacred personage,
dear for his own and his wife's sake. He sat next me at table and by and
by spoke very kindly of my foolish verses[66] about himself and E. B. B.
I mean he spoke of them with magnanimity. Of course my _present_ self
would not publish, nor I hope write, anything of the kind, but I
launched the arrow in the easy petulance of those days, more occupied
with its force and polish than with its direction."

  [66] "Kenyon's Legacy," printed in _Later Lyrics_.

"To Lady Stanley's 5 o'clock tea, where I met her daughter Lady Amberley
and Sir Samuel Baker, the explorer of the sources of the Nile. Dined
with the Benzons, meeting Browning again."

"Tea with Miss Cobbe. Met the Lyells. Dined with Males family, Greek,--a
most friendly occasion. Afterwards went for a short time to Mrs. ----, a
very wealthy Greek widow, who received us very ill. Heard there Mr. Ap
Thomas, a Welsh harper who plays exceedingly well. The pleasure of
hearing him scarcely compensated for Mrs. ----'s want of politeness,
which was probably not intentional. Saw there Sir Samuel and Lady
Baker, the latter wore an amber satin tunic over a white dress, and a
necklace of lion's teeth."

"_April 5._ Breakfast with Mr. Charles Dalrymple at 2 Clarges Street,
where we met Mr. Grant Duff, Baron McKaye, and others. Tea at Lady
Trevelyan's, where I was introduced to Dean Stanley of Westminster ...
and young Milman, son of the Reverend H. M. Lady Stanley was Lady
Augusta Bruce, a great favorite of the Queen. Dined at Argyll Lodge,
found the Duchess serene and friendly; the Duke seemed hard and
sensible, Lord Lorne, the eldest son, very pleasant, and Hon. Charles
Howard and son most amiable, with more breeding, I should say, than the
Duke. Chev was the hero of this occasion; the Duchess always liked him."

During this brief week, the Doctor had been in close communication with
the Greeks of London, who one and all were eager to welcome him, and to
bid him Godspeed on his errand. His business transacted, he felt that he
must hurry on toward Greece. Some stay must be made in Rome, where our
Aunt Louisa (now Mrs. Luther Terry) was anxiously expecting the party;
but even this tie of affection and friendship could not keep the Doctor
long from his quest. On May 1 he and Julia went to Greece, the others
remaining for some weeks in Italy.

Sixteen years had passed since our mother's last visit to Rome. She
found some changes in the city, but more vital ones in herself.

"I left Rome," she says, "after those days, with entire determination,
but with infinite reluctance. America seemed the place of exile, Rome
the home of sympathy and comfort.... And now I must confess that, after
so many intense and vivid pages of life, this visit to Rome, once a
theme of fervent and solemn desire, becomes a mere page of embellishment
in a serious and instructive volume."

Here follows a disquisition on "the Roman problem for the American
thinker"; the last passage gives her conclusion:--

"A word to my countrymen and countrywomen, who, lingering on the edge of
the vase, are lured by its sweets, and fall into its imprisonment. It is
a false, false superiority to which you are striving to join yourself. A
prince of puppets is not a prince, but a puppet; a superfluous duke is
no dux; a titular count does not count. Dresses, jewels, and equipages
of tasteless extravagance; the sickly smile of disdain for simple
people; the clinging together, by turns eager and haughty, of a clique
that becomes daily smaller in intention, and whose true decline consists
in its numerical increase--do not dream that these lift you in any true
way--in any true sense. For Italians to believe that it does, is
natural; for Englishmen to believe it, is discreditable; for Americans,
disgraceful."

The Terrys were at this time living in Palazzo Odescalchi. Our mother
observes that "the whole of my modest house in Boylston Place would
easily, as to solid contents, lodge in the largest of those lofty rooms.
The Place itself would equally lodge in the palace. I regard my re-found
friends with wonder, and expect to see them execute some large and
stately manœuvre, indicating their possession of all this space."

It was Holy Week when they arrived in Rome, and she was anxious that the
"neophytes" should see as much as possible of its impressive ceremonies.
She took them to St. Peter's to see the washing of the pilgrims' feet by
noble Roman ladies, and to hear the "Miserere" in the Sistine Chapel.
These functions are briefly chronicled in the Journal and more fully in
"From the Oak to the Olive."

"Solid fact as the performance of the _functions_ remains, for us it
assumes a forcible unreality, through the impeding intervention of black
dresses and veils, with what should be women under them. But as these
creatures push like battering-rams, and caper like he-goats, we shall
prefer to adjourn the question of their humanity, and to give it the
benefit of a doubt. We must except, however, our countrywomen from dear
Boston, who were not seen otherwise than decently and in order."

A vivid description follows of the ceremonies of Good Friday and Easter
Sunday, ending with the illumination of St. Peter's.

"A magical and unique spectacle it certainly is, with the well-known
change from the paper lanterns to the flaring _lampions_. Costly is it
of human labor, and perilous to human life. And when I remembered that
those employed in it receive the sacrament beforehand, in order that
imminent death may not find them out of a state of grace, I thought that
its beauty did not so much signify."

In the Journal she writes, April 19: "It is the golden calf of old which
has developed into the papal bull."

At a concert she saw the Abbé Liszt, "whose vanity and desire to attract
attention were most apparent."

Though the sober light of middle age showed Rome less magical than of
old, yet the days were full of delight.

"In these scarce three weeks," she cries, "how much have we seen, how
little recorded and described! So sweet has been the fable, that the
intended moral has passed like an act in a dream--a thing of illusion
and intention, not of fact. Impotent am I, indeed, to describe the
riches of this Roman world,--its treasures, its pleasures, its
flatteries, its lessons. Of so much that one receives, one can give
again but the smallest shred,--a leaf of each flower, a scrap of each
garment, a proverb for a sermon, a stave for a song. So be it; so,
perhaps, it is best."

"Last Sunday I attended a Tombola at Piazza Navona.... I know the Piazza
of old. Sixteen years since I made many a pilgrimage thither, in search
of Roman trash. I was not then past the poor amusement of spending money
for the sake of spending it. The foolish things I brought home moved the
laughter of my little Roman public. I appeared in public with some
forlorn brooch or dilapidated earring; the giddy laughed outright, and
the polite gazed quietly. My rooms were the refuge of all broken-down
vases and halting candelabra. I lived on the third floor of a modest
lodging, and all the wrecks of art that neither first, second, nor
fourth would buy, found their way into my parlor, and stayed there at my
expense. I recall some of these adornments to-day. Two heroes, in
painted wood, stood in my dark little entry. A gouty Cupid in bas-relief
encumbered my mantelpiece. Two forlorn figures in black and white glass
recalled the auction whose unlucky prize they had been. And Horace
Wallace, coming to talk of art and poetry, on my red sofa, sometimes
saluted me with a paroxysm of merriment, provoked by the sight of my
last purchase. Those days are not now. Of their accumulations I retain
but a fragment or two. Of their delights remain a tender memory, a
childish wonder at my own childishness. To-day, in heathen Rome, I can
find better amusement than those shards and rags were ever able to
represent."

On May 26 she writes in her Journal:--

"I remembered the confusion of my mind when I was here sixteen years ago
and recognized how far more than equivalent for the vivacity of youth,
now gone, is the gain of a steadfast standard of good and happiness. To
desire supremely ends which are incompatible with no one's happiness and
which promote the good of all--this even as an ideal is a great gain
from the small and eager covetousness of personal desires. Religion
gives this steadfast standard whose pursuit is happiness. Therefore let
him who seeks religion be glad that he seeks the only true good of
which, indeed, we constantly fail, and yet in seeking it are constantly
renewed.... Studios of Mozier and of Rogers--the former quite full. Both
have considerable skill, neither has genius. The statues of Miss Hosmer
are marble silences--they have nothing to say."

Greece was before her. On June 17 the Journal says:--

"Acroceraunian mountains, shore of Albania. Nothing strikes me--I have
been struck till I am stricken down. _Sirocco_ and head wind--vessel
laboring with the sea, I with Guizot's 'Meditations,' which also have
some head wind in them. They seem to me inconclusive in statement and
commonplace in thought, yet presenting some facts of interest. A little
before 2 P.M. we passed Fano, the island on which Calypso could not
console herself, and no wonder. At 2 we enter the channel of Corfù."

At Corfù a Turkish pacha came on board with his harem, to our lively
interest. The Journal gives every observable detail of the somewhat
squalid _ménage_, from the pacha's lilac trousers down to the dress of
his son and heir, a singularly dirty baby. She remarks that "An Irish
servant's child in Boston, got up for Sunday, looks far cleaner and
better."

The pacha looked indolent and good-natured, and sent coffee to her
before she disembarked at Syra. Here she was met by Mr. Evangelides, the
"Christy" of her childhood, the Greek boy befriended by her father. He
was now a prosperous man in middle life, full of affectionate
remembrance of the family at 16 Bond Street, and of gratitude to "dear
Mr. Ward." He welcomed her most cordially, and introduced her not only
to the beauties of Syra, but to its principal inhabitants, the governor
of the Cyclades, the archbishop, and Doctor Hahn, the scientist and
antiquary. She conversed with the archbishop in German.

"He deplored the absence of a state religion in America. I told him that
the progress of religion in our country seemed to establish the fact
that society attains the best religious culture through the greatest
religious liberty. He replied that the members should all be united
under one head. 'Yes,' said I, 'but the Head is invisible'; and he
repeated after me, 'Indeed, the Head is invisible.' I will here remark
that nothing could have been more refreshing to the New England mind
than this immediate introduction to the theological opinions of the
East."

A few hours later his Grace returned the visit, seeking in his turn, it
would appear, the refreshment of a new point of view.

"We resumed our conversation of the morning, and the celibacy of the
clerical hierarchy came next in order in our discussion. The father was
in something of a strait between the Christian dignification of marriage
and its ascetic depreciation. The arrival of other visitors forced us to
part, with this interesting point still unsettled."

Arrived in Athens, the travellers found the "veteran" (as the Doctor is
called throughout her book) in full tide of work. The apartment in the
pleasant hotel swarmed with dark-eyed patriots, with Cretan refugees,
with old men who had known "Xaos" in the brave days of old, with young
men eager to see and greet the old Philhellene. Among the latter came
Michael Anagnostopoulos, who was to become his secretary, and later his
son-in-law and his successor at the Perkins Institution for the Blind.
The ladies of Athens came too, full of hospitable feeling. There were
visits, deputations, committee meetings, all day long, and in the
evening parties and receptions.

Spite of all this, her first impression of Athens was melancholy. She
was oppressed and depressed at sight of the havoc wrought by Time and
war upon monuments that should have been sacred. Speaking of the
Parthenon, she exclaims:--

"And Pericles caused it to be built; and this, his marble utterance, is
now a lame sentence, with half its sense left out....

"Here is the Temple of Victory. Within are the bas-reliefs of the
Victories arriving in the hurry of their glorious errands. Something so
they tumbled in upon us when Sherman conquered the Carolinas, and
Sheridan the Valley of the Shenandoah, when Lee surrendered, and the
glad President went to Richmond. One of these Victories is untying her
sandal, in token of permanent abiding. Yet all of them have trooped away
long since, scared by the hideous havoc of barbarians. And the
bas-reliefs, their marble shadows, have all been battered and mutilated
into the saddest mockery of their original tradition. The statue of
Wingless Victory, that stood in the little temple, has long been absent
and unaccounted for. But the only Victory that the Parthenon now can
seize or desire is this very Wingless Victory, the triumph of a power
that retreats not--the power of Truth.

"I give heed to all that is told me in a dreary and desolate manner. It
is true, no doubt,--this was, and this, and this; but what I see is,
none the less, emptiness,--the broken eggshell of a civilization which
Time has hatched and devoured. And this incapacity to reconstruct the
past goes with me through most of my days in Athens. The city is so
modern, and its circle so small! The trumpeters who shriek around the
Theseum in the morning, the café-keeper who taxes you for a chair
beneath the shadow of the Olympian columns, the _custode_ who hangs
about to see that you do not break the broken marbles further, or carry
off their piteous fragments, all of these are significant of modern
Greece; but the ruins have nothing to do with it.

"Poor as these relics are, in comparison with what one would wish them
to be, they are still priceless. This Greek marble is the noblest in
descent; it needs no eulogy. These forms have given the models for a
hundred familiar and commonplace works, which caught a little gleam of
their glory, squaring to shapeliness some town-house of the West, or
Southern bank or church. So well do we know them in the prose of modern
design that we are startled at seeing them transfigured in the poetry of
their own conception. Poor old age! poor old columns!"

There was a colony of Cretan refugees at Nauplia, another at Argos, both
in dire need of food and clothing. The Doctor asked the Government for a
steamer, and received the Parados, in which he promptly embarked with
wife, daughters, and supplies, and sailed for Nauplia.

The travelling library of this expedition was reduced to "a copy of
Machiavelli's '_Principe_,' a volume of Muir's 'Greece,' and a Greek
phrase-book on Ollendorff's principle." Our mother also took some
worsted work, but she suffered such lively torment from the bites of
mosquitoes and sand-fleas on her hands and wrists that she could make
little use of this. To one recalling the anguish of this visitation, it
seems amazing that she could even write in her Journal; indeed, the
entries, though tolerably regular, are brief and condensed.

"_June 24...._ We arrived in the harbor of Nauplia by 7 P.M. ... Crowd
in the street. Bandit's head just cut off and brought in. We go to the
prefect's house, ... he offers us his roof--sends out for mattresses....
I mad with my mosquito bites. Mattresses on the floor. We women lie down
four in a row, very thankfully...."

At the fortress of Nauplia, she was deeply touched by the sight of a
band of prisoners waiting, in an inner court, for the death to which
they had been condemned.

"'Do not pity them, madam!' said the major; 'they have all done deeds
worthy of death.'

"But how not to pity them," she cries, "when they and we are made of the
same fragile human stuff, that corrupts so easily to crime, and is
always redeemable, if society would only afford the costly process of
redemption!

"As I looked at them, I was struck by a feeling of their helplessness.
What is there in the world so helpless as a disarmed criminal? No inner
armor has he to beat back the rude visiting of society; no secure
soul-citadel, where scorn and anger cannot reach him. He has thrown
away the jewel of his manhood; human law crushes its empty case. But the
final Possessor and Creditor is unseen."

After Nauplia came Argos, where the Cretan refugees were gathered in
force. Here the travellers had the great pleasure of helping to clothe
the half-naked women and children. Many of the garments had been made by
Florence and her young friends in their sewing circle; the book recalls
"how the little maidens took off their feathery bonnets and dainty
gloves, wielding the heavy implements of cutting, and eagerly adjusting
the arms and legs, the gores and gathers! With patient pride the mother
trotted off to the bakery, that a few buns might sustain these strenuous
little cutters and sewers, whose tongues, however active over the
charitable work, talked, we may be sure, no empty nonsense nor unkind
gossip. For charity begins indeed at home, in the heart, and, descending
to the fingers, rules also the rebellious member whose mischief is often
done before it is meditated. At sight of these well-made garments a
little swelling of the heart seized us, with the love and pride of
remembrance so dear."

The Journal describes briefly the distribution among the Cretans, "some
extremely bare and ragged, with suffering little children. Our calico
skirts and sacks made a creditable appearance. We gave with as much
judgment as the short time permitted. Each name was called by a list,
and as they came in we hastily selected garments: the dresses, however,
gave out before we had quite finished.... Ungrateful old woman, who
wanted a gown and would hardly take a chemise. Meddlesome lady of the
neighborhood bringing in her favorites out of order."

Generous as the supplies from America were, they did not begin to meet
the demand. After visiting Crete (in spite--perhaps partly because--of
the fact that a high price was set on his head) and the various colonies
of refugees, the Doctor felt that further aid must be obtained.
Accordingly, the journeyings of the little party after leaving Greece
were for the most part only less hurried than the earlier ones, the
exception being a week of enchantment spent in Venice, awaiting the
Doctor, who had been called back to Athens at the moment of departure.

The Journal tells of Verona, Innsbrück, Munich. Then came flying
glimpses of Switzerland, with a few days' rest at Geneva, where she had
the happiness of meeting her sister once more; finally, Paris and the
Exposition of 1867.

After a visit to Napoleon's tomb, she writes: "Spent much of the
afternoon in beginning a piece of tapestry after a Pompeiian pattern
copied by me on the spot."

Worsted work was an unfailing accompaniment of her journeyings in those
days; indeed, until age and weariness came upon her, she never failed to
have some piece of work on hand. When her eyes could no longer compass
cross-stitch embroidery, she amused herself with knitting, or with
"hooking" small rugs.

Her sketchbook was another resource while travelling. She had no special
talent for drawing, but took great pleasure in it, and was constantly
making pencil sketches of persons and things that interested her. We
even find patterns of Pompeiian mosaic or of historic needlework
reproduced in the Journal.

From Paris the travellers hurried to Belgium, and after a glance at
Brussels, spent several days in Antwerp with great contentment. Both
here and in Brussels she had been much interested in the beautiful lace
displayed on every hand. She made several modest purchases, not without
visitings of conscience.

"I went to the Cathedral.... I saw to-day the Elevation of the Cross
[Rubens] to special advantage. As I stood before it, I felt lifted for a
moment above the mean and foolish pleasures of shopping, etc., on which
I have of late dwelt so largely. The heroic face before me said, 'You
cannot have those and these, cannot have Christian elevation with
heathen triviality.' That moment showed me what a picture can do. I hope
I shall remember it, though I do plead guilty of late to an
extraordinary desire for finery of all sorts. It is as if I were going
home to play the part of Princess in some great drama, which is not at
all likely to be the case."

Yet the same day she went to the beguinage and bought "Flossy's wedding
hdkf, 22 frc--lace scarf, 3 fr., piece of edging, 4 fr."

Among the notabilities of Antwerp in those days was Charles Félu, the
armless painter. He was to be seen every day in the Museum, copying the
great masters with skill and fidelity. He interested the Doctor greatly,
and the whole party made acquaintance with him. A letter from one of
them describes the meeting with this singular man:--

"As we were looking round at the pictures, I noticed a curious painting
arrangement. There was a platform raised about a foot above the floor,
with two stools, one in front of the other, and an easel. Presently the
artist entered. The first thing he did, on stepping on the platform, was
to kick off his shoes. He then seated himself (Heaven knows how) on one
stool and placed his feet in front of him on the other, close before the
easel. I was surprised to see that his stockings had no toes to them.
But my surprise was much greater when I saw him take the palette in one
foot and the brush in the other, and begin to paint. The nicety with
which he picked out his brushes, rubbed the paints, erased with his
great toe, etc., was a mystery to me.... In a few minutes he put his
foot into his pocket, drew out a paper from which he took his card, and
_footed_ it politely to papa.... He shaves himself, plays billiards (and
well, too), cards, and dominoes, cuts up his meat and feeds himself,
etc."

"_October 1._ By accident went to the same hotel [in Bruges] to which I
went twenty-four years ago, a bride. I recognized a staircase with a
balustrade of swans each holding a stiff bulrush in its mouth.... Made a
little verse thereupon."

From Belgium the way led to London; thence, after a brief and delightful
visit to the Bracebridges at Atherstone, to Liverpool, where the China
awaited her passengers. The voyage was long and stormy, thirteen days:
the Journal speaks chiefly of its discomforts; but on the second Sunday
we read: "X. preached a horrible sermon--stood up and mocked at
philosophy in good English and bad Christianity. He failed alike of
satire and of sense, and talked like a small Pharisee of two thousand
years ago. 'Not much like the Sermon on the Mount,' quoth I; not
theology enough to stand examination at Andover. Bluejackets in a row,
unedified, as were most of us."

On October 25 the travellers landed in Boston, thankful to be again on
firm land, and to see the family unit once more complete.

"The dear children came on board to greet us--all well, and very happy
at our return."

Thus ends the story, seven months of wonder and of delight.

At her Club, soon after, she gave the following epitome of the trip,
singing the doggerel lines to an improvised tune which matched them in
absurdity:--

  Oh! who were the people you saw, Mrs. Howe,
  When you went where the Cretans were making a row?
  Kalopathaki--Rodocanachi--
  Paparipopoulos--Anagnostopoulos--
  Nicolaïdes--Paraskevaïdes--
  These were the people that saw Mrs. Howe
  When she went where the Cretans were making a row.

  Oh! what were the projects you made, Mrs. Howe,
  When you went where the Cretans were making a row?
  Emancipation--civilization--redintegration of a great nation,
  Paying no taxes, grinding no axes--
  Flinging the Ministers over the banisters.
  These were the projects of good Mrs. Howe
  When she went where the Cretans were making a row.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Oh! give us a specimen, dear Mrs. Howe,
  Of the Greek that you learned and are mistress of now.
  Potichomania--Mesopotamia.
  Tatterdemalion--episcopalian--
  Megalotherium--monster inferium--
  Scoulevon--auctrion--infant phenomenon.
  Kyrie ticamete--what's your calamity?
  Pallas Athenae Aun,
  Favors no Fenian.
  Such is the language that learned Mrs. Howe,
  In the speech of the Gods she is mistress of now.




CHAPTER XIII

CONCERNING CLUBS

1867-1871; _aet._ 48-52

  "Behold," he said, "Life's great impersonate,
        Nourished by labor!
  Thy gods are gone with old-time faith and fate;
        Here is thy Neighbor."

                        J. W. H., "A New Sculptor."


After such a rush of impression and emotion, the return to everyday life
could not fail to bring about a corresponding drop in our mother's
mental barometer. Vexations awaited her. The Boylston Place house had
been let for a year, and--Green Peace being also let on a long
lease--the reunited family took refuge for the winter in the "Doctor's
Wing" of the Perkins Institution.

Again, an extremely unfavorable critique of "Later Lyrics" in a
prominent review distressed her greatly; her health was more or less
disturbed; above all, the sudden death of John A. Andrew, the beloved
and honored friend of many years, saddened both her and the Doctor
deeply.

All these things affected her spirits to some extent, so that the
Journal for the remainder of 1867 is in a minor key.

"... In despair about the house...."

On hearing of the separation of Charles Sumner from his wife:--

"For men and women to come together is nature--for them to live
together is art--to live well, high art."

"_November 21._ Melancholy, thinking that I did but poorly last evening
[at a reading from her 'Notes on Travel' at the Church of the
Disciples].... At the afternoon concert felt a savage and tearful
melancholy, a profound friendlessness. In the whole large assembly I saw
no one who would help me to do anything worthy of my powers and
life-ideal. I have so dreamed of high use that I cannot decline to a
life of amusement or of small occupation."

"... I believe in God, but am utterly weary of man."

After a disappointment:--

"... To church, where my mental condition speedily improved. Sermon on
the Good Samaritan. Hymns and prayers all congenial and consoling. Felt
much consoled and uplifted out of all petty discords and
disappointments. A disappointment should be digested in patience, not
vomited in spleen. Bitter morsels nourish the soul, not less perhaps
than sweet. Thought of the following: Moral philosophy begins with the
fact of accepting human life."

In November came a new interest which was to mean much to her.

"Early in town to attend the Free Religious Club. Weiss's essay was well
written, but encumbered with illustrations rarely pertinent. It was
neither religion, philosophy, nor cosmology, but a confusion of all
three, showing the encyclopædic aim of his culture. It advocated the
natural to the exclusion of the supernatural. Being invited to speak, I
suggested real and ideal as a better antithesis for thought than
natural and supernatural. Weiss did all that his method would allow. He
is a man of parts. I cannot determine how much, but the Parkerian
standard, or a similar one, has deformed his reasoning powers. He seeks
something better than Christianity without having half penetrated the
inner significance of that religion.

"Alcott spoke in the idealistic direction. Also Wasson very well.
Lucretia Mott exceptionally well, a little rambling, but with true
womanly intuitions of taste and of morality."

This association of thinkers was afterwards known as the "Boston Radical
Club." She has much to say about it in her "Reminiscences."

"I did, indeed," she says, "hear at these meetings much that pained and
even irritated me. The disposition to seek outside the limits of
Christianity for all that is noble and inspiring in religious culture,
and to recognize especially within these limits the superstition and
intolerance which have been the bane of all religions--this disposition,
which was frequently manifested both in the essays presented and in
their discussion, offended not only my affections, but also my sense of
justice....

"Setting this one point aside, I can but speak of the Club as a high
congress of souls, in which many noble thoughts were uttered. Nobler
than any special view or presentation was the general sense of the
dignity of human character and of its affinity with things divine, which
always gave the master tone to the discussions."

She says elsewhere of the Radical Club:--

"The really radical feature in it was the fact that the thoughts
presented at its meetings had a root; were in that sense radical....
Here I have heard Wendell Phillips, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, John
Weiss and James Freeman Clarke, Athanase Coquerel, the noble French
Protestant preacher; William Henry Channing, worthy nephew of his great
uncle; Colonel Higginson, Doctor Bartol, and many others. Extravagant
things were sometimes said, no doubt, and the equilibrium of ordinary
persuasion was not infrequently disturbed for a time. But the
satisfaction of those present when a sound basis of thought was
vindicated and established is indeed pleasant in remembrance...."

"To Dickens's second reading, which I enjoyed very much. The 'wreck' in
'David Copperfield' was finely given. His appearance is against success;
the face is rather commonplace, seen at a distance, and very red if seen
through a glass: the voice worn and _blasé_."

"... Club in the evening, at which my nonsense made people laugh, as I
wished...."

"A little intoxicated with the pleasure of having made people laugh. A
fool, however, can often do this better than a wise man. I look
earnestly for a higher task. Yet innocent, intelligent laughter is not
to be despised."

"Was taken with verses in church. They did not prove nearly as good as I
had hoped...."

"Made three beds, to help Bridget, who had the washing alone. Read a
difficult chapter in Fichte."

"Studied and worried as usual,--Fichte and Greek...."

"Have not been strenuous enough about the Cretan Fair...."

Any lack of strenuousness about the Cretan Fair was amply atoned for.

An "Appeal" was published, written by her and signed by Julia Ward Howe,
Emily Talbot, Sarah E. Lawrence, Caroline A. Mudge, and Abby W. May.

"What shall we say? They are a great way off, but they are starving and
perishing, as none in our midst can starve and perish, and we Americans
are among the few persons to whom they can look for help."

In this cry for aid we hear the voice of both parents. The response was
cordial and generous. The fair was held in Easter Week, at the Boston
Music Hall, and recalled on a smaller scale the glories of the war-time
fairs. Of the great labor of preparation, the Journal gives a lively
impression; and "speaking for Crete" was added to the other burdens
borne by her and the Doctor.

She could not give up her studies; the entries for the winter of 1867-68
are a curious mingling of Fichte and committees, with here and there a
prayer for spiritual help and guidance, which shows her overwrought
condition.

Another interest had come to her from the visit to Greece: the study of
ancient Greek. Latin had been her lifelong friend, but she had always
longed for the sister classic; now the time was ripe for it. She made a
beginning in Athens, not only picking up a good deal of modern Greek,
but attacking the ancient language with the aid of primer and
phrase-book. A valuable teacher was at hand in Michael Anagnos,[67] who
was aiding the Doctor as secretary, and preparing himself for the
principal work of his life. Anagnos encouraged and assisted her in the
new study, which became one of her greatest delights. She looked forward
to a Greek lesson as girls do to a ball; in later life she was wont to
say, "My Greek is my diamond necklace!"

  [67] Formerly Anagnostopoulos. He dropped the last three syllables soon
  after coming to this country.


"_January 1, 1868._ May I this year have energy, patience, good-will and
good faith. May I be guilty of no treason against duty and my best self.
May I acquire more system, order, and wisdom in the use of things. May
I, if God wills, carry out some of my plans for making my studies useful
to others. This is much to ask, but not too much of Him who giveth all."

"_January 24._ A dreadfully busy day. Meeting of General Committee on
Cretan Fair.... Felt overcome with fatigue, and nervous and fretful, but
I am quite sure that I do not rave as I used to do...."

"_January 26._ Some mental troubles have ended in a determination to
hold fast till death the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free. The
joyous belief that his doctrine of influences can keep me from all that
I should most greatly dread, lifts me up like a pair of strong wings. 'I
shall run and not be weary. I shall walk and not faint.' At church the
first hymn contained this line:--

  "'Her fathers' God before her moved'--

which quite impressed me, for my father's piety and the excellence of
other departed relatives have always of late years been a support and
pledge to me of my own good behavior."

       *       *       *       *       *

"The thief's heart, the wanton's brow, may accompany high talent and
geniality of temperament; but thanks be to God they _need_ not."

"... Wished I could make a fine poetic picture of Paul preaching at Mars
Hill. On the one side, the glittering statues and brilliant
mythology--on the other, the simplicity of the Christian life and
doctrine. But to-day no pictures came."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Got Anagnos to help me read two odes of Anacreon. This was a great
pleasure."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Much business--no Greek lesson. I was feeble in mind and body, and
brooded over the loss of the lesson in a silly manner. Habit is to me
not second, but first nature, and I easily become mechanical and fixed
in my routine.... I confess that to lay down Greek now would be to die,
like Moses, in sight of the promised land. All my life I have longed for
this language...."

"All of these days are mixed of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. I am
pretty well content with my work, not as well with myself. I feel the
need of earnest prayer and divine help...."

"I had been invited to read the essay to the Radical Religious Club on
this day at 10 A.M. I asked leave for Anagnos and took him with me. My
dæmon [Socratic] had told me to read 'Doubt and Belief,' so I chose this
and read it. I find my dæmon justified. It seemed to have a certain
fitness in calling forth discussion. Mr. Emerson first spoke very
beautifully, then Mr. Alcott, these two sympathizing in my view. Wasson
followed, a little off, but with a very friendly contrast.... Much of
this talk was very interesting. It was all marked by power and
sincerity, but Emerson and Alcott understood my essay better than the
others except J. F. C. I introduced Anagnos to Emerson. I told him that
he had seen the Olympus of New England. Thought of my dear lost son,
dead in this house [13 Chestnut Street, where the meeting was held].
Anagnos is a dear son to me. I brought him home to dinner, and count
this a happy day."

       *       *       *       *       *

"I have heard the true word of God to-day from Frederick Hedge--a sermon
on Love as the true bond of society, which lifted my weak soul as on the
strong wings of a cherub. The immortal truths easily lost sight of in
our everyday weakness and passion stood out to-day so strong and clear
that I felt their healing power as if Christ had stood and touched my
blinded eyes with his divine finger. So be it always! _Esto perpetua!_"

On April 13 the fair opened; a breathless week followed. She was much
exhausted after it, but in a few days "began to rehearse for
Festival."[68]

  [68] The Handel and Haydn Festival.

"After extreme depression, I begin to take heart a little. Almighty God
help me!

"Greek lesson--rehearsal in the evening--choral symphony and
_Lobgesang_."

During the summer of 1868 she had great pleasure in reading some of her
essays at Newport, in the Unitarian Church. She notes in her
"Reminiscences" that one lady kissed her after the reading, saying,
"This is the way I want to hear women speak"; and that Mrs. P---- S----,
on hearing the words, "If God works, madam, you can afford to work
also!" rose and went out, saying, "I won't listen to such stuff as
this!"

The parlor readings brought her name into wider prominence. She began to
receive invitations to read and speak in public.

Mr. Emerson wrote to her concerning her philosophical readings: "The
scheme is excellent--to read thus--so new and rare, yet so grateful to
all parties. It costs genius to invent our simplest pleasures."

The winter of 1867-68 saw the birth of another institution which was to
be of lifelong interest to her: the New England Woman's Club. This, one
of the earliest of women's clubs, was organized on February 16, 1868,
with Mrs. Caroline M. Severance, in whose mind the idea had first taken
shape, as president. Its constitution announces the objects of the
association as "primarily, to furnish a quiet, central resting-place,
and place of meeting in Boston, for the comfort and convenience of its
members: and ultimately to become an organized social centre for united
thought and action."

How far the second clause has outdone and outshone the first, is known
to all who know anything of the history of women's clubs. From the New
England Woman's Club and its cousin Sorosis, founded a month later in
New York, has grown the great network of clubs which, like a beneficent
railway system of thought and good-will, penetrates every nook and
corner of this country.

Our mother was one of the first vice-presidents of the Club, and from
1871 to her death in 1910, with two brief intervals, its president.
Among all the many associations with which she was connected this was
perhaps the nearest to her heart. "My dear Club!" no other organization
brought such a tender ring to her voice. She never willingly missed a
meeting; the monthly teas were among her great delights. The Journal has
much to say about the Club: "a good meeting"; "a thoughtful, earnest
meeting," are frequent entries. "Why!" she cried once, "we may be living
in the Millennium without knowing it!"

In her "Reminiscences," after telling how she attended the initial
meeting, and "gave a languid assent to the measure proposed," she
adds:--

"Out of this small beginning was gradually developed the plan of the New
England Woman's Club, a strong and stately association, destined, I
believe, to last for many years, and having behind it, at this time of
my writing, a record of three decades of happy and acceptable service."

The Club movement was henceforth to be one of her widest interests. To
thousands of elder women in the late sixties and early seventies it
came like a new gospel of activity and service. They had reared their
children and seen them take flight; moreover, they had fought through
the war, their hearts in the field, their fingers plying needle and
thread. They had been active in committees and commissions the country
over; had learned to work with and beside men, finding joy and
companionship and inspiration in such work. How could they go back to
the chimney-corner life of the fifties? In answer to their question--an
answer from Heaven, it seemed--came the women's clubs, with their
opportunities for self-culture and for public service.

At first Society looked askance at the movement. What? Women's clubs?
They would take women away from the Home, which was their Sphere!
Shocking! Besides, it might make them Strong-Minded! Horrible! ("But,"
said J. W. H., "I would rather be strong-minded than weak-minded!")

Possibly influenced in some measure by such plaints as these, the early
clubs devoted themselves for the most part to study, and their range of
activities was strictly limited and defined. This, however, could not
last. The Doctor used to say, "You may as well refuse to let out the
growing boy's trousers as refuse larger and larger liberty to his
growing individuality!" Even so the club petticoats had to be lengthened
and amplified.

Our mother, with all her love of study, realized that no individual or
group of individuals must neglect the present with its living issues for
any past, however beautiful. She threw her energies into widening the
club horizon. "Don't tie too many _nots_ in your constitution!" she
would say to a young club; and then she would tell how Florence
Nightingale cut the Gordian knots of red tape in the Crimea.

Did the constitution enforce such and such limits? Ah! but committees
were not thus limited; let a committee be appointed, to do what the club
could not! (This was what the Doctor called "whipping the devil round
the stump!")

Many and many a reform had its beginning in one of those quiet Park
Street rooms of the "N. E. W. C." "When I want anything in Boston
remedied," said Edward Everett Hale, "I go down to the New England
Woman's Club!"

When the General Federation of Women's Clubs was formed in 1892, our
mother served on the board of directors for four years, and was then
made an honorary vice-president. She was also president of the
Massachusetts State Federation from 1893 to 1898, and thereafter
honorary president.

Dr. Holmes once said to her, "Mrs. Howe, I consider you eminently
clubable"; and he added that he himself was not. He told us why, when he
adopted the title of "Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table." The most
brilliant of talkers, he did not care to listen, as a good club member
must. Now, she too loved talking, but perhaps she loved listening even
more. No one who knew her in her later years can forget how intently she
listened, how joyously she received information of any and every kind.
She never was tired; she always wanted more. All human experience
thrilled her; the choreman, the dressmaker, the postman, the caller; one
and all, she hung on their words. After a half-hour with her, seeing her
face alight with sympathy, her delicate lips often actually forming the
words as he spoke them, the dullest person might go away on air, feeling
himself a born _raconteur_. What she said once of Mr. Emerson, "He
always came into a room as if he expected to receive more than he gave!"
was true of herself.

To return to the clubs! At a biennial meeting of the General Federation
in Philadelphia, she said: "What did the club life give me?
Understanding of my own sex; faith in its moral and intellectual growth.
Like so many others, I saw the cruel wrongs and vexed problems of our
social life, but I did not know that hidden away in its own midst was a
reserve force destined to give precious aid in the righting of wrongs,
and in the solution of discords. In the women's clubs I found the
immense power which sympathy exercises in bringing out the best
aspirations of the woman nature.... To guard against dangers, we must do
our utmost to uphold and keep in view the high object which has, in the
first instance, called us together; and let this be no mere party
catchword or cry, as East against West, or North against South. We can
afford to meet as citizens of one common country, and to love and serve
the whole as one."

She believed firmly in maintaining the privacy of club life. "The club
is a larger home," she said, "and we wish to have the immunities and
defences of home; therefore we do not wish the public present, even by
its attorney, the reporter."

The three following years were important ones to the Howe family.

Lawton's Valley was sold, to our great and lasting grief: and--after a
summer spent at Stevens Cottage near Newport--the Doctor bought the
place now known as "Oak Glen," scarce half a mile from the Valley; a
place to become only less dear to the family. No. 19 Boylston Place was
also sold, and he bought No. 32 Mount Vernon Street, a sunny, pleasant
house whose spacious rooms and tall windows recalled the Chestnut Street
house, always regretted.

Here life circled ever faster and faster, fuller and fuller. Our father,
though beginning to feel the weight of years, had not yet begun to "take
in sail," but continued to pile labor on labor, adding the new while
never abandoning the old. For our mother clubs, societies, studies were
multiplying, while for both family cares and interests were becoming
more and more complicated. The children were now mostly grown. To the
mother's constant thought and anxiety about their teeth, their hair,
their eyes, their music, their dancing--to say nothing of the weightier
matters of the law--was added the consideration of their ball dresses,
their party slippers, their partners. She went with the daughters to
ball and assembly; if they danced, she was happy; if not, there was
grief behind the cheerful smile, and a sigh was confided to the Journal
next day.

Romance hovered over No. 32 Mount Vernon Street. The Greek lessons
which were to mean so much to Julia and Laura were brought to a sudden
end by the engagement of Julia to the Greek teacher, Michael Anagnos.
Florence (who was now housekeeper, lightening our mother's cares
greatly) was already engaged to David Prescott Hall; while Laura's
engagement to Henry Richards was announced shortly after Julia's.

The three marriages followed at intervals of a few months. Meantime
Harry, whose youthful pranks had been the terror of both parents, had
graduated from Harvard, and was now, after two years[69] at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, beginning his chosen work as a
metallurgist.

  [69] 1869-1871. He took the course of geology and mining engineering,
  graduating at the head of his class.

She wrote of this beloved son:--

  God gave my son a palace,
    And a kingdom to control;
  The palace of his body,
    The kingdom of his soul.

In childhood and boyhood this "palace" was inhabited by a tricksy
sprite. At two years Harry was pulling the tails of the little dogs on
the Roman Pincio; at eighteen he was filling the breasts of the college
authorities with the same emotions inspired by his father in the
previous generation.

"Howe," said the old President of Brown University, when the Chevalier
called to pay his respects on his return from Greece, "I am afraid of
you now! There may be a fire-cracker under my chair at this moment!"

Once out of college, it fared with the son as with the father. The
current of restless energy hitherto devoted to "monkey shines" (as the
Doctor called them) was now turned into another channel. Work, hardly
less arduous and unremitting than his father's, became the habit of his
life. Science claimed him, and her he served with the same singleness of
purpose, the same intensity of devotion with which his parents served
the causes that claimed them. He married, in 1874, Fannie, daughter of
Willard Gay, of Troy, New York.

We love to recall the time at this house on Beacon Hill. We remember it
as a cheerful house, ringing with song and laughter, yet with a steady
undercurrent of work and thought; the "precious time," not to be
interrupted; the coming and going of grave men and earnest women, all
bent on high and hopeful errands, all seeking our two Wise Ones for
counsel, aid, sympathy; the coming and going also of a steady stream of
"lame ducks" of both sexes and all nationalities, all requiring help,
most of them getting it; yet, as ever, the father leaving State
Charities and Reforms, the mother flying from Fichte or Xenophon, at any
real or fancied need of any child. It is thus that we love to think of
No. 32 Mount Vernon Street, the last of the many homes in which we were
all together.




CHAPTER XIV

THE PEACE CRUSADE

1870-1872; _aet._ 51-53

ENDEAVOR

  "What hast thou for thy scattered seed,
    O Sower of the plain?
  Where are the many gathered sheaves
    Thy hope should bring again?"
  "The only record of my work
    Lies in the buried grain."

  "O Conqueror of a thousand fields!
    In dinted armor dight,
  What growths of purple amaranth
    Shall crown thy brow of might?"
  "Only the blossom of my life
    Flung widely in the fight."

  "What is the harvest of thy saints,
    O God! who dost abide?
  Where grow the garlands of thy chiefs
    In blood and sorrow dyed?
  What have thy servants for their pains?"
    "This only,--to have tried."

                                         J. W. H.


When a branch is cut from a vigorous tree, Nature at once sets to work
to adjust matters. New juices flow, new tissues form, the wound is
scarfed over, and after a time is seen only as a scar. Not here, but
elsewhere, does the new growth take place, the fresh green shoots
appear, more vigorous for the pruning.

Thus it was with our mother's life, as one change after another came
across it. Little Sam died, and her heart withered with him: then
religion and study came to her aid, and through them she reached
another blossoming time of thought and accomplishment Now, with the
marriage and departure of the children, still another notable change was
wrought, rather joyful than sorrowful, but none the less marking an
epoch.

Up to this time (1871) the wide, sunny rooms of the house on Beacon Hill
had been filled with young, active life. The five children, their
friends, their music, their parties, their talk and laughter, kept youth
and gayety at full tide: the green branches grew and blossomed.

For all five she had been from their cradle not only mistress of the
revels and chief musician, but spur and beacon of mind and soul.

Now four of the five were transplanted to other ground. Many women,
confronting changes like these, say to themselves, "It is over. For me
there is no more active life; instead, the shelf and the chimney
corner." This woman, lifting her eyes from the empty spaces, saw
Opportunity beckoning from new heights, and moved gladly to meet her.
Now, as ever, she "staked her life upon the red."

The empty spaces must be filled. Study no longer sufficed: the need of
serving humanity actively, hand and foot, pen and voice, was now urgent.

Her first work under this new impulse was for peace. The Franco-Prussian
War of 1870 made a deep and painful impression upon her. She had felt a
bitter dislike for Louis Napoleon ever since the day when he "stabbed
France in her sleep" by the _Coup d'État_ of December, 1851; but she
loved France and the French people; the overwhelming defeat, the bitter
humiliation suffered by them filled her with sorrow and indignation. In
a lecture on Paris she says: "The great Exposition of 1867 had drawn
together an immense crowd from all parts of the world. Among its
marvels, my recollection dwells most upon the gallery of French
paintings, in which I stood more than once before a full-length portrait
of the then Emperor.[70] I looked into the face which seemed to say: 'I
have succeeded. What has any one to say about it?' And I pondered the
slow movements of that heavenly Justice whose infallible decrees are not
to be evaded."

  [70] Napoleon III.

Her "Reminiscences" say: "As I was revolving these matters in my mind,
while the war was still in progress, I was visited by a sudden feeling
of the cruel and unnecessary character of the contest. It seemed to me a
return to barbarism, the issue having been one which might easily have
been settled without bloodshed. The question forced itself upon me, 'Why
do not the mothers of mankind interfere in these matters, to prevent the
waste of that human life of which they alone bear and know the cost?' I
had never thought of this before. The august dignity of motherhood and
its terrible responsibilities now appeared to me in a new aspect, and I
could think of no better way of expressing my sense of these than that
of sending forth an appeal to womanhood throughout the world, which I
then and there composed."

This appeal is dated Boston, September, 1870.


APPEAL TO WOMANHOOD THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

     Again, in the sight of the Christian world, have the skill and
     power of two great nations exhausted themselves in mutual murder.
     Again have the sacred questions of international justice been
     committed to the fatal mediation of military weapons. In this day
     of progress, in this century of light, the ambition of rulers has
     been allowed to barter the dear interests of domestic life for the
     bloody exchanges of the battle-field. Thus men have done. Thus men
     will do. But women need no longer be made a party to proceedings
     which fill the globe with grief and horror. Despite the assumptions
     of physical force, the mother has a sacred and commanding word to
     say to the sons who owe their life to her suffering. That word
     should now be heard, and answered to as never before.

     Arise, then, Christian women of this day! Arise, all women who have
     hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say
     firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant
     agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage,
     for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to
     unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy
     and patience. We, women of one country, will be too tender of those
     of another country, to allow our sons to be trained to injure
     theirs." From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up
     with our own. It says: "Disarm, disarm! The sword of murder is not
     the balance of justice." Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor
     violence indicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plough
     and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that
     may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

     Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
     Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
     whereby the great human family can live in peace, man as the
     brother of man, each bearing after his own kind the sacred
     impress, not of Cæsar, but of God.

     In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a
     general congress of women, without limit of nationality, may be
     appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient, and at the
     earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the
     alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of
     international questions, the great and general interests of peace.

The appeal was translated into French, Spanish, Italian, German, and
Swedish, and sent broadcast far and wide.

In October our mother wrote to Aaron Powell, president of the American
Peace Society: "The issue is one which will unite virtually the whole
sex. God gave us, I think, the word to say, but it ought to be followed
by immediate and organizing action.... Now, you, my dear sir, are bound,
as a Friend and as an Advocate of Peace, to take especial interest in
this matter, so I call upon you a little confidently, hoping that you
will help my unbusinesslike and unskilful hands to go on with this good
work. I wish to avoid occasioning any confusion in the different
meetings and organizations of the Woman Suffrage Movement. But I should
wish to move for various meetings in which the matter of my appeal, the
direct intervention of Woman in the Pacification of the World, should be
discussed, and the final move of a general Congress promoted. Please
take hold a little now and help me. I have wings but no feet nor
hands--rather, only a voice, '_vox et praeterea nihil_.'"

The next step was to call together those persons supposedly interested
in such a movement. In December, 1870, it was announced that a meeting
"for the purpose of considering and arranging the steps necessary to be
taken for calling a World's Congress of Women in behalf of International
Peace" would be held in Union League Hall, Madison Avenue and
Twenty-sixth Street, New York, on Friday, December 23. The announcement,
which sets forth the need for and objects of such a congress, is signed
by Julia Ward Howe, William Cullen Bryant, and Mary F. Davis.

The meeting was an important one: there were addresses by Lucretia Mott,
Octavius Frothingham, and Alfred Love, the Peace prophet of
Philadelphia; letters from John Stuart Mill, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and
William Howard Furness, who adjures peace-lovers to "labor for the
establishment of a Supreme Court to which all differences between
nations shall be referred for settlement."

Mrs. Howe made the opening address, from which we quote these words:--

"So I repeat my call and cry to women. Let it pierce through dirt and
rags--let it pierce through velvet and cashmere. It is the call of
humanity. It says: 'Help others, and you help yourselves.'"

       *       *       *       *       *

"Let the woman seize and bear about the prophetic word of the hour, and
that word becomes flesh, and dwells among men. This rapturous task of
hope, this perpetual evangel of good news, is the woman's special
business, if she only knew it.

"Patience and passivity are sometimes in place for women--not always. I
think of this when I go to women, intelligent and charming, who warn me
off with white hands, unaccustomed to any graver labor than that of
gesticulation. 'Don't ask me to work,' they say; 'I cannot do it. God
always raises up a set of people to do these things, like the
Anti-Slavery people, and they set to work to do them.' And then I want
to say to these friends: 'God can raise you up too, and I hope He will.'

"As for what one can or cannot do, remember that, active or passive, we
must work to live. If we have not real labor, we must have simulated
exercise. If we have not real objects, we must have fanciful caprices,
little less exertion than keeps us in the padded chair would take us out
of it, and send us to try whether nature has made any special exemption
in our cases, and whether the paralysis of our life need be traced
further outward than our self-centred heart....

"Would that I were still young, as are many of you; would at least that
I had followed the angel of my youth as gravely and steadfastly as he
invited me; but the world taught, applauded in another direction, and I
was at fault. But from this assembly a will might go forth, an earnest
will, quick with love, and heavy with meaning. And this will might say
to our sisters all over the world, 'Trifle no more.' If women did not
waste life in frivolity, men would not waste it in murder. For the
tenderness of the one class is set by God to restrain the violence of
the other."

The New York meeting was followed by one in Boston. In the spring of
1871 the friends of peace met in the rooms of the New England Woman's
Club, and formed an American Branch of the Women's International Peace
Association: Julia Ward Howe, president. It took five meetings to
accomplish this; the minutes of these meetings are curious and
interesting.

Mr. Moncure D. Conway wrote objecting strongly to the movement being
announced as Christian: his objections were courteously considered.

       *       *       *       *       *

"Mrs. Howe gave her reasons for making her Appeal in the name of
Christianity. She found the doctrine of peace and forgiveness of
injuries the most fundamental of the Christian doctrines. She thought it
proper to say so, but did not by this prevent the believers in other
religions from asserting the same doctrine, if considered as existing in
those religions."

Mr. Conway's objection was overruled.

The object of the association was "to promote peace, by the study and
culture of its conditions." A "notice" appended to the constitution
announced, "This Association proposes to hold a World's Congress of
Women, in London, in the summer of 1872, in which undertaking the
cooperation of all persons is earnestly invited."

Before continuing the story of this peace crusade, we return to the
Journal. The volume for 1871 is fragmentary, the entries mostly brief
and far apart. Written and blank pages are alike significant of the
movement going on in her mind, the steadily growing desire and resolve
to dedicate her life, as her husband had dedicated his, to the highest
needs of humanity.

"_January 20._ Have been ill all these days. Had a divine glimpse this
day, between daylight and dusk, of something like this--a beautiful
person splendidly dressed entering a theatre as I have often done with
entire delight and forgetfulness of everything else, and the restraining
hand of Christ holding me back in the outer darkness--the want and woe
of the world, and saying, 'The true drama of life is _here_.' Oh! that
restraining hand had in it the true touch, communicating knowledge of
human sorrow and zeal for human service. Never may I escape it to my
grave!"[2]

       *       *       *       *       *

"I confess that I value more those processes of thought which explain
history than those which arraign it. I would not therefore in my
advocacy of peace strip one laurel leaf from the graves so dear and
tender in our recollection. Our brave men did and dared the best which
the time allowed. The sorrow for their loss was none the less brought
upon us by those who believed in the military method. It is not in
injustice to them that I listen while the Angel of Charity says:
'Behold, I show you a more excellent way.' Again, 'Come now, let us
reason together, saith the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as wool.' This treating of injuries from the high ground of
magnanimity is the action that shall save the world."

       *       *       *       *       *

"The special faults of women are those incidental to a class that has
never been allowed to work out its ideal."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Must work to earn some money, but will not sacrifice greater ends to
this one."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Hear that the Greek mission is given to an editor in Troy, New York.
Sad for Greece and for Chev, who longs so to help her."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Civil liberty is that which the one cannot have without the many, or
the many without the one. The liberty of the State, like its solvency,
concerns and affects all its citizens. Equal sacredness of rights is its
political side, equal stringency of duties its moral side. The virtue of
single individuals will not give them civil liberty in a despotic state,
but the only safeguard of civil liberty to all is the virtue of each
individual."

       *       *       *       *       *

"You men by your vice and selfishness have created for women a hideous
profession, whose ranks you recruit from the unprotected, the innocent,
the ignorant. This is the only profession, so far as I know, that man
has created for women.

"We will create professions for ourselves if you will allow us
opportunity and deal as fairly with the female infant as with the male.
Where, even in this respect, do we find your gratitude? We instruct your
early years. You keep instruction from our later ones.

"French popular authors have satirized American women freely. Let them
remember that French literature has done much to corrupt American women.
Unhappy Paris has corrupted the world. She is now swept from the face of
the earth."

France was constantly in her thoughts.

"The _morale_ of the _Commune_, that which has commended it to good
people, has undoubtedly been a supposed resistance to the return of
absolutism, which the Versailles Government was supposed covertly to
represent.... No matter what advantage of reason the _Commune_ may have
had over the Versailles Government, the _Commune_ committed a civil
crime in attempting military enforcement of its political opinions. Such
was the crime which our South committed and which we resisted as one
defends one's own life. No overt military act of ours gave them the
advantage of a _casus belli_. They differed from us and determined to
coerce us forcibly. In that weltering mass of ruin and corruption which
was Paris, what lessons lie of the utter folly and futility of mutual
murder! What hearts of brothers estranged which time would have
harmonized! What hecatombs of weltering corpses poisoning the earth
which industry should make wholesome! What women demonized by passion,
forgetting all their woman's lore and skill, the appointed givers of
life speeding death and reaping the bitter fruit themselves! With this
terrible picture before us, let no civilized nation from henceforth and
forever admit or recognize the instrumentality of war as worthy of
Christian society. Let the fact of human brotherhood be taught to the
babe in his cradle, let it be taught to the despot on his throne. Let it
be the basis and foundation of education and legislation, the bond of
high and low, of rich and poor...."

"_May 27._ I am fifty-two years old this day and must regard this year
as in some sense the best of my life. The great joy of the Peace Idea
has unfolded itself to me.... I have got at better methods of working
in the practical matters at which I do work, and believe more than ever
in patience, labor, and sticking to one's own idea of work. Study,
book-work, and solitary thinking and writing show us only one side of
what we study. Practical life and intercourse with others supply the
other side. If I may sit at work on this day next year, I hope that my
peace matter will have assumed a practical and useful form, and that I
may have worked out my conception worthily.... I pray that neither Louis
Napoleon nor the Bourbons may return to feed upon France, but that
merciful measures, surely of God's appointing, may heal her deadly
wounds and uplift her prostrate heart. She must learn that the doctrine
of self is irreligious. The _Commune_ surely knew this just as little as
did Louis Napoleon. I want to keep eyesight enough to read Greek and
German, and my teeth for clear speaking and good digestion."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Paul says: 'Ye that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the
weak,' but now we that are weak bear the infirmities of the strong."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Peace meeting at the Club. Read in Greek first part of the eighth
chapter of Matthew; the account given of the centurion seems very
striking in the Greek. The contrast of his Western mind with the Eastern
subtleties of Jew and Greek seems to have struck Christ. He supposed
Christ's power over unseen things to be like his own control over things
committed to his authority. Then Christ began, perhaps, to see that the
other nations of the world would profit by his work and doctrine before
his Jewish brethren."

       *       *       *       *       *

"My first presidency at the New England Woman's Club.... I do not shine
in presiding over a business meeting and some others can do much better
than I. Still I think it best to fulfil all expected functions of
ordinary occasions, living and learning."

"... Negro Christianity. It is something of a very definite and touching
character--all forgiving, all believing, making a decided religious
impression of its own--the heart so ripe, the intellectual part so
little made out, like a fruit which might be all pulp and no fibre."

       *       *       *       *       *

"On Sunday we bring back the worn and dim currency of our active life to
be redeemed by the pure gold of the Supreme Wisdom. I bring to church my
coppers and small pieces and take away a shining gold piece. Self is the
talent buried in the napkin no matter with how much of culture and
natural capacity. Till we get out of self we are in the napkin.
Hospitable entertainment of other people's opinions, brotherly
promotions of their interests--these acts make our five talents ten in
use to others and in enjoyment and profit to ourselves...."

"Christ's teaching about marriage. Its tender and sacred reciprocity.
Adultery among the Jews was only recognized as crime when committed by a
woman. The right of concubinage was too extensive to bring condemnation
for unchastity. The man might not steal another man's wife, but any
woman's husband might have intercourse with other women. Christ showed
how men did offend against this same law which worked so absolutely and
partially against women. An unchaste thought in the breast of the man
infringed the high law of purity. This teaching of the tender mutual
obligations of married life was probably new to many of his hearers.

"The present style of woman has really been fashioned by man, and is
only _quasi_ feminine.

"Peace meeting at Mystic, Connecticut. Spoke morning and afternoon, best
in the morning. The natural unfolding of reform. 'His purposes will
ripen fast'--Watts's verse. Providence does not plant so as to gather
all its crops in one day. First the flowers, then the fruits, then the
golden grain.

"John Fiske's lecture, first in the course on the theory of
Evolution.... Did not think the lecture a very profitable one, yet we
must be willing that our opposites should think and speak out their
belief."

       *       *       *       *       *

In the spring of 1872 she went to England, hoping to hold a Woman's
Peace Congress in London. She also hoped to found and foster "a Woman's
Apostolate of Peace." These hopes were not then to be fulfilled: yet she
always felt that this visit, with all its labors and its
disappointments, was well worth while, and that much solid good came of
it, to herself and to others.

We have seen her in London as a bride, enjoying to the full its gayeties
and hospitality, as bright a vision as any that met her eyes, with a
companion to whom all doors opened eagerly. This was the picture of
1843; that of 1872 is different, indeed.

A woman of middle age, quiet in dress and manner, with a serene and
constant dignity; a face in which the lines of thought and study were
deepening year by year; eyes now flashing with mirth, now tender with
sympathy, always bright with the "high resolve and hardihood" for which,
but a few years before, she had been sighing: this was the woman who
came to London in 1872, alone and unaided; who, standing before the Dark
Tower of established Order and Precedent, might say with Childe
Roland,--

  "Dauntless the slug horn to my lips I set,
  And blew."

She spoke at the banquet of the Unitarian Association. "The occasion was
to me a memorable one." She hired the Freemasons' Tavern and preached
there on five or six successive Sundays.

"My procedure was very simple,--a prayer, the reading of a hymn, and a
discourse from a Scripture text.... The attendance was very good
throughout, and I cherished the hope that I had sown some seed which
would bear fruit hereafter."

She was asked to address meetings in various parts of England, speaking
in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Carlisle, with good
acceptance. In Cambridge she talked with Professor J. R. Seeley, whom
she found most sympathetic. She was everywhere welcomed by thoughtful
people, old friends and new, whether or no they sympathized with her
quest.

"_June 9._ My first preaching in London. Worked pretty much all day at
sermon, intending, not to read, but to talk it--for me, a difficult
procedure. At 4.30 P.M. left off, but brain so tired that nothing in it.
Subject, the kingdom of heaven.... Got a bad cup of tea--dressed (in my
well-worn black silk) and went to the Drawing-Room at Freemasons'
Tavern. God knows how I felt. 'Cast down but not forsaken.'... I got
through better than I feared I might. Felt the method to be the right
one, speaking face to face and heart to heart."

"_June 10._ Small beer going out of fashion leaves women one occupation
the less. Fools are still an institution; and will remain such."[71]

  [71] "To suckle fools and chronicle small beer." _Othello._

"_June 16_.... A good attendance in spite of the heat.... Agonized over
my failure to come up to what I had designed to do in the discourse."

"_June 18_.... Saw the last of my dear friend E. Twisleton, who took me
to the National Gallery, where we saw many precious gems of art.... At
parting, he said: 'The good Father above does not often give so great a
pleasure as I have had in these meetings with you.' Let me enshrine this
charming and sincere word in my most precious recollection, from the man
of sixty-three to the woman of fifty-three."

"_June 27._ Left Leeds at 7 A.M., rising at 4.30.... To Miss [Frances
Power] Cobbe's, where met Lady Lyall, Miss Clough, Mrs. Gorton, Jacob
Bright, _et al._ Then to dinner with the dear Seeleys. An unceremonious
and delightful meal. Heart of calf. Then to John Ridley's.... Home
late, almost dead--to bed, having been on foot twenty hours."

"_July 4_.... Saw a sight of misery, a little crumb of a boy, barefoot,
tugging after a hand-organ man, also very shabby. Gave the little one a
ha'penny, all the copper I had. But in the heartache he gave me, I
resolved, God helping me, that my luxury shall henceforth be to minister
to human misery, and to redeem much time and money spent on my own
fancies, as I may...."

She had been asked to attend two important meetings as American
delegate: a peace congress in Paris, and a great prison reform meeting
in London.

The French meeting came first. She crossed the Channel, reaching Paris
in time to attend the principal _séance_ of the congress. She presented
her credentials, asked leave to speak, and was told "with some
embarrassment" that she might speak to the officers of the society, when
the public meeting should be adjourned! She makes no comment on this
proceeding, but says, "I accordingly met a dozen or more of these
gentlemen in a side room, where I simply spoke of my endeavors to enlist
the sympathies and efforts of women in behalf of the world's peace."

Returning to London, she had "the privilege of attending as a delegate
one of the great Prison Reform meetings of our day."

In 1843, Julia the bride would not have considered it a privilege to
attend a meeting for prison reform. She would have shrugged her
shoulders, would perhaps have pouted because the Chevalier cared more
for these things than for the opera, with Grisi, Mario, and Lablache:
she might even have written some funny verses about the windmill-tilting
of her Don Quixote. Now, she stood in the place that failing health
forbade him to fill, with a depth of interest, an earnestness of
purpose, equal to his own. She, too, now heard the sorrowful sighing of
the prisoners.

At one of the meetings of this congress, a jailer of the old school
spoke in defence of the system of flogging refractory prisoners, and
described in brutal fashion a brutal incident. Her blood was on fire:
she asked leave to speak.

"It is related," she said, "of the famous Beau Brummel that a gentleman
who called upon him one morning met a valet carrying away a tray of
neck-cloths, more or less disordered. 'What are these?' asked the
visitor; and the servant replied, 'These are our failures!' When I see
the dark coach which in our country carries the criminal to his place of
detention, I say, 'Society, here are your failures.'"

Her words were loudly applauded, and the punishment was voted down.

The Journal gives her further speech on this occasion: "Spoke of justice
to women. They had talked of fallen women. I prayed them to leave that
hopeless phrase. Every fallen woman represents a man as guilty as
herself, who escapes human detection, but whose soul lies open before
God. Speak of vicious, dissolute women, but don't speak of fallen women
unless you recognize the fall of man, the old doctrine."

Two days before this she had preached her last sermon in London. The
Journal says: "All Sunday at work upon my sermon, the last in London.
'Neither height nor depth, nor any other creature.' The sermon of high
and low, and the great unity beyond all dimensions. A good and to me a
most happy delivery of opinions and faith which I deeply hold.... So
ended my happy ministration in London, begun in fear and anxiety, ended
in certainty and renewed faith, which God continue to me."

August found her back at Oak Glen, exhausted in body and mind. She is
almost too tired to write in the Journal, and such entries as there are
only accentuate her fatigue.

"I am here at my table with books and papers, but feel very languid. My
arms feel as if there were no marrow in their bones. I suppose this is
reaction after so much work, but unless I can get up strength somehow I
shall not accomplish anything. Weakness in all my limbs. Have had my
Greek lesson and begun to read the Maccabees and the Apocrypha. I shall
probably come up after a few days, but feel at present utterly incapable
of exertion. I must help Maud--have helped her with music to-day...."

"Walked about with dear Chev, whose talk is always instructive. Every
break in our long-continued habits shows us something to amend in our
past lives. What do I see in mine after this long break? That I must
endeavor to have more real life and more religion. The passive and
contemplative following of thought, my own or other people's, must not
de-energize my sympathies and my will. I must daily consult the divine
will and standard which can help us to mould our lives aright without
running from one extreme to another. My heart's wish would now be to
devote myself to some sort of religious ministration. God can open a way
for this in which the spirit of my desire may receive the form of his
will. I must lecture this winter to earn some money and spread, I hope,
some good doctrine...."

       *       *       *       *       *

Such was the beginning of her work for peace, which was to end only with
her life. Disappointed in her hope of a world congress, she turned the
current of her effort in a new direction. She would have a festival, a
day which should be called Mothers' Day, and be devoted to the advocacy
of peace doctrines. She chose the second day of June; for many years she
and her friends and followers kept this day religiously, with sweet and
tender observances which were unspeakably dear to her.

In 1876 there was a great peace meeting in Philadelphia. The occasion is
thus described by the Reverend Ada C. Bowles: "There were delegates from
France, Italy, and Germany, each with a burning desire to be heard, and
all worth hearing, but none able to speak English. The audience looked
to the anxious face of the President with sympathy; then a voice was
heard, 'Call for Mrs. Howe.' Those present will never forget how her
presence changed the meeting from a threatened failure to a noble
success. The German, Frenchman, and Italian stood in turn by her side.
At the proper moment she lifted a finger, and then gave in her perfect
English each speech in full to the delight of the delegates and the
admiration of all."

The last celebration of her Mothers' Day was held in Riverton, New
Jersey, on June 1, 1912, by the Pennsylvania Peace Society, in
conjunction with the Universal Peace Union. On the printed invitation to
this festival we read

  "Aid it, paper, aid it, pen,
  Aid it, hearts of earnest men.

                  "Julia Ward Howe, 1874."

And further on, "Thirty-nine years ago Julia Ward Howe instituted this
festival for peace,--a time for the women and children to come together;
to meet in the country, invite the public, and recite, speak, sing and
pray for 'those things that make for peace.'"




CHAPTER XV

SANTO DOMINGO

1872-1874; _aet._ 53-56

A PARABLE

  "I sent a child of mine to-day;
    I hope you used him well."
  "Now, Lord, no visitor of yours
    Has waited at my bell.

  "The children of the Millionnaire
    Run up and down our street;
  I glory in their well-combed hair,
    Their dress and trim complete.

  "But yours would in a chariot come
    With thoroughbreds so gay;
  And little merry maids and men
    To cheer him on his way."

  "Stood, then, no child before your door?"
    The Lord, persistent, said.
  "Only a ragged beggar-boy,
    With rough and frowzy head.

  "The dirt was crusted on his skin,
    His muddy feet were bare;
  The cook gave victuals from within;
    I cursed his coming there."

  What sorrow, silvered with a smile,
    Slides o'er the face divine?
  What tenderest whisper thrills rebuke?
    "The beggar-boy was mine!"

                                    J. W. H.

We must go back a little to tell another story.

In the winter of 1870-71 the Republic of Santo Domingo sent through its
president an urgent request for annexation to the United States.
President Grant appointed a commission to visit this island republic,
to inquire into its conditions and report upon the question. Of this
commission Dr. Howe was one, the others being Messrs. Benjamin Wade and
Andrew D. White.

The commissioners sailed on the government steamer Tennessee. At parting
the Doctor said, "Remember that you cannot hear from us under a month;
so do not be frightened at our long silence."

A week later came reports of a severe storm in the Southern seas. A
large steamer had been seen struggling with wind and wave, apparently at
their mercy. Some newspaper thought it might be the Tennessee. All the
newspapers took up the cry: it probably _was_ the Tennessee; most likely
she had foundered and gone down with all on board.

Mindful of the Doctor's warning, our mother tried to disregard these
voices of terror. She went quietly about her work as usual, but none the
less the days of suspense that followed were "dark indeed and hard to
live through."[72]

  [72] _Reminiscences_, p. 346.

We remember these days well, the resolute cheerfulness, the avoidance of
outward sign of anxiety, the sudden lifting of the cloud when the good
news came of the steamer's safe arrival.

The prayer of Santo Domingo was not to be answered, spite of the
favorable report of the commission: but the Doctor had been so delighted
with the island that when, a year later, he was asked to visit it in the
interests of the Samana Bay Company, he gladly accepted the commission.

This time our mother went with him, together with Maud and a party of
friends. She had been loth to go, for she had already planned her peace
crusade in England, but finding how much he desired it, she compromised
on part of the time.

They sailed from New York early in February, 1872, in the steamer Tybee.
The voyage was rough and stormy. The companion daughter of the time
remembers how the wretched little Tybee pitched and heaved; even more
vividly she recalls the way in which our mother from the first made
society out of the strangely assorted company on board. She was the
magnet, and drew them all to her: the group of conventional ladies who
had never before been at sea, the knot of naval officers going to join
their ship,--among them George W. De Long, the hero of the ill-fated
Jeannette expedition; a colonel, and a judge, the former interested in
the Samana Bay Company. She made out of this odd company and the gruff
old captain a sort of court which she ruled in a curious way. She did
not seem to compel their admiration so much as to compel each to give
his best.

The Tybee cast anchor in the harbor of Puerto Plata, and the voyagers
saw Mont Isabel towering above them, its foot in the clear beryl water
where the palms grew down to the very edge of the yellow sea sand, its
head wrapped in the clouds. The Doctor came to the stateroom, crying,
"Come up and see the great glory!"

Our mother's delight can be imagined when they sailed into the harbor of
Santo Domingo and landed near an immense and immemorial tree, where,
they were told, Columbus had landed.

The party lodged in a fine old Spanish _palacio_, built round a
courtyard. It had been originally a convent. The nuns were gone, and
their place was now taken by the gay company of American ladies, who
possibly gave the sleepy little city more new ideas than it had ever
received in so short a space of time. President Baez put the palace at
the Doctor's disposal; he was an important person to the President and
to the Dominicans, for at that time the hope of annexation had not died
out. All the party were treated with extraordinary courtesy. Not only
were they given the presidential palace to live in, but a guard of honor
was kept in the courtyard. Their horses were lodged, Spanish fashion, on
the ground floor. The trampling, the neighing, and the fleas made them
rather uncomfortable neighbors. Our mother soon found out that the only
way she could see the country, or enjoy its life, was by riding. At
first she was a little nervous, but she soon regained her courage and
her seat. This was her first riding since the days of Cora, the wicked
little mare, when she read her Bible and said her prayers before every
ride. She thus describes it:--

"In Santo Domingo, nothing is more charming than the afternoon ride. It
is, of course, the great event of the neighborhood. Our cavalcade
usually numbers four or five ladies. Sometimes we cross the river in a
flat-bottomed boat, which is pulled over by a rope stretched and made
fast at either end. We then visit the little village of Pajarita, and
trot along under the shade of heavy mango trees. Or we explore the
country on this side the river. The great thing to guard against is the
danger of rain. This we encountered one afternoon in some severity.
Suddenly one of the party cried '_Llava!_' and down came the waters. We
were somewhat heated with our ride, and the penetrating rain fell chill
upon us. A large tree gave us shelter for a few moments, but we were
soon forced to seek more effectual protection. This we found, after some
delay, in a _boio_, or hut, into which horses and riders were dragged
pell-mell. The night was closing in, the Chief at home, and presumably
anxious, the rain unabating. Which of the tropical spasms would end our
far-spent life? Would it be lockjaw, a common result of severe chill in
these regions? Would it be a burning, delirious fever with a touch of
yellow; or should we get off with croup and diphtheria?

"The rain presently stopped, and we returned to the saddle, and then, by
easy stages, to the city. On reaching home, we were advised to bathe the
chilled surfaces with rum, not the wicked New England article, but the
milder product of the country. Of all the evil consequences spoken of as
sure to follow such an exposure, fever, lockjaw, and sore throat, we
have so far not seen the earliest symptom."

It was Carnival. All the cabinet officers and their wives devoted
themselves to the entertainment of the party. The Minister of War, Señor
Curiel, a little twinkling fiery man, devoted himself especially to our
mother, and was her right hand in the many expeditions she arranged. The
Secretary of State, Señor Gautier, a grave person with more culture
than most of the Dominicans, was the Doctor's chosen friend. To return
the many attentions showered upon them, a ball in the old convent was
arranged. The Doctor once said to her, "If you were on a desert island
with nobody there but one old darkey, you would give a party." (But it
was from Cuba that he wrote, "Julia knows three words of Spanish, and is
constantly engaged in active conversation.")

To find herself at Carnival, the leader of a gay party, living in a
spacious palace, supported by the guns and the officers of an American
warship (the Narragansett, with De Long and other officers on board),
was an opportunity not to be missed. She thus describes the
entertainment:--

"_Hans Breitmann gife a barty._

"So did we. To see Santo Domingo was little, without seeing the
Dominicans also. Some diplomatic overtures were made. Would the first
families come and pass an evening with us at the _Palacio_? Yes, they
would. Which _were_ the first families? That would have been for us a
point very difficult to determine. The family of the President and those
of the heads of departments would certainly stand in that prominence.
For the necessary beaux we were referred to a society recently
established here, calling itself '_La Juventad_,' 'the young people.'
This body of philanthropists, being appealed to, consented to undertake
the management of our party. The occasion was announced as a
_bailecita_, 'little ball.' We asked them to provide such refreshments
as are customary in this place. Thirty dollars' worth of sweet cake and
a bottled ocean of weak beer formed the principal items of the bill, as
brought to us. The friends came at 5 P.M., to decorate the room with
flowers, also to arrange two tables, on one of which _las dulces_ were
arrayed, while the other was made to display a suspicious-looking group
of glasses. A band, we were told, would be indispensable. We demurred at
this, having intended to musicate upon our own grand piano. Hearing,
however, that the band could be had for the sum of twelve dollars, we
gave in on this point.

"One long room runs the whole length of one side of the palace, and
serves us at once for dining and reception room. A long corridor
encounters this room at right angles, entirely open to the weather, on
one side. These two spaces constitute all our resources for receiving
company. We lit them with Downer's best [kerosene] and ranged rows of
rocking-chairs, opposite to each other, after the manner of this
country, and also of Cuba.

"The company began to arrive at 8 P.M. The young ladies were mostly
attired in colored tarlatans, prettily trimmed with lace and flowers.
Some of them were not over fourteen years of age. All were quite
youthful in their appearance, and unaffected in their manners. The young
men, mostly employed in the various shops of the city, were well-dressed
and polite. The band was somewhat barbaric in its aspect. A violin, a
'cello, a tambourine, and a clarinet. The clarinet-player was of
uncommon size, with wild, dark eyes, which seemed to dilate as he
played....

"The dancing continued with little interruption until nearly 2 A.M. We
were told that it is often continued till daylight. From time to time an
attack was made upon the two tables. But the enjoyment of the good
things provided was quite moderate compared with the cramming of a
first-class party in Boston or New York. The guests were of many shades,
as to color, although the greater number would have passed for white
people, anywhere. Some of the handsomest among them were very dark. One
young man reminded us of Edwin Booth in "Othello."... None of these
people look like the mulattoes in the North. The features and the fibre
appear finer, and the jet-black hair often suggests an admixture of
Indian blood. The difference of social position shows itself in the
manners of these people. The cruel colorphobia has never proscribed
them. They have no artificial sense of inferiority, but take themselves
as God made them, and think that if He is content with their
complexions, mankind at large may be so.

"We were much pleased with our party, and with the simple and unaffected
gayety of our guests. It was really a party in the open air, one whole
side of our ballroom being unenclosed, save by the infrequent colonnade.
We looked from the dancers to the stars, and back again to the dancers.
It was all fairylike and dreamlike. The favorite '_dansa_' much
resembles, not a ballet, but a stage dance, such as is introduced in the
course of the drama. The beer flowed, and the couples flew. One
innovation we introduced, a Virginia reel, which the clever
clarinet-player caught and accompanied. The figures much amazed the
natives. The _dénouement_ of Mr. Leland's classic ballad was wanting. No

  "'Gompany fited mit daple lecks
  Till de coonshtable made em shtop';

yet we may quote further from that high source:--

  "'Hans Breitmann gife a barty,
  Where ish that barty now?

       *       *       *       *       *

  All goned afay mit der lager pier,
  Afay in der Ewigkeit!'"

The Journal gives pleasant glimpses of the Santo Domingo days.

"M. Marne, a Frenchman ninety-seven years old, paid us a visit. Had been
secretary of Joseph Buonaparte in Madrid--praised him much. Talked very
copiously and not ill. Enjoys full mental and physical activity. Lives
at a small village in sight of our windows, but on the other side of the
river. Talked much of the Roi Cristophe."

The mention of this old gentleman recalls her visit to a Dominican
_padre_, himself in extreme age, who told her that he had known a
negress who lived to the age of one hundred and forty-three; he had
confessed and buried her. "She had her teeth and her hair still."

"Not to market to-day, but breakfast early--then all hands to the
cathedral to see the high mass performed--to-day in honor of the
independence of the island....

"Baez' face, cunning, pretty strong, _enjoué_, as if he must be, or
seem, a _bon enfant_.... The noise at the elevation of the Host a
perfect Babel. Music, 'Ernani,' 'Fra Diavolo,' with some similar things.
A single trumpet shrieked at some high moments. The bells rang like a
thousand tin pans. Orchestra and chorus not together and both out of
tune. The ceremony otherwise perhaps as well as usual. A priest made a
brief address in Spanish, praising the day and complimenting the
President...."

"Studied Baur, Aristophanes, and '_Etudes sur la Bible_.' Music lesson
to Maud. O'Sullivan to dine.... Baez sent word that he would visit us
between 5 and 6 P.M. We accordingly put things in the best order
possible under the circumstances. _Ung puo de tualetta_ for the ladies
seemed proper. At dinner received Baez' card with a great dish of fine
sapotes. Baez arrived. He speaks French quite tolerably, is affable, and
has an intelligent face; in fact looks like a person of marked talent.
We talked of things in the United States. He has made fourteen voyages
to Europe.... I sang '_Una Barchetta_' for him. He came with one
servant, who stayed outside--no ceremony and no escort...."

After the beauty of the place--indeed possibly before it--she valued the
opportunity that came to her of preaching. On the voyage to Santo
Domingo she had learned of a shepherdless flock of colored Protestants,
their minister dead, their "elder" disabled by lameness. Here was an
opportunity not to be lost. She engaged to hold Sunday evening services
in their church, a small wooden building with a mud floor and a mahogany
pulpit. The "Reminiscences" describe these services; the tattered
hymn-books whose leaves were turned mechanically while the congregation
(few of whom could read) sang with a will the hymns they knew by heart;
the humble, devout people with their attentive faces.

When Holy Week came, the congregation begged her to hold special
services. They wished their young people to understand that these sacred
days meant as much to them as to the surrounding Catholics. Accordingly
she and her companion "dressed the little church with flowers. It looked
charmingly. Flowers all along the railing [here follows in the Journal a
pen-and-ink sketch], flowers in the pulpit over my head. Church was
crowded. Many people outside and at the windows."

She always remembered with pleasure one feature of her Easter sermon,
her attempt to describe Dante's vision of a great cross in the heavens,
formed of star clusters, each cluster bearing the name of Christ. "The
thought," she says, "that the mighty poet of the fourteenth century
should have something to impart to these illiterate negroes was very
dear to me."

One of the party has an undying impression of this Easter service: the
shabby little chapel crowded with dark faces, and the preacher, standing
touched by a ray of sunlight, speaking to that congregation of simple
black people. In her notes she speaks of these services.

"A pastoral charge bringing me near to the hearts and sympathies of the
people. I have preached five times in the little church, including Good
Friday and Easter Monday. This service, which has not been without its
difficulties, is so much better to me in remembrance than anything else
I have done here that I must make a little break and pause before I
speak of other things.

"In this pause I remember my prayer at Puerto Plata, that I and mine
might come to this new region with a reverent and teachable spirit. That
prayer was an earnest one to me. I hope it has, as all prayers should,
accomplished its own fulfilment. I have been here among dear people. I
find all the human varieties in this society, not digested and
harmonized by noble culture, but existing and asking for the
centralizing and discriminating agencies which in civilization sort out
the different tastes, characters, and capacities, and assign to each its
task, giving devotion its wings and crime its treadmill. This little
population in a great country, a country in which Nature allows no one
to starve, has lived and so shown its right to live and maintain itself.
It has accomplished its political division from a state antipathetic to
it, having its dark face turned fixedly towards barbarism [Hayti].

"I stood in a little church in the city and island of Santo Domingo, to
preach the glad tidings of the gospel of Peace. It was a humble little
temple, with a mud floor, and plastered walls, and a roof which scarcely
kept out the rain, but it was a place full of comfort to me and to
others. The seats and spaces were all filled, for it had no aisles. The
small windows and doors were cushioned, so to speak, with human
countenances, wearing an expression of curiosity or attention. The way
to the church was lined on both sides with the simple people, who held
their service at night because the poverty of their attire made them
ashamed to hold it by day. And this crowd came together, Sunday after
Sunday, because a woman from a distant country stood in that little
church to tell them what a woman can tell about the kingdom of heaven."

Loth as she had been to go to Santo Domingo, she was far more loth to
leave it; but the time appointed for her peace crusade in London was at
hand, and she could tarry no longer. On April 5 she writes:--

"Ah! my time is nearly out. Dear Santo Domingo, how I do love you, with
your childish life, and your ancestral streets--a grandam and a babe!
To-day I read my last in Baur and Greek for some time, probably, as must
pack to-morrow. As at present advised, God grant that we may come here
again."

"_April 6._ Here to-day and gone to-morrow, literally. Mostly
packed--have left out my books for a last sweet morsel.... Did not get
that sweet morsel. Was busy all day--farewell calls from friends, little
talks, and the fear of sitting down and forgetting my preparations in my
books. In the evening the Gautiers came and I played for them to dance.
So, one last little gayety in common."

"_Sunday, April 7._ Got up at 4 A.M. Dressed and got off pretty
easily.... The parting from Maud was very hard. Oh! when the line was
drawn in, and my darling and I were fairly sundered, my old heart gave
way, and I cried bitterly....

"Henry Blackwell is a dear, comforting man, most kind and companionable.
A woman on board with a wretched baby of six months, he in a muslin
gown and nothing else, crying with cold. I got out a cotton flannel
dressing-sack, and wrapped him up in it and tended him a good deal....

"May the purpose for which I undertake this painful and solitary journey
be ever strong enough in my thoughts to render every step of it pure,
blameless and worthy. Great God, do not let me desert thee! For that is
the trouble. Thou dost not desert us. I dread unspeakably these dark
days of suffering and confusion. To go is like being hanged...."

"Captain said something about my preaching on Sunday, so I have been
laying out some points for a sermon.... But it is not very likely that
the Captain will really ask me to hold service.

"Talk with purser about Homer. He has a vivacious mind, and might easily
learn Greek, or anything else he would have a mind to."

"_Sunday._ It turned out that the Captain and passengers did wish me to
hold a little service to-day, so at 10.30 A.M. I met them in the
dining-saloon. I had a Bible, from which I read the 116th Psalm--a
prayer followed--then the missionary hymn, 'From Greenland's icy
mountains'--then my little sermon, of which I have the headings. I am so
very glad to have been able and enabled to do this.

"Began to teach the purser to read from notes with a leaf of music out
of some periodical. Copied Baur a little--talked and heard much talk."

"_April 17...._ Expect to get in to-morrow, not very late, unless
another contrary gale. Frigate birds and petrels yesterday--to-day,
whales, blackfish, and an immense number of porpoises. Revelation cannot
go beyond human consciousness.

"The Western mind has taken Christ's metaphorical illustrations
literally, and his literal moral precepts metaphorically."

"_April 18...._ Very thankful to have got through so well so far."


As at the beginning of this chapter we took a step backward, so we must
now take one forward and speak briefly of the second visit to Santo
Domingo in 1874.

The Doctor's health was failing; he had suffered from the winter's cold,
and longed for the warm sunshine of the beloved island. Would she go
with him? he asked. She should preach to her colored folks as much as
she liked.

They sailed together in the Tybee in March. After a brief visit to the
capital (where Revolution had been before them, expelling the friendly
Baez, and putting in his place a man opposed to the Samana Bay Company),
they took up their quarters at Samana, in a little hillside cottage
about a mile from the town.

Our mother writes in her Journal:--

"_March 20._ In Santo Domingo as glad as a child.... Went to Garcia's
and foolishly bargained for the gold necklace and emerald ring I fancied
the last time I was here. The necklace is for Maud."

The love of jewelry was one of the "little passions" of her whole life.
Speaking once of this as her "besetting sin," she said: "It is rather
respectable to have a besetting sin, as it shows one must have had an
ancestor from whom it was inherited!" She enjoyed a jewel as she did a
flower or a song: she loved to deck her dear ones and herself with
trinkets; a jeweller's window was a thing of delight to her, not to be
passed without the tribute of a pause and a glance at its treasures. Yet
a purchase of this kind seldom failed to bring its retributive pang the
day after.

"Was sorry to have made so foolish a use of the money. Resolve never to
do so again, unless some new light should make it seem right. God will
not have my mind occupied with such nonsense.... Have written my sermon
for to-morrow evening."

They spent two months in Samana in almost absolute retirement. The
Doctor read "Don Quixote" in Spanish, she Aristotle in Greek and Baur in
German. The former "was early and late in the saddle, and dashed up and
down the steep hillsides of Samana with all his old fearlessness." The
latter followed as she might, "in perils and dangers, in terrors often."

"I had never been a bold rider, and I must confess that I suffered
agonies of fear in following him on these expeditions. If I lagged
behind, he would cry, 'Come on! it's as bad as going to a funeral to
ride with you.' And so, I suppose, it was. I remember one day when a
great palm branch had fallen across our path. I thought that my horse
would certainly slip on it, sending me to the depths below. That very
day, while Dr. Howe took his siesta, I went to the place where this
impediment lay, and with a great effort threw it over the steep
mountain-side. The whole neighborhood of Samana is very mountainous,
and I sometimes found it impossible to obey the word of command. One day
my husband spurred his horse and made a gallant dash at a very steep
ascent, ordering me to follow him. I tried my best, but only got far
enough to find myself awkwardly at a standstill, and unable to go either
backward or forward. The Doctor was obliged to dismount and to lead my
horse down to the level ground. This, he assured me, was a severe
mortification for him."[73]

  [73] _Reminiscences_, p. 362.

In spite of the permission given, she spoke only a few times in Samana.
She tells of an open-air service in which she took part. She arrived
late, and found a zealous elder holding forth and "reading" from a Bible
held upside down. At sight of her he said, "And now dat de lady hab
come, I will obdunk from de place!"

One day she spoke to the pupils of a little school kept by an English
carpenter, who studied Greek in order to understand the New Testament,
yet allowed his pupils to use the small _i_ for the personal pronoun.
The schoolhouse was perched on a hill so steep that she was thankful to
mount astride on a huge white steer furnished with a straw saddle, and
be led up by a friendly neighbor.

In these days the ill-fated Samana Bay Company, of which the Doctor and
many others had had high hopes, came to an end, and the Dominican
Government insisted that its flag should be officially withdrawn. Our
mother describes the incident:--

"To town early to be present at the taking down of the Samana Company's
flag by the commission sent on board the Dominican war schooner. I went
in the boat and found Chev in the custom-house with the commission
seated around. A good many of our people present. Chev read his protest,
which was strong and simple.... We then went out of the building; the
_employés_ of our Company marched up in their best clothes, their hats
stuck full of roses, and stood in order on either side the flagstaff.
The man ordered by the commission lowered the flag. Just before, Chev
got our people to stand in a circle around him, made a lovely little
address. The old Crusader never appeared nobler or better than on this
occasion, when his beautiful chivalry stood in the greatest contrast to
the barbarism and ingratitude which dictated this act. My mind was full
of cursing rather than blessing. Yet finding myself presently alone with
the superseded flag I laid my hand upon it and prayed that if I had
power to bless anything, my prayers might bless the good effort which
has been made here."

On April 2 she adds: "The blacks here say that the taking down of our
flag was like the crucifixion of our Lord. We are assured that they
would have offered forcible resistance, if we had authorized their so
doing."

"_May 9._ The last day of our last week in Samana.... God knows when I
shall have so much restful leisure again. My rides on horseback, too,
are ended for the present, though I may mount once more to-day or
to-morrow. All these pleasures have been mixed with pains--my fear on
horseback ... but far more than all, my anxiety about the dearest ones
at home. The affairs of the Company, too, have given me many sad
thoughts, but in spite of all this the time has been a blessed one. I
have improved in mind and body, if not in estate--have had sweet leisure
for thought and study, opportunity to preach the gospel (three times),
and most invigorating air and exercise. Over the door of the little
parlor here hangs a motto: 'God bless our Home.' I think, indeed, He has
blessed this little home, though, at first, when I looked at the motto,
I always thought of my own home."

The next day they saw the "last of beautiful Samana for the present,"
and ten days later found them in New York. Her final word on this brief
and lovely episode is given in the Journal for May 24: "My heart sinks
whenever Chev says he will never go to Samana again. 'There are my young
barbarians all at play.'"




CHAPTER XVI

THE LAST OF GREEN PEACE

1872-1876; _aet._ 53-57

  He who launched thee a bolt of fire
  Strong in courage and in desire
  Takes thee again a weapon true
  In heaven's armory ever new.

  Still shall the masterful fight go on,
  Still shall the battle of Right be won
  And He who fixed thee in upper air
  Shall carry thy prowess otherwhere.

                                        J. W. H.


As our father's health failed more and more, his heart turned to the
home he had made. He longed for Green Peace; and--the lease falling in
about this time--in the spring of 1872 he and our mother and Maud moved
thither, and took up their quarters in the "new part," while Laura and
her husband came to occupy the old. Here the first grandchild (Alice
Maud Richards) was born; here and at Oak Glen the next four years were
mainly passed.

The Doctor's ardent spirit longed for new fields of work, new causes to
help; the earthly part could not follow. How he struggled, toiling,
suffering, fighting the good fight to his last breath, has been told
elsewhere:[74] suffice it to say that these years were grave ones for
the household, spite of new joys that dawned for all.

  [74] _Letters and Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe._

The grandchildren opened a new world for both our parents: a world which
one was to enjoy for a space all too brief, the other through long
years, in which she was to be to the youngest generation a lamp of
wisdom, a flame of warmth and tenderness, a fountain of joy.

Among the memory pictures of this time is one of her sitting at her
desk, laboring at her endless correspondence; beside her, on the floor,
the baby of the period, equally absorbed in the contents of the
waste-paper basket.

Or we see the tall figure of the Doctor, stooping in the doorway between
the two houses, a crowing child on his shoulders, old face and young
alight with merriment. These were Richards grandbabes; the Hall children
were the summer delight of the grandparents, as they and their mother
usually spent the summer at Oak Glen.


"_Friday, September 13._ Before I open even my New Testament to-day, I
must make record of the joyful birth of Flossy's little son [Samuel
Prescott Hall].... God bless this dear little child! May he bring peace
and love....

"During the confinement I could not think of anything divine or
spiritual. It was Nature's grim, mechanical, traditional task. But now
that it is over, my heart remembers that Life is not precious without
God, and the living soul just given stands related to the quickening
spirit."

"...I can get little time for study, as I must help nurse dear Flossy.
My mind is strangely divided between my dear work and my dear child and
grandchild. I must try to keep along with both, but on no account to
neglect the precious grandchild."

"_October 1._ O year! thou art running low. The last trimester."

"_October 2._ This day, thirty-two years ago, my dearest brother Henry
died in my arms, the most agonizing experience. Never again did Death so
enter into my heart, until my lovely son of three years departed many
years later, leaving a blank as sad and bitter. Henry was a rare and
delicate person.... His life was a most valuable one to us for help and
counsel, as well as for affection. Perhaps no one to-day thinks about
his death except me, his junior by two years, wearing now into the
decline of life. Dear brother, I look forward to the reunion with you,
but wish my record were whiter and brighter."

"_October 5._ Boston. Came up for directors' meeting of New England
Woman's Club. Went afterward to Mrs. Cheney's lecture on English
literature.... A suggestive and interesting essay, which I was glad to
hear and have others hear. It gave me a little pain, that, though she
pleasantly alluded to me as one who has laid aside the laurel for the
olive branch, she said nothing whatever about my writings, which deserve
to be spoken of in characterizing the current literature of the day; but
she perhaps does not read or like my works, and besides, people think of
me nowadays more as an active woman's woman than as a literary
character, as the phrase is. All life is full of trial, and when I hear
literary performance praised, and remember my own love for it, and for
praise, I think a little how much of all this I have sacrificed in these
later years for a service that has made me enemies as well as friends. I
felt called upon to do this, and I still think that if I made a mistake,
it was one of those honest mistakes it is best to make."

       *       *       *       *       *

She was giving Maud music lessons this autumn, reading Plutarch with
her, taking her to parties and giving parties for her. Later, we find
her holding mission services at Vineyard Haven; addressing the Saturday
Morning Club ("Subject--_Object_: I smile at this antithesis");
delivering a lecture at Albany--with the lecture left behind.

"Got to work at once making abstracts from memory.... Spoke more than an
hour.... Got my money--would rather have paid it than have had such an
experience. Felt as if my inner Guide had misled and deserted me. But
some good to some one may come of what I said and tried to say."

She returned from this trip very weary, only to find "my lecture
advertised, not one line of it written--subject, 'Men's Women and
Women's Women.' Set to work at once, almost overpowered by the task, and
the shortness of the time."

The lecture was finished in the morning, delivered in the afternoon.

"Warm congratulations at the close.... Such a sense of relief!"

On December 19 she notes the departure of "dear Flossy and her dearest
little Boy.... House very desolate without them. This boy is especially
dear to Doctor Howe and myself."

"_December 28._ Maria Mitchell's Club lecture to-day was beautiful
exceedingly. I might have envied her the steady grasp and unbroken
advance of scientific study, did I not feel sure that God gives to each
his own work. Mine, such as it is, would be helped and beautified by the
knowledge which she imparts so easily, but perhaps all of her that I
shall remember and try to follow is her spirit. Her silver hair seems
lustrous with spiritual brightness, as do her dark eyes. Her movements
are full of womanly grace, not ballroom grace."

       *       *       *       *       *

From now on the movement is _sempre crescendo_. Work for peace, work for
clubs; lecturing, preaching, tending the Doctor in his days of illness;
taking the youngest daughter to balls and parties; founding a club for
her, too. She felt that the young girls of Maud's age needed the onward
impulse as much as their elders; accordingly, in November, 1871, she
called together a meeting of young women, and with their aid and
good-will formed the Saturday Morning Club of Boston. The energy with
which this organization sprang into being showed that the time was ripe
for it. That energy, handed on through two generations, is no less
lively to-day; the name of the club recalls a hundred beautiful and
interesting occasions.

The Journal hurries us on from day to arduous day. Even the aspiration
of New Year's Day, 1873, breathes the note of hurry: "Dear Lord, let me
this year be worthy to call upon thy name!"

February 5 finds her on another quest: "Mem. Never to come by this route
again. Had to turn out at Utica at 4 A.M. Three hours in depot...."

"_March 1._ Went to Saturday Morning Club. Found that John Fiske had
failed them. Was told to improvise a lecture on the spot. Did so...."

"_March 5._ Went to hear the arguments in favor of rescinding the vote
of censure against Charles Sumner...."

[In 1872, Sumner introduced in the Senate of the United States a
resolution that the names of battles with fellow-countrymen should not
be continued in the Army Register, nor placed on the regimental colors
of the United States. This measure was violently opposed; the
Legislature of Massachusetts denounced it as "an insult to the loyal
soldiery of the Nation, ... meeting the unqualified condemnation of the
Commonwealth." For more than a year Sumner's friends, headed by John G.
Whittier, strove to obtain the rescinding of this censure; it was not
till 1874 that it was rescinded by a large majority.]

"_March 10._ A morning for work in my own room, so rare a luxury that I
hardly know how to use it. Begin with my Greek Testament...."

"_March 17._ Radical Club.... It was an interesting sitting, but I felt
as if the Club had about done its work. People get to believing that
talk turns the world: it is much, but it is nothing without work...."

"_May 27._ Fifty-four years old to-day. Thank God for what I have had
and hope to have.... In the afternoon my dear children had a beautiful
birthday party for me, including most of my old friends and some of the
newer ones. Agassiz came, and his wife; he brought a bouquet and kissed
me. I had beautiful flowers.... Poor Chev was ill with a frightful
headache. I was much touched by the dear children's affectionate device
and shall remember this birthday."

This was the first of the Birthday Receptions, which were to be our
happiest festivals through many happy years.

Monday, June 2, was the day she had appointed as Mothers' Peace Day, her
annual Peace Festival.

"The day of many prayers dawned propitious, and was as bright and clear
as I could have wished."

She was up early, and found the hall "beautifully decorated with many
fine bouquets, wreaths, and baskets, the white dove of Peace rising
above other emblems." There were two services, morning and evening, and
many speakers. "Mr. Tilden and Mr. Garrison both did nobly for me....
Thank God for so much!"

She had the great joy of hearing that the day was celebrated in other
countries besides her own. In London, Geneva, Constantinople, and
various other places, services were held, and men and women prayed and
sang in behalf of peace: this she counted among the precious things of
the year, and of several years to come.

"_June 6._ Quiet at last, and face to face with the eternal Gospel.
Weary and confused, anxious to wind up my business well, and begin my
polyglot sheet...."

Yet on June 10 she is arriving in New York at 5.40 A.M., bound for a
peace meeting.

"_June 11._ I got two bricks from the dear old house at the corner of
Broadway and Bond Street, now all down and rebuilding. Will have one
enamelled for myself. Ah, Lord, what a bitter lesson is in this
tearing-down! How I was wanting in duty to the noble parent who built
this grand home for me! I hope to help young people to understand
something of parental love and its responsibilities. But parents also
must study children, since each new soul may require a new method."

"_June 12._ Home very gladly. Helped Maud with her Latin. At 3.30 to
rehearse 'Midsummer-Night's Dream.' I Hermia and Snout. At 7.30 the
reading, which was the pleasantest we have had."

[These readings were in the vestry of the Church of the Disciples. Mr.
Clarke, our mother, Erving Winslow, and others of the congregation took
part: we remember the late Professor James Mills Pierce as Orlando in
"As You Like It"; his beautiful reading of the part contrasting oddly
with his middle-aged, long-bearded personality. Our mother's rendering
of Maria in "Twelfth Night" was something to remember.]

"_June 17._ Up at five and to get a boat. Maud and the Lieutenant
[Zalinski] rowed me to Fort Independence and back, a most refreshing
excursion. Dear Dr. Hedge came out to make a morning visit. I kept him
as long as I could. We talked of Bartol, Rubinstein, Father Taylor, and
Margaret Fuller, whom he knew when she was fourteen years old. He urged
me to labor for dress reform, which he considered much needed. Had
preached two sermons on the subject which his dressy parishioners
resented, telling him that their husbands approved of their fine
clothes. I begged him to unearth these sermons and give them to us at
the club. We spoke of marriage, and I unfolded rapidly my military and
moral theory of human relations. Thought of a text for a sermon on this
subject: 'Arise, take up thy bed and walk.' This because the ills of
marriage which are deemed incurable are not. We must meet them with the
energetic will which converts evil into good, and without which all good
degenerates into evil."

       *       *       *       *       *

July finds her at Oak Glen. She is full of texts and sermons, but makes
time to write to Fanny Perkins,[75] proposing "_Picnics with a Purpose_,
sketching, seaside lectures, astronomical evenings." This thought may
have been the germ from which grew the Town and Country Club, of which
more hereafter.

  [75] Mrs. Charles C. Perkins.

The writing of sermons seems to have crowded serious poetry out of sight
in these days, but the Comic Muse was always at hand with tambourine and
flageolet, ready to strike up at a moment's notice. There was much
coming and going of young men and maidens at Oak Glen in those days, and
much singing of popular songs of a melancholy or desperate cast. The
maiden was requested to take back the heart she had given; what was its
anguish to her? There were handfuls of earth in a coffin hid, a coffin
under the daisies, the beautiful, beautiful daisies; and so on, and so
on, _ad lachrymam_. She bore all this patiently; but one day she said to
Maud, "Come! You and these young persons know nothing whatever of real
trouble. I will make you a song about a real trouble!" And she produced,
words and tune, the following ditty:--

COOKERY BOOKERY, OH!

  My Irish cook has gone away
  Upon my dinner-party day;
  I don't know what to do or say--
      Cookery bookery, oh!

    _Chorus_:

  Sing, saucepan, range, and kitchen fire!
  Sing, coals are high and always higher!
  Sing, crossed and vexed, till you expire!
      Cookery bookery, oh!

  She could cook every kind of dish,
  "Wittles" of meat and "wittles" of fish,
  And soup as fancy as you wish--
      And she is gone away!

  She weighed two hundred pounds of cheek,
  She had a voice that made me meek,
  I had to listen when she did speak--
      Cookery bookery, oh!

  My husband comes, a saucy elf,
  And eyes the saucepan on the shelf;
  Says he, "Why don't you cook yourself?"
      Cookery bookery, oh!

    _Chorus_:

  Sing, saucepan, range, and kitchen fire!
  Sing, coals are high and always higher!
  Sing, crossed and vexed, till you expire!
      Cookery bookery, oh!

_Jocosa Lyra!_ one chord of its gay music suggests another. It may have
been in this summer that she wrote "The Newport Song," which also has
its own lilting melody.

  _Non sumus fashionabiles:
  Non damus dapes splendides:_
  But in a modest way, you know,
  We like to see our money go:
  _Et gaudeamus igitur_,
  Our soul has nought to fidget her!

  We do not care to quadrigate
  On Avenues in gilded state:
  No gold-laced footmen laugh behind
  At our vacuity of mind:
  But in a modest one-horse shay,
  We rumble, tumble as we may,
  _Et gaudeamus igitur_,
  Our soul has nought to fidget her!

  When æstivation is at end,
  We've had our fun and seen our friend.
  No thought of payment makes us ill,
  We don't know such a word as "bill":
  _Et gaudeamus igitur_,
  Our soul has nought to fidget her!

She always tried to go at least once in the summer to see the old people
at the Town Farm, a pleasant, gray old house, not far from Oak Glen.

"In the afternoon visited the poorhouse with J. and F. and found several
of the old people again, old Nancy who used to make curious patchwork;
old Benny, half-witted; Elsteth, Henrietta, and Harriet, very glad to
see us. Julia read them a Psalm, then Harriet and Elsteth sang an
interminable Methodist hymn, and I was moved to ask if they would like
to have me pray with them. They assented, and I can only say that my
heart was truly lifted up by the sense of the universality of God's
power and goodness, to which these forlorn ones could appeal as directly
as could the most powerful, rich, or learned people."

Later she writes:--

"The summer seems to me to have been rich in good and in interest as I
review it. Sweet, studious days, pleasant intercourse with friends, the
joy of preaching, and very much in all this the well-being of my dear
family, children and grandchildren, their father and grandfather
enjoying them with me. This is much to thank God for."

Some of the family lingered on after most of the household _impedimenta_
had been sent up to Boston, and were caught napping.

"Sitting quietly with Chev over the fire after a game of whist with
Julia and Paddock,--a hack-driver knocked at the door of our little back
parlor, saying that a gentleman was waiting at the front door for
admission. I opened the door and found Dr. Alex Voickoff, who had
learned in Boston of our being here and had come down to stay over
Sunday. The floors of nearly every parlor and bedroom had been newly
oiled. We had no spare bedding. I spared what I could from my
ill-provided bed--we made the guest as comfortable as we could. The
bedding had been sent up to Boston. _Hinc illæ lachrymæ._"

"_November 26._ Saw Salvini's 'Othello.' As wonderful as people say it
is. The large theatre [the Boston] packed, and so quiet that you could
have heard a pin drop. From the serene majesty of the opening scenes to
the agony of the end, all was grand and astounding even to us to whom
the play is familiar. The Italian version seemed to me very fine,
preserving all the literary points of the original. In fact it seemed as
if I had always before heard the play through an English translation, so
much did the Italian speech and action light it up."

She found Salvini's "Hamlet" "not so good for him as 'Othello,' yet he
was wonderful in it, and made a very strong impression."

She met the great actor, and found his manners "cordial, natural, and
high-toned." She gave a dinner-party for him, and found him to improve
more and more on further acquaintance. He became a valued friend, always
greeted with delight.

In December, 1873, Richard Ward, her last surviving uncle, died. He had
lived on at No. 8 Bond Street after the death of Uncle John, and had
kept up the traditions of that hospitable house, always receiving her
most affectionately.

"_December 11._ Uncle Richard's funeral. A quiet one, but on the whole
satisfactory and almost pleasant, he having lived out his life and dying
surrounded by his children and other relatives, and the family gathering
around his remains wearing an aspect of cordiality and mutual good-will.
I put a sprig of white daphne in the folds of the marble drapery of dear
father's bust and kissed the bust, feeling that it had taken all of
these years to teach me his value and the value of the moral and
spiritual inheritance which I had from him and could not wholly waste
with all the follies which checker the better intentions of my life. I
went to Greenwood and into the vault, and saw the sacred names of the
dear departed on the slabs which sealed the deposit of their remains. It
was all like a dream and a sad one."

"_December 12._ No. 8 Bond Street. I came down here to write the records
of yesterday and to-day in this dear old house, whose thronging memories
rise up to wring my heart, in the prospect of its speedy dismantlement
and the division of its dear contents. Here I came on my return from
Europe in 1844, bringing my dear Julia, then an infant of six months.
Uncle John had just bought and fitted it up. Here I came to attend
Sister Louisa's wedding, Uncle John being rather distant to me,
supposing that I had favored the marriage. Here I saw dear Brother
Marion for the last time. Here I came in my most faulty and unhappy
period. Here, after my first publications; here, to see my play acted at
Wallack's. Here, when death had taken my dearest Sammy from me. Uncle
John was so kind and merciful at that time, and always except that once,
when indeed he did not express _dis_pleasure, but I partly guessed it
and learned it more fully afterwards. God's blessing rest upon the
memory of this hospitable and unstained house. It seems to me as if
neither words nor tears could express the pain I feel in closing this
account with my father's generation."

       *       *       *       *       *

The most important episode of 1874, the visit to Samana, has already
been described. Turning the leaves of the Journal for this year, we
feel that the change and break were necessary to her as well as to the
Doctor. There were limits even to her strength.

"_January, 1874._ A sort of melancholy of confusion, not knowing how I
can possibly get through with the various requisitions made upon my
time, strength, thought, and sympathy. Usually I feel, even in these
moods, the nearness of divine help. To-day it seems out of my
consciousness, but is not on that account out of my belief...."

"The past week one dreadful hurry. Things look colorless when you whirl
so fast past them."

"The month ending to-day seems the most hurried of my life. Woman's
Club, Saturday Club, Philosophical group, Maud's music, ditto party, and
all her dressing and gayety, beside writing for [the Woman's] Journal,
... two lectures [Salem and Weston], both gratuitous, and the care of
getting up and advertising Bishop Ferrette's lectures. And in all these
things I seem not to do, rather than to do, the dissipation of effort so
calls me away from the quiet, concentrated sort of work which I love."

It was time for the Doctor to say "Come!" and to carry her off to those
tropical solitudes they had learned to love so well. Yet the departure
was painful, for Maud must be left behind. On March 1 we read:--

"Of to-day I wish to preserve the fact that, waking early in painful
perplexity about Maud, Santo Domingo, etc., and praying that the right
way might open for me and for all of us, my prayer seemed answered by
the very great comfort I had in hearing the prayer and sermon of Henry
Powers of New York. The decided spiritual tone of the prayer made me
feel that I must try to take, every day, this energetic attitude of
moral will and purpose, even if I fail in much that I wish to do."

On May 27 she writes:--

"My birthday. Fifty-five years old. Still face to face with the mercies
of God in health and sanity, enjoying all true pleasures more than ever
and weaned from some false ones. I feel a great lassitude, probably from
my cold and yesterday's fatigue. I have not worked this year as I did
the year before, yet I have worked a good deal, too, and perhaps have
tried more to fulfil the duty nearest at hand.... I thank God for my
continued life, health, and comfort.... I ask to see Samana free before
I go.... 'Thy will be done' is the true prayer."

Samana was not to be free, spite of the efforts of its friends, and she
was not to see it again.

The record of this year and the next is a chronicle of arduous work,
with the added and ever-deepening note of anxiety; it was only for a
time that the visit to Samana checked the progress of the Doctor's
physical failure. He was able in the summer of 1874 to write the
forty-third report of the Perkins Institution: an important one in which
he reviewed his whole work among the blind. He felt that this would
probably be his last earthly task; yet the following summer found him
again taking up the familiar work, laboring with what little strength
was left him, and when eyes and hand refused to answer the call of the
spirit, dictating to his faithful secretary. It has been told elsewhere
how in this last summer of his life he labored to make more beautiful
and more valuable the summer home which had become very dear to him.

Returned to Green Peace, he had some happy days in his garden, but for
gardener and garden they were the last days. The city had decided to put
a street through Green Peace: already workmen were digging trenches and
cutting trees. Our mother went to the authorities, and told them of his
feeble condition. The work was stopped at once, and not resumed during
his lifetime.

Through these years her time was divided between the invalid and the
many public duties which had already taken possession of her life.
Little by little these were crowded out: instead of lecture or concert
came the ever-shortening walk with the Doctor, the evening game of whist
or backgammon which lightened a little his burden of pain and weariness.

Yet she was preparing, on January 4, 1876, to keep a lecture engagement
of long standing, when the blow fell. He was stricken down, and lay for
some days insensible, waiting the final summons.

There was no hope of his recovery: those around him waited patiently,
any violence of grief held in check by the silent rebuke of the serene
face on the pillow.

The day after his death she writes:--

"I awoke at 4.30, but lay still to bear the chastening hand of God, laid
upon me in severe mercy....

"Some good words came to me: 'Let not your heart be troubled,' etc. 'He
doth not willingly afflict,' etc.

"Before breakfast went into Chev's room, so sweet and peaceful.... I
laid my lace veil, my bridal veil, upon the head of his bedstead.... In
place of my dear husband I have now my foolish papers. Yet I have often
left him for them. God accept the poor endeavor of my life!"

On the day after the funeral she writes: "Began my new life to-day.
Prayed God that it might have a greatly added use and earnestness."

And several weeks later, after the memorial meeting in his honor:--

"Yesterday seems to have filled the measure of the past. To-day I must
forward in the paths of the future. My dear love is sometimes with me,
at least as an energizing and inspiring influence, but how shall I
deserve ever to see him again?"

The paths of the future! She was to tread them with cheerful and willing
feet through many long years, never wholly losing the sense of
companionship with her good comrade.

She devoted the spring of 1876 to the writing of a brief memoir of him,
which was printed in pamphlet form and in raised type for the use of the
blind. With the latter object in view the memoir was necessarily brief.
The labor of condensing into a small space the record of a long and
super-active life was severe, but it was the tonic she needed. The days
of quiet at Green Peace, the arduous work, with a page of Greek or a
chapter of Baur for relaxation, brought mind and nerves back to their
normal condition.

The work speaks for itself. As it is little known to-day outside the
schools for the blind, we quote the concluding paragraph:--

"In what is said, to-day, concerning the motherhood of the human race,
the social and spiritual aspects of this great office are not wholly
overlooked. It must be remembered that there is also a fatherhood of
human society, a vigilance and forethought of benevolence recognized in
the individuals who devote their best energies to the interests of
mankind. The man to whose memory the preceding pages are dedicated is
one of those who have best filled this relation to their race. Watchful
of its necessities, merciful to its shortcomings, careful of its
dignity, and cognizant of its capacity, may the results of his labor be
handed down to future generations, and may his name and example be held
in loving and lasting remembrance."




CHAPTER XVII

THE WOMAN'S CAUSE

1868-1910

  Women who weave in hope the daily web,
  Who leave the deadly depths of passion pure,
  Who hold the stormy powers of will attent,
  As Heaven directs, to act, or to endure;

  No multitude strews branches in their way,
  Not in their praise the loud arena strives;
  Still as a flameless incense rises up
  The costly patience of their offered lives.

                                          J. W. H.


We have seen that after the Doctor's death our mother felt that another
chapter of life had begun for her. It was a changed world without that
great and dominant personality. She missed the strength on which she had
leaned for so many years, the weakness which through the past months she
had tended and cherished. Henceforth she must lead, not follow; must be
captain instead of mate.

In another sense, the new life had actually begun for her some years
before, when she first took up public activities; to those activities
she now turned the more ardently for the great void that was left in
heart and home. We must now go back to the later sixties, and speak of
her special interests at that time.

Looking back over her long life, we see her in three aspects, those of
the student, the artist, the reformer. First came youth, with its ardent
study; then maturity, with its output of poems, plays, essays. So far
she had followed the natural course of creative minds, which must absorb
and assimilate in order that they may give out. It is in the third phase
that we find the aspect of her later life, a clear vision of the needs
of humanity, and a profound hospitality which made it imperative for her
to give with both hands not only what she had inherited, but what she
had earned. Having enjoyed unusual advantages herself, the moment she
saw the way to give other women these advantages, she was eager to "help
the woman-standard new unfurled."

In the first number of the "Woman's Journal," of which she was one of
the founders and first editors, she writes (January 8, 1870):--

"We who stand beside the cradle of this enterprise are not young in
years. Our children are speedily preparing to take our place in the
ranks of society. Some of us have been looking thoughtfully toward the
final summons, not because of ill health or infirmity, but because,
after the establishment of our families, no great object intervened
between ourselves and that last consummation. But these young
undertakings detain us in life. While they need so much care and
counsel, we cannot consent to death. And this first year, at least, of
our Journal, we are determined to live through."

Again she writes of this new departure:--

"In an unexpected hour a new light came to me, showing me a world of
thought and character. The new domain was that of true womanhood, woman
no longer in her ancillary relation to man, but in direct relation to
the divine plan and purpose, as a free agent fully sharing with man
every human right and every human responsibility. This discovery was
like the addition of a new continent to the map of the world. It did not
come all at once. In my philosophizing I at length reached the
conclusion that woman must be the moral and spiritual equivalent of man.
How otherwise could she be entrusted with the awful and inevitable
responsibilities of maternity? The Civil War came to an end, leaving the
slave not only emancipated but endowed with the full dignity of
citizenship. The women of the North had greatly helped to open the door
which admitted him to freedom and its safeguard, the ballot. Was the
door to be shut in their face?"

When this new world of thought, this new continent of sympathy was
opened to her, she was nearly fifty years old. "Oh! had I earlier
known," she exclaims, "the power, the nobility, the intelligence which
lie within the range of true womanhood, I had surely lived more wisely
and to better purpose."

Speaking of this new interest in her life, her old friend Tom Appleton
(who had not the least sympathy with it) once said, "Your mother's great
importance to this cause is that she forms a bridge between the world of
society and the world of reform."

She soon found that she was not alone in her questioning; similar
thoughts to hers were germinating in the minds of many women. In our
own and other countries a host of earnest souls were awake, pressing
eagerly forward. In quick succession came the women's clubs and
colleges, the renewed demand for woman suffrage, the Association for the
Advancement of Women, the banding together of women ministers. The hour
had come, and the women. In all these varying manifestations of one
great forward and upward movement in America, Julia Ward Howe was _pars
magna_. Indeed, the story of the latter half of her life is the story of
the Advance of Woman and the part she played in it.

The various phases may be taken in order. Oberlin, the first
coeducational college, was chartered in 1834. Vassar, the first college
for women only, was chartered in 1861, opened in 1865. Smith and
Wellesley followed in 1875. Considering this brave showing, it is
strange to recall the great fight before the barred doors of the great
universities. The women knocked, gently at first, then strongly: our
mother, Mrs. Agassiz, and the rest. They were greeted by a storm of
protest. Learned books were written, brilliant lectures delivered, to
prove that a college education was ruinous to the health of women,
perilous to that of future generations. The friends of Higher Education
replied in words no less ardent. Blast and counterblast rang forth.
Still the patient hands knocked, the earnest voices called: till at
length--there being friends as well as foes inside--slowly, with much
creaking and many forebodings, the great doors opened; a crack, then a
space, till to-day they swing wide, and the Higher Education of Women
now stands firm as the Pyramids.

The idea of woman suffrage had long been repugnant to our mother. The
demand for it seemed unreasonable; she was inclined to laugh both at the
cause and its advocates; yet when, in November, 1868, Colonel Thomas
Wentworth Higginson asked her to give her name to a call for a meeting
in behalf of woman suffrage she did not refuse. It would be "a liberal
and friendly meeting," the Colonel said, "without bitterness or
extravagance."

On the day of the meeting she "strayed into Horticultural Hall" in her
"rainy-day suit, with no idea of taking any active part in the
proceedings." Indeed, she had hoped to remain unnoticed, until summoned
by an urgent message to join those who sat upon the platform;
reluctantly she obeyed the summons. With this simple action the old
order changed for her. On the platform were gathered the woman suffrage
leaders, some of whom she already knew: William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell
Phillips, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, James Freeman Clarke; veteran
captains of Reform, her husband's old companions-in-arms. Looking in
their steadfast faces, she felt that she belonged with them; that she
must help to draw the car of progress, not drag like a brake on its
wheel.

Beside these were some unknown to her. She saw now for the first time
the sweet face of Lucy Stone, heard the silver voice which was to be
dear to her through many years. "Here stood the true woman, pure, noble,
great-hearted, with the light of her good life shining in every feature
of her face." These men and women had been the champions of the slave.
They now asked for wives and mothers those civil rights which had been
given to the negro; "that impartial justice for which, if for anything,
a Republican Government should stand." Their speech was earnest; she
listened as to a new gospel. When she was asked to speak, she could only
say, "I am with you."

With the new vision came the call of a new duty. "What can I do?" she
asked. The answer was ready. The New England Woman Suffrage Association
was formed, and she was elected its first president. This office she
held, with some interruptions, through life. It is well to recall the
patient, faithful work of the pioneer suffragists, who, without money or
prestige, spent _themselves_ for the cause. Their efforts, compared to
the well-organized and well-financed campaigns of to-day, are as a
"certain upper chamber" compared with the basilica of St. Peter, yet it
was in that quiet room that the tongues of Pentecost spoke.

"I am glad," she often said, "to have joined the suffrage movement,
because it has brought me into such high company."

The convert buckled to her new task with all her might, working for it
early and late with an ardor that counted no cost.

"Oh! dear Mrs. Howe, you are so _full_ of inspiration!" cried a foolish
woman. "It enables you to do _so much_!"

"Inspiration!" said "dear Mrs. Howe," shortly. "Inspiration means
_perspiration_!"

She says of her early work for suffrage:--

"One of the comforts which I found in the new association was the relief
which it afforded me from a sense of isolation and eccentricity. For
years past I had felt strongly impelled to lend my voice to the
convictions of my heart. I had done this in a way, from time to time,
always with the feeling that my course in doing so was held to call for
apology and explanation by the men and women with whose opinions I had
hitherto been familiar. I now found a sphere of action in which this
mode of expression no longer appeared singular or eccentric, but simple,
natural, and, under the circumstances, inevitable."

It was no small thing for her to take up this burden. The Doctor,
although a believer in equal suffrage, was strongly opposed to her
taking any active part in public life. He felt as Grandfather Howe had
felt forty years before when his son Sam spoke in public for the sake of
Greece; it jarred on his traditions. Others of the family also deplored
the new departure, and her personal friends almost with one accord held
up hands of horror or deprecation. These things were inexpressibly
painful to her; she loved approbation; the society and sympathy of "kent
folk," whose traditions corresponded with her own; but her hand was on
the plough; there was no turning back.

Suffrage worked her hard. The following year the New England Woman
Suffrage Association issued a call for the formation of a national body;
the names signed were Lucy Stone, Caroline M. Severance, Julia Ward
Howe, T. W. Higginson, and G. H. Vibbert. Representatives from
twenty-one States assembled in Cleveland, November 24, 1869, and formed
the American Woman Suffrage Association. There was already a "National
Woman Suffrage Association," formed a few months earlier; the new
organization differed from the other in some points of policy, notably
in the fact that men as well as women were recognized among the leaders.
Colonel Higginson was its president at one time, Henry Ward Beecher,
Bishop Gilbert Haven, and Dudley Foulke at others. The New England
Woman's Club also admitted men to membership: it was a point our mother
had much at heart. She held that the Quaker organization was the best,
with its separate meetings of men and women, supplemented by a joint
session of both. She always insisted upon the salutary influence that
men and women exercise upon one another.

"The two sexes police each other," she often said. She always maintained
the importance of their united action in matters of public as of private
interest. She was essentially a humanist in contradistinction to a
feminist.

She worked for the American Association during the twenty-one years of
its separate existence, first as foreign corresponding secretary,
afterward as president, and in various other capacities. When, in 1890,
the two societies united to form the National American Woman Suffrage
Association, she became and continued through life one of the
vice-presidents of that body. From the first, she was recognized as an
invaluable leader. The years of philosophical study had made her mind
supple, alert, quick to grasp and to respond, even as the study of
languages brought her the gift of ready speech and pure diction. Her
long practice in singing had given her voice strength, sweetness, and
carrying power; above all, she was a natural orator, and speaking was a
joy to her. The first time she ever made a speech in public was to a
group of soldiers of the Army of the Potomac on the occasion of a visit
to Washington during the war. She had driven out to visit the camp
outside the Capital. Colonel William B. Greene disconcerted her very
much by saying, "Mrs. Howe, you must speak to my men."

She refused, and ran away to hide in an adjacent tent. The Colonel
insisted, and finally she managed to make a very creditable little
speech to the soldiers.

Now, she no longer ran away when called upon to speak. Wherever the work
called her, she went gladly; like St. Paul, she was "in journeyings
often, ... in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often"; the
journals are full of incidents picturesque to read, uncomfortable to
live through. Occasionally, after some tremendous exertion, we read,
"Maud must not know of this!" or, "No one must ever know that I took the
wrong train!"

Much of her most important work for woman suffrage was done at the State
House, Boston. In Massachusetts, the custom of bringing this subject
before the legislature every year long prevailed. She always went to
these hearings. She considered it a privilege to take part in them;
counted them "among her most valued recollections." They extended over
forty years or more.

These occasions were often exasperating as well as fatiguing. She never
wearied of presenting the arguments for suffrage; she often suffered
vexation of spirit in refuting those brought against it, but she never
refused the battle. "If I were mad enough," she said once, "I could
speak in Hebrew!"

She was "mad enough" when at a certain hearing woman suffrage was
condemned as a "minority cause." Her words, if not in Hebrew, show the
fighting spirit of ancient Israel.

We quote from memory:--

The Reverend ----: "The fact that most women are indifferent or opposed
is a sufficient proof that woman suffrage is wrong."

Mrs. Howe: "May I ask one question? Were the Twelve Apostles wrong in
trying to bring about a better social condition when almost the whole
community was opposed to them?"

Dr. ----: "I suppose that question was asked merely for rhetorical
effect."

Mrs. Howe (having asked for two minutes to reply, with the whispered
comment, "_I shall die_ if I am not allowed to speak!"): "I do not know
how it is with Dr. ----, but I was not brought up to use the Bible for
rhetorical effect. To my mind, the suffragists and their opponents are
like the wise and the foolish virgins of the parable, equal in number
but not in wisdom. When the Bridegroom cometh, may Dr. ---- have his
wedding garment ready!"

She thus recalls some of the scenes in the State House where she was so
long a familiar figure:--

"I have again and again been one of a deputation charged with laying
before a legislature the injustice of the law which forbids the husband
a business contract with his wife, and of that which denies to a married
woman the right to be appointed guardian of her children. We reasoned
also against what in legal language is termed 'the widow's quarantine,'
the ordinance which forbids a widow to remain in her husband's house
more than forty days without paying rent, the widower in such case
possessing an unlimited right to abide under the roof of his deceased
wife. Finally, we dared ask that night-walkers of the male sex should be
made liable to the same penalties as women for the same offence. Our
bill passed the legislature, and became part of the laws of
Massachusetts."

Elsewhere she writes: "In Massachusetts the suffragists worked for
fifty-five years before they succeeded in getting a law making mothers
equal guardians of their minor children with the fathers. In Colorado,
when the women were enfranchised, the next legislature passed such a
bill." Of the movement by which women won a right to have a voice in the
education of their children, she says: "The proposal to render women
eligible for service on the School Board was met at first with derision
and with serious disapproval. The late Abby W. May had much to do with
the early consideration of this measure, and the work which finally
resulted in its adoption had its first beginning in the parlors of the
New England Woman's Club, where special meetings were held in its
behalf. The extension of the school suffrage to women followed, after
much work on the part of men and of women."

"These meetings," she said once, speaking before the Massachusetts Woman
Suffrage Association, "show, among other things, the character of those
who believe in suffrage with their whole heart. We who are gathered here
are not a frantic, shrieking mob. We are not contemners of marriage, nor
neglecters of home and offspring. We are individually allowed to be men
and women of sound intellect, of reputable life, having the same stake
and interest in the well-being of the community that others have. Most
of us are persons of moderate competence, earned or inherited. We have
had, or hope to have, our holy fireside, our joyful cradle, our decent
bank account. Why should any consider us as the enemies of society, we
who have everything to gain by its good government?"

It seems fitting to add a few more of her words in behalf of the cause
which she served so long,--words spoken at Club meetings, at Conventions
before Legislatures.

"But besides the philosophy of woman suffrage, we want its religion.
Human questions are not glorified until they are brought into touch with
the Divine...."

"The weapon of Christian warfare is the ballot, which represents the
peaceable assertion of conviction and will. Adopt it, O you women, with
clean hands and a pure heart!"

       *       *       *       *       *

"The religion which makes me a moral agent equally with my father and
brother, gives me my right and title to the citizenship which I am here
to assert. I ought to share equally with them its privileges and its
duties. No man can have more at stake in the community than I have.
Imposition of taxes, laws concerning public health, order, and morality,
affect me precisely as they affect the male members of my family, and I
am bound equally with them to look to the maintenance of a worthy and
proper standard and status in all of these departments."

       *       *       *       *       *

"God forbid that in this country chivalry and legislation should be set
one against the other. I ask you, gentlemen, to put your chivalry into
your legislation. Let the true Christian knighthood find its stronghold
in your ranks. Arm yourselves with the best reasons, with the highest
resolve, and deliver us poor women from the injustice which oppresses
and defrauds us."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Revere the religion of home. Keep its altar flame bright in your
heart.... The vestals of ancient Rome were at once guardians of the
hearth and custodians of the archives of the Roman State. So, in every
time, the home conserves the sacred flame of life, and the destiny of
the nation rests with those who keep it."

       *       *       *       *       *

"Go abroad with the majesty and dignity of your home about you.... Let
the modest graces of the fireside adorn you in the great gathering. This
is a new sort of home missionary, one who shall carry the blessed
spirit of home wherever she goes, a spirit of rest, of healing, of
reconciliation and good-will."

       *       *       *       *       *

"One aspect of this [the military argument] would make the protection
which men are supposed to give to women in time of war the equivalent
for the political rights denied them. But, gentlemen, let me ask what
protection can you give us which shall compare with the protection we
give you when you are born, little helpless creatures, into the world,
without feet to stand upon, or hands to help yourselves? Without this
tender, this unceasing protection, no man of you would live to grow up.
It may easily happen that no man of a whole generation shall ever be
called upon to defend the women of his country in the field. But it
cannot happen that the women of any generation shall fail to give their
unwearied and energetic protection to the infant men born of it. Some of
us know how full of labor and detail this protection is; what anxious
days, what sleepless nights it involves. The mothers are busy at home,
not only building up the bodies of the little men, but building up their
minds too, teaching them to be gentle, pure and honest, cultivating the
elements of the human will, that great moralizing power on which the
State and the Church depend. A man is very happy if he can ever repay to
his mother the protection she gave him in his infancy. So, the plea of
protection has two sides.

"If manhood suffrage is unsatisfactory, it does not at all show that
woman suffrage would be. On the contrary, we might make it much better
by bringing to it the feminine mind, which, in a way, complements the
masculine, and so, I think, completes the mind of humanity. We are half
of humanity, and I do frankly believe that we have half the intelligence
and good sense of humanity, and that it is quite time that we should
express not only our sentiments but our determined will, to set our
faces as a flint toward justice and right, and to follow these through
the difficult path, through the thorny wilderness. Not to the bitter
end, but a very sweet end, and I hope it may be before my end comes."

       *       *       *       *       *

Her last service to the cause of woman suffrage was to send a circular
letter to all the editors and to all the ministers of four leading
denominations in the four oldest suffrage States, Wyoming, Colorado,
Utah, and Idaho, asking whether equal suffrage worked well or ill. She
received 624 answers, 62 not favorable, 46 in doubt, and 516 in favor. A
letter from her to the London "Times," stating these results, appeared
on the same day that the news of her death was cabled to Europe.

Thinking of the long years of effort which followed her adoption of the
cause of woman suffrage, a word of the Doctor's, spoken in 1875, comes
vividly to mind.

"Your cause," said he, "lacks one element of success, and that is
opposition. It is so distinctly just that it will slide into
popularity." He little thought that the cause was to wait forty years
for that slide!

Side by side with the suffrage movement, growing along with it and with
the women's clubs, and in time to be absorbed by them, was another
movement which was for many years very dear to her, the Association for
the Advancement of Women.

This Association had its beginning in 1873, when Sorosis, then a sturdy
infant, growing fast and reaching out in every direction, issued a call
for a Congress of Women in New York in the autumn of that year. She says
of this call:---

"Many names, some known, others unknown to me, were appended to the
document first sent forth. My own was asked for. Should I give or
withhold it? Among the signatures already obtained, I saw that of Maria
Mitchell,[76] and this determined me to give my own."

  [76] She had a great regard and admiration for Miss Mitchell. Scientific
  achievement seemed to her well-nigh miraculous, and roused in her an
  almost childlike reverence.

She went to the Congress, and "viewed its proceedings a little
critically at first," its plan appearing to her "rather vast and vague."

Yet she felt the idea of the Association to be a good one; and when it
was formed, with the above title, and with Mrs. Livermore as president,
she was glad to serve on a sub-committee, charged with selecting topics
and speakers for the first annual Congress.

The object of the Association was "to consider and present practical
methods for securing to women higher intellectual, moral, and physical
conditions, with a view to the improvement of all domestic and social
relations."

At its first Congress she said:

"How can women best associate their efforts for the amelioration of
Society? We must come together in a teachable and religious spirit.
Women, while building firmly and definitely the fabric they decide to
rear, must yet build with an individual tolerance which their combined
and corporate wisdom may better explain. The form of the Association
should be representative, in a true and wide sense. Deliberation in
common, mutual instruction, achievement for the whole better and more
valuable than the success of any,--these should be the objects held
constantly in view. The good of all the aim of each. The discipline of
labor, faith, and sacrifice is necessary. Our growth in harmony of will
and in earnestness of purpose will be far more important than in
numbers."

One hundred and ninety women formed this Association: a year later there
were three hundred. The second Congress was held in Chicago, with an
attendance "very respectable in numbers and character from the first,
and very full in afternoon and evening."

On the second day, October 16, 1874, the subject considered was "Crime
and Reform." The Journal says:--

"Mrs. Ellen Mitchell's paper on fallen women was first-rate throughout.
I spoke first after it, saying that we must carry the war into Africa
and reform the men...."

The meetings of the Congress grew more and more important to her. That
of 1875 found her "much tossed in mind" about going, on account of the
Doctor's ill health. She consulted Mr. Clarke, but felt afterward that
this was a mistake.

"My dæmon says: 'Go and say nothing. Nobody can help you bear your own
child.'"

She went.

No matter how fatiguing these journeys were, she never failed to find
some enjoyment in them; many were the pleasant "fruits of friendship"
gathered along the way. Some one of the sisters was sure to have a tiny
teapot in her basket; another would produce a spirit-lamp; they drank
their tea, shared their sandwiches, and were merry. She loved to travel
with her "dear big Livermore," with Lucy Stone, and the faithful
Blackwells, father and daughter; perhaps her best-loved companion was
Ednah Cheney, her "esteemed friend of many years, excellent in counsel
and constant and loyal in regard."

Once she and Mrs. Cheney appeared together at an "A.A.W." meeting in a
Southern city, where speaking and singing were to alternate on the
programme. It was in their later years: both were silver-haired and
white-capped. Our mother was to announce the successive numbers.
Glancing over the programme, she saw that Mr. So-and-So was to sing "The
Two Grenadiers." With a twinkling glance toward Mrs. Cheney, she
announced, "The next number will be 'The Two Granny Dears'!"

The Reverend Antoinette Blackwell, describing one of these journeys,
says:--

"As we went onward I was ready to close my eyes and 'loll' or look
lazily out to see the flying landscape seem to be doing the work. When
I roused enough to look at Mrs. Howe she was reading. Later, I looked
again, she was still reading. This went on mile after mile till I was
enough interested to step quietly across the aisle and peep over Mrs.
Howe's shoulder without disturbing her. She was reading a Greek volume,
apparently with as much enjoyment as most of us gain from reading in
plain English when we are not tired.... With apparent unwearied
enjoyment, she told us anecdotes, repeated the little stories and rhymes
and sang the little songs which she had given to her children and
grandchildren....

"We lingered at the breakfast table in the morning and among other
things came to comparing social likes and dislikes. 'I never can bring
myself to destroy the least bit of paper,' said Mrs. Howe, meaning paper
written on, containing the record of human thought and feeling which
might be of worth, and its only record. To her these were the chief
values of life."

The following notes are taken from the record of "A.A.W." journeys in
the eighties:--

"_Buffalo, October 22, 1881._ I felt quite distracted about leaving home
when I came this way for the Congress, but have felt clear about the
good of it, ever since. I rarely have much religious meditation in these
days, except to be very sorry for a very faulty life. I will therefore
record the fact that I have felt an unusual degree of religious comfort
in these last days. It seemed a severe undertaking to preach to-day
after so busy a week, and with little or no time for preparation. But my
text came to me as it usually does, and a hope that the sermon would be
given to me, which, indeed, it seemed to be. I thought it out in bed
last night and this morning...."

  "My beautiful, beautiful West,
  I clasp thee to my breast!
  Or rather down I lie,
  Like a little old babe and cry,
  A babe to second childhood born,
  Astonished at the mighty morn,
  And only pleading to be fed,
  From Earth's illimitable bread!"

"Left Schenectady yesterday. Drawing-room car. Read Greek a good deal.
At Syracuse I took the tumbler of the car and ran out to get some milk,
etc., for supper. Spent 25 cents, and took my slender meal in the car,
on a table. After this, slept profoundly all the evening; took the
sleeper at Rochester, and slept like the dead, having had very
insufficient sleep for two nights past. Was awakened early to get out at
Cleveland--much detained by a young woman who got into the dressing-room
before me, and stayed to make an elaborate toilet, keeping every one
else out. When at last she came out, I said to her, 'Well, madam, you
have taken your own time, to the inconvenience of everybody else. You
are the most selfish woman I ever travelled with.' Could get only a cup
of coffee and a roll at Cleveland--much confusion about cars--regained
mine, started, and found that I had left my trunk at Cleveland,
unchecked. Flew to conductor, who immediately took measures to have it
forwarded. Must wait all day at Shelby, in the most forlorn hole I ever
saw called a hotel. No parlor, a dark bedroom for me to stay in, a cold
hell without the fire, and a very hot one with it. Dirty bed not made
up, a sinister likeness of Schuyler Colfax hanging high on the wall, and
a print of the managers of Andy Johnson's impeachment. I--in distress
about my trunk--have telegraphed to Mansfield for the title of my
lecture and learn that it is 'Polite Society.' Must give it without the
manuscript, and must borrow a gown to give it in."


"_Minnesota in Winter_

"The twistings and turnings of a lecture trip have brought me twice, in
the present season, to Minnesota....

"To an Easterner, a daily walk or two is the first condition of health.
Here, the frost seemed to enter one's very bones, and to make locomotion
difficult.... Life at the hotel was mostly an anxious _tête-à-tête_ with
an air-tight stove. Sometimes you roasted before it, sometimes you
froze. As you crammed it with wood at night, you said, 'Will you, oh!
will you burn till morning?' Finally, on the coldest night of all, and
at that night's noon, you bade it farewell, on your way to the midnight
train, and wondered whether you should be likely to go further and fare
worse....

"After the lecture an informal sitting was held in the parlor of my
hostess, at which there was much talk of the clubs of Boston; 'If I
forget thee, O Jerusalem!' being the predominant tone in the minds of
those present. And at noon, away, away, in the caboose of a freight car,
to meet the passenger train at Owatonna, and so reach Minneapolis by
early evening.

"To travel in such a caboose is a somewhat rough experience. The dirt is
grimy and of long standing. The pictures nailed up on the boards are not
of an edifying description. The railroad employees who have admitted us
into their place of refuge wear dirty overalls, and eat their dinner out
of tin pails all afloat with hot coffee. One of my own sex keeps me in
countenance....


"_Minneapolis_

"Twenty years ago, a small collection of wooden houses, of no particular
account, except for the natural beauties of the spot on which they
stood. Now, a thriving and well-built city, whose manufacturers have
settled the controversy between use and beauty, by appropriating the
Falls of St. Anthony to the running of their saw- and flour-mills. My
first sensation of delight here was at finding myself standing on
Hennepin Avenue. To a reader of Parkman's histories, the spot was
classic.... To refresh my own recollections, I had recourse to the
Public Library of the town, where I soon found Parkman's 'Discovery of
the Great West.' Armed with this volume, with the aid of a cheap and
miserable railroad map, I traced out something of the movements of those
hardy French explorers. It was like living part of a romance, to look
upon the skies and waters which had seen them wandering, suffering, yet
undaunted....


"_St. Paul_

"But I cannot rest so near St. Paul without visiting this famous city
also. I contemplate a trip in the cars, but my friendly host leaves his
business for a day, and drives me over in an open sleigh. I do not
undertake this jaunt without Bostonian fears of death of cold, but
Minnesota cold is highly stimulating, and with the aid of a bottle of
hot water, I make the journey without a shiver.... Numbers of Indian
squaws from Mendota walk the streets in groups. I follow three of them
into a warehouse. One of them has Asiatic features--the others are
rather pretty. They are Sioux. I speak to them, but they do not reply.
The owner of the warehouse asks what he can show me. I tell him that I
desire to see what the squaws will buy. He says that they buy very
little, except beads, and have only come into the store to warm
themselves. They smile, and obviously understand English. We dine at the
hotel, a very pleasant one. There is no printed bill of fare, but the
waiter calls off 'beefsteak, porksteak,' etc., and we make a comfortable
meal. I desire to purchase some dried buffalo meat, and find some, not
without difficulty, as the season for selling it is nearly over. The
crowning romance of the day is a sleighride of five miles on the
Mississippi, giving us a near view of its fluted bluffs and numerous
islets. We visit also the Falls of Minnehaha, now sheeted in ice, but
very beautiful, even in this disguise. We talk of 'Hiawatha,' and my
companion says, 'If Mr. Longfellow had ever seen a Sioux Indian, he
would not have written "Hiawatha."' The way to the bottom of the falls
is so slippery with ice that I conclude not to attempt it. The day,
which was one of great exposure, passed in great pleasure, and without
chill or fatigue....

"In my days of romance, I remember watching late one night on board the
Mediterranean steamer in order to be sure of the moment in which we
should pass beyond the boundaries of the Italian shore. Something like
such a feeling of interest and regret came over me when, in the unpoetic
_sleeper_, I asked at what hour of the night the cars would pass out of
Minnesota on the way back to Chicago. This sincere testimony from a
veteran of travel, in all sorts, will perhaps convince those who do not
know the young State that she has a great charm of beauty and of
climate, besides a great promise of future prosperity and eminence."


"_Kansas_

"Travel in Minnesota was living romance. Travel in Kansas is living
history. I could not cross its borders, new as these are, without
unlocking a volume of the past, written in blood and in prayer, and
sealed with the forfeit of noble lives. A ghostly army of warriors
seemed to escort me as I entered the fair, broad territory. John Brown,
the captain of them, stretched his hand to the Capitol, and Sumner, and
Andrew, and Howe were with him. Here was the stand made, here the good
fight begun, which, before it was well under way, divided the thought
and sentiment of Europe, as well as those of America.

"My tired spirit sought to shake off at this point the commonplace sense
of weariness and annoyance. To be in Kansas, and that for work, not for
pastime. To bring the woman's word where the man's rough sword and spade
had once wrought together, this was poetry, not prose. To be cold, and
hungry, and worn with journeying, could not efface the great interest
and pleasure....


"_Atchison_

"I was soon told that a gentleman was anxious to speak with me
concerning my land at Grasshopper, which borders immediately upon his
own. Judge Van Winkle accordingly, with due permission, waited upon me,
and unfolded his errand. Grasshopper, he said, was a growing place. It
possessed already a store and an apothecary. It had now occasion for a
schoolhouse, and one corner of my land offered the most convenient place
for such an institution. The town did not ask me to give this land--it
was willing to pay a fair price for the two acres wanted. Wishing to
learn a little more about the township, I asked whether it possessed the
requisite variety of creeds.

"'Have you a Baptist, a Methodist, an Episcopalian, and a Universalist
church?'

"'No,' said my visitor, 'we have no church at all. People who wish to
preach can do so in some private house.' I afterwards learn that Judge
Van Winkle is a student of Plato; who knows what may be his Hellenic
heresy? He is endorsed, however, by others as a good, solid man, and the
proposition for the schoolhouse receives my favorable consideration.


"_Leavenworth_

"My first visit to Leavenworth was a stay of a couple of hours between
trains, on my way to southern Kansas. Short as this was, it yet brought
to my acquaintance two new friends, and to my remembrance two old ones.
Of the new friends, the first seen was Rev. Edward Sanborn, the
Unitarian minister of the place. Mr. Sanborn met me at the comfortless
depot, and insisted upon taking me to his lodgings, where Friend Number
Two, in the shape of his amiable wife, added herself to the list of my
well-wishers. Mr. Sanborn had just been burned out. His house took fire
while he and his wife were spending Christmas Day with a neighbor, and
burned so quickly that no article in it could be saved. He had found in
the ashes the charred remains of his manuscript sermons, and had good
hope of being able to decipher them. As the pleasant minutes passed in
easy conversation, I could not help reflecting on the instinctive
hospitality of Western life. This cosy corner in a mere hired bedroom
had given me a rest and a shelter which I should have been unwilling to
ask for in some streets of palaces which have been familiar to me from
my youth up."


The Association for the Advancement of Women was a pioneer society, and
did vital work for twenty-five years. During the greater part of that
time she was its president. She never missed (save when in Europe) one
of its annual congresses, or one of the mid-year conferences (of
officers only) which she considered of high moment. She worked for the
Association with a loving enthusiasm that never varied or faltered; and
it was a real grief to her when the changing of the old order resolved
it into its elements, to take new shape in the larger and
farther-reaching work of the General Federation of Clubs, and other
kindred societies.

Many of these may be called the children of "A.A.W." The greatest
service of the latter was in founding women's clubs throughout the
country. Wherever they went, to conferences or conventions, its leaders
called about them the thoughtful women of the neighborhood, and helped
them to plan local associations for study and work.

       *       *       *       *       *

There was still another aspect of the Woman Question, dearer to her even
than "A.A.W."

A woman minister once said: "My conviction that Mrs. Howe was a divinely
ordained preacher was gained the first time that she publicly espoused
the question of woman suffrage in 1869."

We have seen that little Julia Ward began her ministrations in the
nursery. At eight years old she was adjuring her little cousin to love
God and he would see death approaching with joy. At eleven she was
writing her "Invitation to Youth":--

  Oh! let thy meditations be of God,
  Who guides thy footsteps with unerring eye;
  And who, until the path of life is trod,
  Will never leave thee by thyself to die.

  When morning's rays so joyously do shine,
  And nature brightens at the face of day,
  Oh! think then on the joys that shall be thine
  If thou wilt early walk the narrow way.

We have followed her through the Calvinistic period of religious gloom
and fervor; through the intellectual awakening that followed; through
the years when she could say to Philosophy,--

          "... The world its plenitude
  May keep, so I may share thy beggary."

These various phases were like divers-colored shades covering a lamp:
through them all the white flame of religion burned clear and steady,
fostered by a natural piety which was as much a part of her as the
breath she drew.

In the year 1865 came the call to preach. She was asked to speak before
the Parker Fraternity in Boston. She chose for her discourse a paper on
"Ideal Causation," which she had thought "the crown of her endeavor
hitherto."

"To my sorrow, I found that it did not greatly interest my hearers, and
that one who was reported to have wondered 'what Mrs. Howe was driving
at' had spoken the mind of many of those present.

"I laid this lesson much to heart, and, becoming convinced that
metaphysics did not supply the universal solvent for human evils, I
determined to find a _pou sto_ nearer to the sympathies of the average
community, from which I might speak for their good and my own.

"From my childhood the Bible had been dear and familiar to me, and I now
began to consider texts and sermons, in place of the transcendental webs
I had grown so fond of spinning. The passages of Scripture which now
occurred to me filled me with a desire to emphasize their wisdom by a
really spiritual interpretation. From this time on, I became more and
more interested in the religious ministration of women...."

Her first sermon was preached at Harrisburg in 1870. Then followed the
sermons in Santo Domingo, and those of the Peace Crusade in London; from
this time, the Woman Ministry was one of the causes dearest to her
heart. The Journal from now on contains many texts and notes for
sermons.

In 1871, "What the lost things are which the Son of Man came to save,
lost values, lost jewels, darkened souls, scattered powers, lost
opportunities."

A year later: "Preached in the afternoon at the South Portsmouth
meetinghouse. Text, 'I will arise and go unto my father,' Subject: 'The
Fatherhood of God.' I did as well as usual.... In the evening my text
was: 'Abide in me and I in you,' etc., but I was at one moment so
overcome with fatigue that the whole thread of my discourse escaped me.
I paused for a moment, excused myself briefly to the congregation, and
was fortunate enough to seize the thread of my discourse again, and got
through quite well. I felt this very much,--the fear of failure, I mean.
The fatigue was great and my brain felt it much. My dæmon told me
beforehand that I could not repeat this sermon and had better read it. I
shall believe him next time. This is a difficult point, to know how far
to trust the dæmon. He is not to be implicitly trusted, nor yet to be
neglected. In these days I am forced to review the folly and
shortcomings of my life. My riper reason shows me a sad record of
follies and of faults. I seem to sit by and listen sadly; no chastening
for the present is joyous but grievous."

"_Sunday, September 29._ Reverend Mrs. Gustine to dine. I afterwards to
church to hear her. A sweet woman, called of God, with a real power. Her
voice, manner, and countenance, most sweet and impressive. Intellection
not remarkable, I think, but tone, feeling, and effect very remarkable.
No one, I think, would doubt the reality of spiritual things after
hearing her. I asked myself why I am not jealous of her, as she preaches
far more effectively than I do. Well, partly because I believe in my own
gift, such as it is, and partly because what she does is natural,
genuine, and without pretence or pretension. Her present Society was
much disturbed by strife when she was called to its care. No man, she
told me, could have united the opposing parties. A true woman could.
This shows me a work that women have to do in the Church as well as
elsewhere. Where men cannot make peace, they can. Mrs. Gustine says that
by my writings and example I have helped her a good deal. I am glad to
hear this, but pray to do far better than I have yet done.... Thought
much about Mrs. Gustine, who, without any of my training and culture,
can do what I cannot. I can also do what she cannot--think a subject
out. She can only shadow and suggest, yet how powerful is the contact of
her soul, and what a good power!"

"_Saturday, October 26._ To Vineyard Haven to help Mr. Stevens with
to-morrow's services.... Arrival rainy and dismal. Mission house lonely
in a storm. Mr. S.'s young niece very capable and pleasant; did the
honors and took care of me. I was very hungry before supper, having had
nothing since breakfast except a few chestnuts and a biscuit. Wondered
a little why I had come."

"_Sunday, 27th._ Found out why I had come. Preached from text: 'Oh, that
men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works,'
etc. Consider these wonderful works: the world we live in, a human body
and brain, a human soul.

"_Evening._ 'The ministry of reconciliation,' how Christianity
reconciles man to God, nature to spirit, men to each other.

"I went through the two services entirely alone. I felt supported and
held up. I had hoped and prayed this journey might bring some special
good to some one. It brought great comfort to me...."


On February 16, 1873, after hearing a powerful sermon, she feels
awakened to take up the work over which she has dreamed so much, and
talks with her friend, Mary Graves, herself an ordained minister of the
Unitarian Church, about "our proposed Woman's Mission here in Boston." A
few days later she writes: "Determine that my Sunday services must be
held and to see Redpath[77] in this connection."

  [77] Of the Redpath Bureau.

The result of this determination was the organization of the Woman's
Liberal Christian Union, which held Sunday afternoon meetings through
the spring. She preached the first sermon, on March 16. "I meant," she
says, "to read my London sermon, but found it not suitable. Wrote a new
one as well as I could. Had a very good attendance. Was forced to play
the hymn tunes myself. Am thankful that the occasion seemed to meet
with acceptance."

In 1873, a number of women ministers having come to Boston to attend the
May Anniversaries, she conceived the idea of bringing them together in a
meeting all their own. She issued a call for a Woman Preachers'
Convention, and this convention, the first held in any country, met on
May 29, 1873. She was elected president, the Reverends Mary H. Graves
and Olympia Brown vice-presidents, Mrs. Bruce secretary. The Journal
describes this meeting as "most harmonious and happy."

In 1893, speaking of this time, she said:--

"I find that it is just twenty years, last spring, since I made the
first effort to gather in one body the women who intended to devote
themselves to the ministry.

"The new liberties of utterance which the discussion of woman suffrage
had brought us seemed at this time not only to invite, but to urge upon
us a participation in the advocacy of the most vital interests both of
the individual and of the community. With some of us, this advocacy
naturally took the form of preaching. Pulpits were offered us on all
sides, and the charm of novelty lent itself to such merit and power as
Nature had vouchsafed us. I am so much of a natural church-woman, I
might say an ecclesiast, that I at once began to dream of a church of
true womanhood. I felt how much the masculine administration of
religious doctrine had overridden us women, and I felt how partial and
one-sided a view of these matters had been inculcated by men, and handed
down by man-revering mothers. Now, I thought, we have got hold of what
is really wanting in the Church universal. We need to have the womanly
side of religion represented. Without this representation, we shall not
have the fulness of human thought for the things that most deeply
concern it. As a first step, I undertook to hold religious services on
Sunday afternoons, and to secure for them the assistance of as many
woman preachers as I could hear of. I had in this undertaking the
assistance of my valued friend, Reverend Mary H. Graves."

The society thus formed was first called "The Woman's Church," later,
"The Woman's Ministerial Conference." A second meeting was held, June 1,
1874, but it was not till 1892 that this Conference was finally
organized and established, to her great satisfaction. She was elected
its president, and held the office till death.

The secretary, Reverend Ada C. Bowles, says of this Conference: "As its
main object was to promote a sense of fellowship, rather than to expect
associated labor, owing to the scattered membership, meetings were not
always regularly held, or possible. But it has held together because
Mrs. Howe loved it, and had a secretary as loyal to her as she was to
all the women ministers."

She herself has said: "I was impressed with the importance of religious
life, and believed in the power of association. I believed that women
ministers would be less sectarian than men; and I thought that if those
of different denominations could meet occasionally and compare notes, it
would be of value."

After the formal conference, she welcomed the members at her own house,
talked with them, and heard of their doings. Her eyes kindled as she
heard of the Wayside Chapel (of Malden, Massachusetts) built by its
pastor, Mrs. E. M. Bruce, who was also its trustee, janitor, choir, and
preacher; heard how for thirteen years this lady had rung the bell every
evening for vesper service, and had never lacked a congregation: or of
the other woman who was asked "very diffidently" if she would conduct
the funeral services of an honest and upright man who had died of drink,
owing to an inherited tendency.

"They had expected to have it in the undertaker's rooms," said the
Reverend Florence Buck, of Wisconsin, "but we had it in my own church.
It was packed with people of all sorts, who had been interested in him;
and the Bartenders' Union were there in a body.... It was an opportunity
that I would not have given up to preach to the President and Senate of
the United States. Next day ... they said, 'We expected she'd wallop us
to hell; but she talked to us like a mother!'"

Then she turned to the president, and said, "The woman minister is often
lonely. I want to thank Mrs. Howe, who welcomed me at the beginning of
my ministry. Her hand-clasp has stayed with me ever since."

Our mother was never ordained: it is doubtful whether she ever
contemplated such a step; but she felt herself consecrated to the work;
wherever she was asked to preach, she went as if on wings, feeling this
call more sacred than any other. She preached in all parts of the
country, from Maine to California, from Minnesota to Louisiana; but the
pulpit in which she felt most truly at home was that of the Church of
the Disciples. Mr. Clarke had first welcomed her there: his successor,
Charles Gordon Ames, became in turn her valued friend and pastor.

The congregation were all her friends. On Sundays they gathered round
her after service, with greetings and kind words. She was ready enough
to respond. "Congregationing," as she called this little function, was
her delight; after listening devoutly to the sermon, there was always a
reaction to her gayest mood. Her spirit came to church with folded hands
of prayer, but departed on dancing feet. Sometimes she reproached
herself with over-friskiness; but mostly she was too wise for this, and
let the sun shine when and where it would.

She preached many times in the Church of the Disciples. The white-clad
figure, the clasped hands, the upturned face shining with the inner
light, will be remembered by some who read these pages.


END OF VOLUME I




  JULIA WARD HOWE

  1819-1910

  VOLUME II




CONTENTS VOLUME II


  I. EUROPE REVISITED. 1877                                         3

  II. A ROMAN WINTER. 1878-1879                                    28

  III. NEWPORT. 1879-1882                                          46

  IV. 241 BEACON STREET: THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION. 1882-1885     80

  V. MORE CHANGES. 1886-1888                                      115

  VI. SEVENTY YEARS YOUNG. 1889-1890                              143

  VII. A SUMMER ABROAD. 1892-1893                                 164

  VIII. "DIVERS GOOD CAUSES." 1890-1896                           186

  IX. IN THE HOUSE OF LABOR. 1896-1897                            214

  X. THE LAST ROMAN WINTER. 1897-1898                             237

  XI. EIGHTY YEARS. 1899-1900                                     258

  XII. STEPPING WESTWARD. 1901-1902                               282

  XIII. LOOKING TOWARD SUNSET. 1903-1905                          308

  XIV. "THE SUNDOWN SPLENDID AND SERENE." 1906-1907               342

  XV. "MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD."
            1808-1910                                             369




JULIA WARD HOWE




CHAPTER I

EUROPE REVISITED

1877; _aet._ 58

A MOMENT'S MEDITATION IN COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

  Enter Life's high cathedral
    With reverential heart,
  Its lofty oppositions
    Matched with divinest art.

  Thought with its other climbing
    To meet and blend on high;
  Man's mortal and immortal
    Wed for eternity.

  When noon's high mass is over,
    Muse in the silent aisles;
  Wait for the coming vespers
    In which new promise smiles.

  When from the dome height echoes
    An "_Ite, missa est_,"
  Whisper thy last thanksgiving,
    Depart, and take thy rest.

                               J. W. H.


From the time of the Doctor's death till her marriage in 1887, the
youngest daughter was her mother's companion and yoke-fellow. In all
records of travel, of cheer, of merriment, she can say thankfully: "_Et
ego in Arcadia vixi_."

The spring of 1877 found the elder comrade weary with much lecturing and
presiding, the younger somewhat out of health. Change of air and scene
was prescribed, and the two sailed for Europe early in May.

Throughout the journeyings which followed, our mother had two objects in
view: to see her own kind of people, the seekers, the students, the
reformers, and their works; and to give Maud the most vivid first
impression of all that would be interesting and valuable to her. These
objects were not always easy to combine.

After a few days at Chester (where she laments the "restoration" of the
fine old oak of the cathedral, "now shining like new, after a boiling in
potash") and a glimpse of Hawarden and Warwick, they proceeded to London
and took lodgings in Bloomsbury (a quarter of high fashion when she
first knew London, now given over to lodgings). Once settled, she lost
no time in establishing relations with friends old and new. The
Unitarian Association was holding its annual conference; one of the
first entries in the Journal tells of her attending the Unitarian
breakfast where she spoke about "the poor children and the Sunday
schools."

Among her earliest visitors was Charles Stewart Parnell, of whom she
says:--

"Mrs. Delia Stewart Parnell, whom I had known in America, had given me a
letter of introduction to her son, Charles, who was already conspicuous
as an advocate of Home Rule for Ireland. He called upon me and appointed
a day when I should go with him to the House of Commons. He came in his
brougham and saw me safely deposited in the ladies' gallery. He was then
at the outset of his stormy career, and his sister Fanny told me that he
had in Parliament but one supporter of his views, 'a man named Biggar.'
He certainly had admirers elsewhere, for I remember having met a
disciple of his, O'Connor by name, at a 'rout' given by Mrs. Justin
McCarthy. I asked this lady if her husband agreed with Mr. Parnell. She
replied with warmth, 'Of course; we are all Home Rulers here.'"


"_May 26._ To Floral Hall concert, where heard Patti--and many others--a
good concert. In the evening to Lord Houghton's, where made acquaintance
of Augustus Hare, author of 'Memorials of a Quiet Life,' etc., with Mrs.
Proctor, Mrs. Singleton [Violet Fane], Dr. and Mrs. Schliemann, and
others, among them Edmund Yates. Lord Houghton was most polite and
attentive. Robert Browning was there."


Whistler was of the party that evening. His hair was then quite black,
and the curious white forelock which he wore combed high like a feather,
together with his striking dress, made him one of the most conspicuous
figures in the London of that day. Henry Irving came in late: "A rather
awkward man, whose performance of 'Hamlet' was much talked of at that
time." She met the Schliemanns often, and heard Mrs. Schliemann speak
before the Royal Geographical Society, where she made a plea for the
modern pronunciation of Greek. In order to help her husband in his work,
Mrs. Schliemann told her, she had committed to memory long passages from
Homer which proved of great use to him in his researches at Mycenæ and
Tiryns.

"_May 27...._ Met Mr. and Mrs. Wood--he has excavated the ruins at
Ephesus, and has found the site of the Temple of Diana. His wife has
helped him in his work, and having some practical experience in the use
of remedies, she gave much relief to the sick men and women of the
country."

"_June 2._ Westminster Abbey at 2 P.M. ... I enjoyed the service,
Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise,' Dean Stanley's sermon, and so on, very
unusually. Edward Twisleton seemed to come back to me, and so did dear
Chev, and a spiritual host of blessed ones who have passed within the
veil...."

"_June 14._ Breakfast with Mr. Gladstone. Grosvenor Gallery with the
Seeleys. Prayer meeting at Lady Gainsborough's.

"We were a little early, for Mrs. Gladstone complained that the flowers
ordered from her country seat had but just arrived. A daughter of the
house proceeded to arrange them. Breakfast was served at two round
tables, exactly alike.

"I was glad to find myself seated between the great man and the Greek
minister, John Gennadius. The talk ran a good deal upon Hellenics, and I
spoke of the influence of the Greek in the formation of the Italian
language, to which Mr. Gladstone did not agree. I know that scholars
differ on the point, but I still retain the opinion I expressed. I
ventured a timid remark regarding the number of Greek derivatives used
in our common English speech. Mr. Gladstone said very abruptly, 'How?
What? English words derived from Greek?' and almost

  'Frightened Miss Muffet away.'

"He is said to be habitually disputatious, and I thought that this must
certainly be the case; for he surely knew better than most people how
largely and familiarly we incorporate the words of Plato, Aristotle, and
Xenophon in our everyday talk."[78]

  [78] _Reminiscences_, pp. 411 and 412.


Mr. Gladstone was still playing the first rôle on the stage of London
life. Our mother notes hearing him open the discussion that followed
Mrs. Schliemann's address before the Royal Geographical Society. Lord
Rosebery, who was at that time Mr. Gladstone's private secretary, talked
much of his chief, for whom he expressed impassioned devotion. Rosebery,
though he must have been a man past thirty at the time, looked a mere
boy. His affection for "Uncle Sam" Ward was as loyal as that for his
chief, and it was on his account that he paid our mother some attention
when she was in London.

She always remembered this visit as one of the most interesting of the
many she made to the "province in brick." She was driving three horses
abreast,--her own life, Maud's life, the life of London. She often spoke
of the great interest of seeing so many different circles of London
society; likening it to a layer cake, which a fortunate stranger is able
to cut through, enjoying a little of each. Her modest Bloomsbury
lodgings were often crowded by the leaders of the world of letters,
philanthropy, and art, and some even of the world of fashion. The little
lodging-house "slavey" was often awed by the titles on the cards she
invariably presented between a work-worn thumb and finger. It is
curious to contrast the brief record of these days with that of the
Peace Crusade.


"_June 10._ To morning service at the Foundling Hospital--very touching.
To luncheon with M. G. D. where met the George Howards."

"_June 15...._ 'Robert' [opera] with Richard Mansfield."

"_June 18._ Synagogue."

"_June 19._ Lord Mayor's Mansion House. I am to speak there concerning
Laura Bridgman. Henry James may come to take me to St. Bart.'s
Hospital."

"_June 25._ 'Messiah.' Miss Bryce."

"_June 26._ Dined with Capt. Ward. Theatre. Justin McCarthy."

"_June 28._ Meeting in Lambeth Library."

"_June 29._ Russell Gurney's garden party.

"Miss Marston's, Onslow Sq., 4 P.M. Anti-vivisection. Met Dudley
Campbell. A day of rest, indeed. I wrote out my anti-vivisection
argument for to-morrow, and finished the second letter to the Chicago
'Tribune.' Was thus alone nearly all day. Dined at Brentini's in my old
fashion, chop, tea, and beer, costing one shilling and fivepence."


She remembered with pleasure an evening spent with the Duke and Duchess
of Devonshire at Devonshire House. A ball at Mr. Goschen's was another
evening of enchantment, as was also the dinner given for her at
Greenwich by Edmund Yates, where she had a good talk with Mr. Mallock,
whose "New Republic" was one of the books of that season. She managed,
too, sometimes to be at home; among her visitors were William Black,
John Richard Green, and Mr. Knowles, editor of the "Nineteenth Century."

The London visit lasted nearly two months; as the engagements multiply,
its records grow briefer and briefer. There are many entries like the
following:--

"Breakfast with Lord Houghton, where met Lord Granville and M.
Waddington, late Minister of Education in France. Garden party at
Chiswick in the afternoon. Prince of Wales there with his eldest son,
Prince Albert Victor. Mrs. Julian Goldsmith's ball in the evening."

It is remembered that she bravely watched the dancers foot it through
the livelong night, and drove home by daylight, with her "poor dancing
Maud"!

Madame Waddington was formerly Miss King, the granddaughter of Mr.
Ward's old partner. Our mother was always interested in meeting any
descendants of Prime, Ward & King.

With all this, she was writing letters for the Chicago "Tribune" and the
"Woman's Journal." This year of 1877 saw the height of the Æsthetic
movement. Mrs. Langtry, the "Jersey Lily," was the beauty and toast of
the season. Gilbert and Sullivan's "Patience" was the dramatic hit of
the year, and "Greenery yallery, Grosvenor Gallery" the most popular
catch of the day.

She found it hard to tear herself away from England; the visit (which
she likened to one at the house of an adored grandmother) was over all
too soon. But July was almost gone; and the two travellers finally left
the enchanted island for Holland, recalling Emerson's advice to one
going abroad for the first time: "A year for England, and a year for the
rest of the world!"

The much neglected Journal now takes up the story.

The great Franz Hals pictures delighted her beyond measure. She always
bought the best reproductions she could afford, and valued highly an
etching that she owned from his Bohémienne. She never waited for any
authority to admire either a work of art or a person. She had much to
say about the influence of the Dutch blood both in our own family and in
our country, which was to her merely a larger family connection. All
through Holland she was constantly noting customs and traditions which
we seemed to have inherited; and she felt a great likeness and sympathy
between herself and some of the Dutch people she knew.


"_The Hague._ To the old prison where the instruments of torture are
preserved. The prison itself is so dark and bare that to stay therein
was a living death. To this was often added the most cruel torture. The
poor wretch was stretched on a cross, on which revolving wheels, turned
by a crank, agonized and destroyed his spinal column--or, by another
machine, his head and feet were drawn in opposite directions--or, his
limbs were stretched out and every bone broken with an iron bar.
Tortures of fire and water were added. Through all these horrors, I saw
the splendors of faith and conscience which illuminated these dungeons,
and which enabled frail humanity to bear these inflictions without
flinching."

She always wanted to see the torture chambers. She listened to all the
detailed explanations and looked at all the dreadful instruments, buoyed
up by the thought of the splendors she speaks of, when mere shrinking
flesh-and-blood creatures like her companion, who only thought of the
poor tortured bodies, could not bear the strain of it.

From The Hague they went to Amsterdam, where they "worked hard at seeing
the rich museum, which contains some of the largest and best of
Rembrandt's pictures, and much else of interest"; thence to Antwerp.
Here she writes:--

"To the Museum, where saw the glorious Rubens and Van Dycks, together
with the Quentin Matsys triptych. Went to the Cathedral, and saw the
dear Rubens pictures--my Christ in the Elevation of the Cross seemed to
me as wonderful as ever. The face asks, 'Why hast thou forsaken me?' but
seems also to reflect the answer, from the very countenance of the
Father. Education of the Virgin by Rubens--angels hold a garland above
the studious head of the young Madonna. This would be a good picture for
Vassar."

"_Sunday, July 29._ Up betimes--to high mass at the Cathedral. Had a
seat near the Descent, and saw it better than ever before. Could not see
the Elevation so well, but feasted my eyes on both. Went later to the
church of St. Paul where Rubens's Flagellation is. Found it very
beautiful. At 4 P.M. M. Félu[79] came to take us to the Zoo, which is
uncommonly good. The collection of beasts from Africa is very rich. They
are also successful in raising wild beasts, having two elephants, a
tiger, and three giraffes which have been born in the cages--some young
lions also. The captive lioness always destroyed her young, and these
were saved by being given to a dog to nurse...."

  [79] The armless painter. See _ante_, vol. I, chap. XII.


August found the travellers in Prussia.

"Passed the day in Berlin.... At night took railroad for Czerwinsk,
travelling second-class. After securing our seats, as we supposed, we
left the cars to get some refreshments, when a man and a woman displaced
our effects, and took our places. The woman refused to give me my place,
and annoyed me by pushing and crowding me."

The brutality of this couple was almost beyond belief. She was always so
gracious to fellow-travellers that they usually "made haste to be kind"
in return. She made it a point to converse with the intelligent-looking
people she met, either in the train or at the _tables d'hôte_ then still
in vogue. She talked with these chance acquaintances of their country or
their profession. It was never mere idle conversation.

This journey across Europe was undertaken solely for the pleasure of
seeing her sister, always her first object in visiting Europe. The bond
between them was very strong, spite of the wide difference of their
natures and the dissimilarity of their interests. Mrs. Terry was now
visiting her eldest daughter, Annie Crawford, married to Baron Eric von
Rabé and living at Lesnian in German Poland. Baron Eric had served in
the Franco-Prussian War with distinction, had been seriously wounded,
and obliged to retire from active service. Here was an entirely new
social atmosphere, the most conservative in Europe. Even before the
travellers arrived, the shadow of formality had fallen upon them; for
Mrs. Terry had written begging that they would arrive by "first-class"!
At that time the saying was, "Only princes, Americans, and fools travel
first-class," and our mother's rule had been to travel second. The
journey was already a great expense, and the added cost seemed to her
useless. Accordingly, she bought second-class tickets to a neighboring
station and first-class ones from there to Czerwinsk. This entailed
turning out in the middle of the night and waiting an hour for the
splendid express carrying the stiff and magnificently upholstered
first-class carriages, whose red plush seats and cushions were nothing
like so comfortable as the old grey, cloth-lined, second-class
carriages!

Still, the travellers arrived looking as proud as they could, wearing
their best frocks and bonnets. They travelled with the Englishwoman's
outfit. "Three suits. Hightum, tightum, and scrub." "Hightum" was for
any chance festivity, "tightum" for the _table d'hôte_, "scrub" for
everyday travelling. The question of the three degrees was anxiously
discussed on this occasion; it was finally decided that only "hightum"
would come up to the Von Rabé standard.

"_August 4._ Arrived at Czerwinsk, where sister L. and Baron von Rabé
met us. He kissed my hand in a courtly manner. My sister looks well, but
has had a hard time. We drove to Lesnian where Annie von R. and her
mother-in-law made us welcome."

"_August 9, Lesnian._ A quiet day at home, writing and some work. Tea
with Sister L. in the open air. Then went with Baron von Rabé to visit
his farm buildings, which are very extensive; not so nicely finished as
would be the case in America. We got many fleas in our clothes.... In
the evening the Baron began to dispute with me concerning the French and
the use and excellence of war, etc...."

"_August 12._ Up early--to Czerwinsk and thence by Dirschau to
Marienburg to see the famous Ritterschloss of the Teutonic Knights....
Marien-Kirch.... Angel Michael weighing the souls, a triptych--the good
in right wing received by St. Peter and clothed by angels, the wicked in
the other wing going down. The beautiful sheen of the Archangel--like
peacock brightness--a devil with butterfly wings."

"_August 14._ In the church yesterday we were shown five holes in a flat
tombstone. They say that a parricide was buried beneath this stone, and
the fingers of his hand forced themselves through these holes. They
showed us this hand, dried, and hung up in a chapel. Here also we saw a
piece of embroidery in fine pearls, formerly belonging to the Catholic
service, and worth thousands of dollars. Some very ancient priests'
garments, with Arabic designs, were said to have been brought from the
East by the Crusaders. An astronomic clock is shown in the church. The
man who made it set about making another, but was made blind lest he
should do so. By and by, pretending that he must repair or regulate
something in the clock, he so puts it out of order that it never goes
again.

"The amber-merchant--the felt shoes--views of America--the lecture--the
Baltic."


She was enchanted with Dantzig. The ancient Polish Jews in their long
cloth gabardines, with their hair dressed in two curls worn in front of
the ear and hanging down on either side of the face, showed her how
Shylock must have looked. She was far more interested in the relics of
the old Polish civilization than in the crude, brand-new Prussian régime
which was replacing it; but this did not suit her hosts. The peasants
who worked on the estate were all Poles; the relations between them and
their employer smacked strongly of serfdom. One very intelligent man,
who often drove her, was called Zalinski. It struck her that this man
might be related to her friend Lieutenant Zalinski, of the United States
Army. She asked him if he had any relatives in America. He replied that
a brother of his had gone to America many years before. He seemed deeply
interested in the conversation and tried once or twice to renew it. One
of the family, who was driving with our mother at the time, managed to
prevent any more talk about the American Zalinski, and when the drive
was over she was seriously called to account.

"Can you not see that it would be extremely unfortunate if one of our
servants should learn that any relative of his could possibly be a
friend of one of our guests?"

She was never allowed to see Zalinski again; on inquiring for him, she
learned that he had been sent to a fair with horses to sell. He did not
return to Lesnian during the remainder of her stay.

One of the picturesque features of the visit was the celebration of
Baron Eric's birthday. It was a general holiday, and no work was done on
the estate. After breakfast family and guests assembled in front of the
old château; the baron, a fine, soldierly-looking man, his wife, the
most graceful of women, and the only daughter, a lovely little girl with
the well-chiselled Crawford features. The peasants, dressed in their
best, assembled in procession in the driveway; one by one, in order of
their age or position, they came up the steps, presented the Baroness
with a bouquet, bent the knee and kissed the hand of Baron and Baroness.
To most of the guests the picture was full of Old-World romance and
charm. To one it was an offence. That the granddaughter of her father,
the child of her adored sister, should have been placed by fate in this
feudal relationship to the men and women by whose labor she lived
outraged her democratic soul.

The Journal thus describes the days at Lesnian:--

"The Baron talked much last evening, first about his crops, then about
other matters. He believes duelling to be the most efficient agency in
promoting a polite state of society. Would kill any one whom he
suspected of great wrong much sooner than bring him to justice. The law,
he says, is slow and uncertain--the decision of the sword much more
effectual. The present Government favors duelling. If he should kill
some one in a duel, he would have two months of imprisonment only. He
despises the English as a nation of merchants. The old German knights
seem to be his models. With these barbarous opinions, he seems to be
personally an amiable and estimable man. Despises University education,
in whose course he might have come in contact with the son of a
carpenter, or small shopkeeper--he himself went to a Gymnase, with sons
of gentlemen...."

"Everything in the Junkerschaft[80] bristles for another war. Oscar von
Rabé's room, in which I now write, contains only books of military
drill.

  [80] The Prussian aristocracy.

"This day we visited the schoolhouse--session over, air of the room
perfectly fetid. Schoolmaster, whom we did not see, a Pole--his sister
could speak no German. Tattered primers in German. Visited the Jew, who
keeps the only shop in Lesnian. Found a regular country assortment. He
very civil. _Gasthaus_ opposite, a shanty, with a beer-glass, coffee-cup
and saucer rudely painted on its whitewashed boards. Shoemaker in a damp
hovel, with mahogany furniture, quite handsome. He made me a salaam with
both hands raised to his head."

"We went to call upon Herr von Rohr, at Schenskowkhan--an extensive
estate. I had put on my Cheney silk and my bonnet as a great parade.
Our host showed us his house, his books and engravings--he has several
etchings by Rembrandt. Herr von Mechlenberg, public librarian of
Königsberg, a learned little old man, trotted round with us. We had
coffee and waffles. Mechlenberg considers the German tongue a very
ancient one, an original language, not patched up like French and
English, of native dialects mingled with Latin."

In one of her letters to the Chicago "Tribune" is a significant passage
written from Lesnian:--

"Having seen in one of the Dantzig papers the announcement that a
certain Professor Blank would soon deliver a lecture upon America,
showing the folly of headlong emigration thither and the ill fortune
which many have wrought for themselves thereby, one of us remarked to a
Dantziger that in such a lecture many untruths would probably be
uttered. Our friend replied, with a self-gratulatory laugh, 'Ah, Madame!
We Germans know all about the women of America. A German woman is
devoted to her household, its care and management; but the American
women all force their husbands to live in hotels in order that they may
have no trouble in housekeeping.'"

She was as sensitive to criticism of her country as some people are to
criticism of their friends. Throughout her stay in Germany she suffered
from the captious and provoking tone of the Prussian press about things
American.

Even in the churches she met this note of unfriendliness. She took the
trouble to transcribe in her Journal an absurd newspaper story.

  "An American Woman of Business

"Some little time since, a man living near Niagara Falls had the
misfortune to fall from the bridge leading to Goat's Island. [Berlin
paper says _Grat_ Island.] He was immediately hurried to the edge of the
fearful precipice. Here, he was able to cling to a ledge of rock, and to
support himself for half an hour, until his unavoidable fate overtook
him. A compassionate and excited multitude rushed to the shore, and into
the house, where the unhappy wife was forced to behold the death
struggle of her husband, lost beyond all rescue, this spot yielding the
best view of the scene of horror. The 'excellent' wife had too much
coolness to allow this opportunity of making money to escape her, but
collected from every person present one dollar for window rent.
(Berliner _Fremdenblatt_, Sunday, August 26, 1877.)"


The stab was from a two-edged sword; she loved profoundly the great
German writers and composers. She was ever conscious of the debt she
owed to Germany's poets, philosophers, and musicians. Goethe had been
one of her earliest sources of inspiration, Kant her guide through many
troublous years; Beethoven was like some great friend whose hand had led
her along the heights, when her feet were bleeding from the stones of
the valley. These were the Germans she knew; her Germany was theirs. Now
she came in contact with this new _Junker_ Germany, this harsh,
military, unlovely country where Bismarck was the ruling spirit, and
Von Moltke the idol of the hour. It was a rough awakening for one who
had lived in the gentler Fatherland of Schiller and of Schubert.


"_August 31, Berlin._ Up early, and with carriage to see the review....
A great military display. The Emperor punctual at 10. '_Guten Morgen!_'
shouted the troops when he came. The Crown Princess on horseback with a
blue badge, Hussar cap. The kettle-drum man had his reins hitched, one
on either foot, guiding his horse in this way, and beating his drums
with both hands...."


The Crown Princess, later the Empress Frederick, daughter of Queen
Victoria, and mother of the present German Emperor, was the honorary
colonel of the hussar regiment whose uniform she wore, with the addition
of a plain black riding-skirt. Civilization owes this lady a debt that
cannot be paid save in grateful remembrance. During the Franco-Prussian
War she frequently telegraphed to the German officers commanding in
France, urging them to spare the works of art in the conquered country.
Through her efforts the studios of Rosa Bonheur and other famous
painters escaped destruction.


The early part of September was spent in Switzerland. Chamounix filled
the travellers with delight. They walked up the Brevant, rode to the Mer
de Glace on muleback. The great feature, however, of this visit to
Switzerland was the Geneva Congress, called by Mrs. Josephine Butler to
protest against the legalizing of vice in England.


"At the Congress to-day--spoke in French.... I spoke of the two sides,
active and passive, of human nature, and of the tendency of the
education given to women to exaggerate the passive side of their
character, whereby they easily fall victims to temptation. Spoke of the
exercise of the intellectual faculties as correcting these
tendencies--education of women in America--progress made. Coeducation
and the worthier relations it induces between young men and women. Said,
where society thinks little of women, it teaches them to think little of
themselves. Said of marriage, that Milton's doctrine, 'He for God only,
she for God in him,' was partial and unjust. '_Ce Dieu, il faut le
mettre entre les deux, de manière que chacun des deux appartienne
premièrement à Dieu, puis tous les deux l'un à l'autre._'"

"Wish to take up what Blank said to-day of the superiority of man. Woman
being created second. That is no mark of inferiority. Shall say, this
doctrine of inequality very dangerous. Inferior position, inferior
education, legal status, etc. Doctrine of morality quite opposite. If
wife patient and husband not, wife superior--if wife chaste, husband
not, wife superior. Each indispensable to each other, and to the whole.
Gentlemen, where would you have been if we had not cradled and tended
you?"

"_Congress...._ Just before the end of the meeting Mr. Stuart came to me
and said that Mrs. Butler wished me to speak for five minutes. After
some hesitation I said that I would try. Felt much annoyed at being
asked so late. Went up to the platform and did pretty well in French.
The audience applauded, laughing a little at some points. In fact, my
little speech was a decided success with the French-speaking part of the
audience. Two or three Englishwomen who understood very little of it
found fault with me for occasioning laughter. To the banquet...."

"_September 23._ This morning Mrs. Sheldon Ames and her brother came to
ask whether I would go to Germany on a special mission. Miss Bolte also
wished me to go to Baden Baden to see the Empress of Germany."

"_September 24._ A conference of Swiss and English women at 11 A.M. A
sister of John Stuart Mill spoke, like the other English ladies, in very
bad French. '_Nous femmes_' said she repeatedly. She seemed a good
woman, but travelled far from the subject of the meeting, which was the
work to be done to carry out what the Congress had suggested. Mrs.
Blank, of Bristol, read a paper in the worst French I ever heard.
'_Ouvrager_' for '_travailler_' was one of her mistakes."


In spite of some slight criticisms on the management of this Congress,
she was heart and soul in sympathy with its object; and until the last
day of her life, never ceased to battle for the higher morality which at
all costs protests against the legalizing of vice.

Before leaving Geneva she writes:--

"To Ferney in omnibus. The little church with its inscription '_Deo
erexit Voltaire_,' and the date.... I remember visiting Ferney with dear
Chev; remember that he did not wish me to see the model [of Madame Du
Châtelet's monument] lest it should give me gloomy thoughts about my
condition--she died in childbirth, and the design represents her with
her infant bursting the tomb."


October found the travellers in Paris, the elder still intent on affairs
of study and reform, the younger grasping eagerly at each new wonder or
beauty.

There were meetings of the Academy of Fine Arts, the Institute of
France, the Court of Assizes: teachers' meetings, too, and dinners with
deaconesses (whom she found a pleasant combination of cheerfulness and
gravity), and with friends who took her to the theatre.

"To Palais de Justice. Court of Assizes--a young man to be condemned for
an offence against a girl of ten or twelve, and then to be tried for
attempt to kill his brother and brother-in-law....

"We were obliged to leave before the conclusion of the trial, but
learned that its duration was short, ending in a verdict of guilty, and
sentence of death. In the days that followed our thoughts often visited
this unfortunate man in his cell, so young, apparently without
friends--his nearest relatives giving evidence against him, and, in
fact, bringing the suit that cost his life. It seems less than Mosaic
justice to put a man to death for a murder which, though attempted, was
not actually committed. A life for a life is the old doctrine. This is a
life for an attempt upon a life."

An essay on Paris, written soon after, recalls further memories. She
visited the French Parliament, and was surprised at the noise and
excitement which prevailed.

"The presiding officer agitates his bell again and again, to no purpose.
He constantly cries, in piteous tone: 'Gentlemen, a little silence, if
you please.'"

She tells how "one of the ushers with great pride pointed out Victor
Hugo in his seat," and says further:

"I have seen this venerable man of letters several times,--once in his
own house.... We were first shown into an anteroom, and presently into a
small drawing-room. The venerable viscount kissed my hand ... with the
courtesy belonging to other times. He was of middle height, reasonably
stout. His eyes were dark and expressive, and his hair and beard were
snow-white. Several guests were present.... Victor Hugo seated himself
alone upon a sofa, and talked to no one. While the rest of the company
kept up a desultory conversation, a servant announced M. Louis Blanc,
and our expectations were raised only to be immediately lowered, for at
this announcement Victor Hugo arose and withdrew into another room, from
which we were able to hear the two voices in earnest conversation...."

"_November 27._ Packing to leave Paris to-night for Turin. The blanks
left in my diary do not mark idle days. I have been exceedingly busy,
... have written at least five newspaper letters, and some other
correspondence. Grieved this morning over the time wasted at shop
windows, in desiring foolish articles which I could not afford to buy,
especially diamonds, which I do not need for my way of life. Yet I have
had more good from my stay in Paris than this empty Journal would
indicate. Have seen many earnest men and women--have delivered a lecture
in French--have started a club of English and American women students,
for which _Deo gratias!_ Farewell, dear Paris, God keep and save thee!"


She mentions this club in the "Reminiscences." "I found in Paris a
number of young women, students of art and medicine, who appeared to
lead very isolated lives and to have little or no acquaintance with one
another. The need of a point of social union for these young people
appearing to me very great, I invited a few of them to meet me at my
lodgings. After some discussion we succeeded in organizing a small club,
which, I am told, still exists.... [If we are not mistaken, this small
club was a mustard seed which in time grew into the goodly tree of the
American Girls' Club.] I was invited several times to speak while in
Paris.... I spoke in French without notes.... Before leaving Paris I was
invited to take part in a congress of woman's rights. It was deemed
proper to elect two presidents for this occasion, and I had the honor of
being chosen as one of them....

"Somewhat in contrast with these sober doings was a ball given by the
artist Healy at his residence. I had told Mrs. Healy in jest that I
should insist upon dancing with her husband. Soon after my entrance she
said to me, 'Mrs. Howe, your quadrille is ready for you. See what
company you are to have.' I looked and beheld General Grant and M.
Gambetta, who led out Mrs. Grant, while her husband had Mrs. Healy for
his partner in the quadrille of honor.... Marshal MacMahon was at this
time President of the French Republic. I attended an evening reception
given by him in honor of General and Mrs. Grant. Our host was supposed
to be at the head of the Bonapartist faction, and I heard some rumors of
an intended _coup d'état_ which should bring back imperialism and place
Plon-Plon [the nickname for Prince Napoleon] on the throne.... I
remember Marshal MacMahon as a man of medium height, with no very
distinguishing feature. He was dressed in uniform and wore many
decorations."

During this visit to Paris, our mother consorted largely with the men
and women she had met at the Geneva Congress. She takes leave of Paris
with these words: "Better than the filled trunk and empty purse, which
usually mark a return from Paris, will be a full heart and a hand
clasping across the water another hand pure and resolute as itself."


The two comrades journeyed southward by way of Turin, Milan, and Verona.
Of the last place the Journal says:--

"Busy in Verona--first, amphitheatre, with its numerous cells, those of
the wild beasts wholesomely lighted and aired, those of the prisoners,
dark and noisome and often without light of any kind.... Then to the
tombs of the Scaligers--grim and beautiful. Can Signoria who killed his
brother was the last. Can Grande, Dante's host."

In Verona she was full of visions of the great poet whose exile she
describes in the poem called, "The Price of the Divina Commedia." One
who met her there remembers the extraordinary vividness of her
impressions. It was as if she had seen and talked with Dante, had heard
from his own lips how hard it was to eat the salt and go up and down the
stairs of others.

From Verona to Venice, thence to Bologna. Venice was an old friend
always revisited with delight. Bologna was new to her; here she found
traces of the notable women of its past. In the University she was shown
the recitation room where the beautiful female professor of anatomy is
said to have given her lectures from behind a curtain, in order that the
students' attention should not be distracted from her words of wisdom by
her beauty. In the picture gallery she found out the work of Elisabetta
Sirani, one of the good painters of the Bolognese school.

And now, after twenty-seven years, her road led once more to Rome.




CHAPTER II

A ROMAN WINTER

1878-1879; _aet._ 59-60

JANUARY 9, 1878

  A voice of sorrow shakes the solemn pines
  Within the borders of the Apennines;
  A sombre vision veils the evening red,
  A shuddering whisper says: the King is dead.

        Low lies he near the throne
  That strange desert and fortune made his own;
  And at his life's completion, from his birth
  In one fair record, men recount his worth.

        Chief of the Vatican!
  Heir of the Peter who his Lord denied,
  Not of the faith which that offence might hide,
  Boast not, "I live, while he is coldly laid."
  Say rather, in the jostling mortal race
  He first doth look on the All-father's face.
  Life's triple crown absolved weareth he,
  Clear Past, sad Present, fond Futurity.

                                          J. W. H.

The travellers arrived in Rome in good time for the Christmas dinner at
Palazzo Odescalchi, where they found the Terrys and Marion Crawford. On
December 31 our mother writes:--

"The last day of a year whose beginning found me full of work and
fatigue. Beginning for me in a Western railway car, it ends in a Roman
palace--a long stretch of travel lying between. Let me here record that
this year has brought me much good and pleasure, as well as some
regrets. My European tour was undertaken for dear Maud's sake. It took
me away from the dear ones at home, and from opportunities of work
which I should have prized highly. I was President of the Woman's
Congress, and to be absent not only from its meeting, but also from its
preparatory work, caused me great regret. On the other hand, I saw
delightful people in England, and have seen, besides the old remembered
delights, many places which I never visited before.... I am now with my
dear sister, around whom the shadows of existence deepen. I am glad to
be with her; though I can do so little for her, she is doing very much
for me."


This was a season of extraordinary interest to one who had always loved
Italy and pleaded for a generous policy toward her. Early in January it
became known that King Victor Emanuel was dying. At the Vatican his
life-long adversary Pius IX was wasting away with a mortal disease. It
was a time of suspense. The two had fought a long and obstinate duel:
which of them, people asked, would yield first to the conqueror on the
pale horse? There were those among the "Blacks" of Rome who would have
denied the last sacrament to the dying King. "No!" said Pio Nono; "he
has always been a good Catholic; he shall not die without the
sacrament!" On the 9th of January the King died, and "the ransomed land
mourned its sovereign as with one heart."[81]

  [81] _Reminiscences_, p. 423.


"_January 12._ Have just been to see the new King [Umberto I] review the
troops, and receive the oath of allegiance from the army. The King's
horse was a fine light sorrel--he in full uniform, with light blue
trousers. In Piazza del Independenza. We at the American Consulate. Much
acclamation and waving of handkerchiefs. Went at 5 in the afternoon to
see the dead King lying in state. His body was shown set on an inclined
plane, the foreshortening disfigured his poor face dreadfully, making
his heavy moustache to look as if it were his eyebrows. Behind him a
beautiful ermine canopy reached nearly to the ceiling--below him the
crown and sceptre on a cushion. Castellani's beautiful gold crown is to
be buried with him."

She says of the funeral:--

"The monarch's remains were borne in a crimson coach of state, drawn by
six horses. His own favorite war-horse followed, veiled in crape, the
stirrups holding the King's boots and spurs, turned backward. Nobles and
servants of great houses in brilliant costumes, bareheaded, carrying in
their hands lighted torches of wax.... As the cortège swept by, I
dropped my tribute of flowers.[82]..."

  [82] _Reminiscences_, p. 423.

"_January 19._ To Parliament, to see the mutual taking of oaths between
the new King and the Parliament. Had difficulty in getting in. Sat on
carpeted stair near Mrs. Carson. Queen came at two in the afternoon. Sat
in a loggia ornamented with red velvet and gold. Her entrance much
applauded. With her the little Prince of Naples,[83] her son; the Queen
of Portugal, her sister-in-law; and Prince of Portugal, son of the
latter. The King entered soon after two--he took the oath standing
bareheaded, then signed some record of it. The oath was then
administered to Prince Amadeo and Prince de Carignan, then in
alphabetical order to the Senate and afterwards to the Deputies."

  [83] The present King, Victor Emanuel III.

A month later, Pio Nono laid down the burden of his years. She says of
this:--

"Pope Pius IX had reigned too long to be deeply mourned by his spiritual
subjects, one of whom remarked in answer to condolence, 'I should think
he had lived long enough!'"


The winter passed swift as a dream, though not without anxieties. Roman
fever was then the bane of American travellers, and while she herself
suffered only from a slight indisposition, Maud was seriously ill. There
was no time for her Journal, but some of the impressions of that
memorable season are recorded in verse.

  Sea, sky, and moon-crowned mountain, one fair world,
  Past, Present, Future, one Eternity.
  Divine and human and informing soul,
  The mystic Trine thought never can resolve.

One of the great pleasures of this Roman visit was the presence of her
nephew Francis Marion Crawford. He was then twenty-three years old, and
extremely handsome; some people thought him like the famous bas-relief
of Antinous at the Villa Albano. The most genial and companionable of
men, he devoted himself to his aunt and was her guide to the
_trattoria_ where Goethe used to dine, to Tasso's Oak, to the
innumerable haunts dedicated to the poets of every age, who have left
their impress on the Eternal City.

Our mother always loved acting. Her nearest approach to a professional
appearance took place this winter. Madame Ristori was in Rome, and had
promised to read at an entertainment in aid of some charity. She chose
for her selection the scene from "Maria Stuart" where the unhappy Queen
of Scots meets Elizabeth and after a fierce altercation triumphs over
her. At the last moment the lady who was to impersonate Elizabeth fell
ill. What was to be done? Some one suggested, "Mrs. Howe!" The
"Reminiscences" tell how she was "pressed into the service," and how the
last rehearsal was held while the musical part of the entertainment was
going on. "Madame Ristori made me repeat my part several times,
insisting that my manner was too reserved and would make hers appear
extravagant. I did my best to conform to her wishes, and the reading was
duly applauded."[84]

  [84] _Reminiscences_, p. 425.

Another performance was arranged in which Madame Ristori gave the
sleep-walking scene from "Macbeth." The question arose as to who should
take the part of the attendant.

"Why not your sister?" said Ristori to Mrs. Terry. "No one could do it
better!"

In the spring, the travellers made a short tour in southern Italy. One
memory of it is given in the following verses:--


NEAR AMALFI

  Hurry, hurry, little town,
  With thy labor up and down.
  Clang the forge and roll the wheels,
  Spring the shuttle, twirl the reels.
            Hunger comes.

  Every woman with her hand
  Shares the labor of the land;
  Every child the burthen bears,
  And the soil of labor wears.
            Hunger comes.

  In the shops of wine and oil
  For the scanty house of toil;
  Give just measure, housewife grave,
  Thrifty shouldst thou be, and brave.
            Hunger comes.

  Only here the blind man lags,
  Here the cripple, clothed with rags.
  Such a motley Lazarus
  Shakes his piteous cap at us.
            Hunger comes.

  Oh! could Jesus pass this way
  Ye should have no need to pray.
  He would go on foot to see
  All your depths of misery.
            Succor comes.

  He would smooth your frowzled hair,
  He would lay your ulcers bare,
  He would heal as only can
  Soul of God in heart of man.
            Jesus comes.

  Ah! my Jesus! still thy breath
  Thrills the world untouched of death.
  Thy dear doctrine showeth me
  Here, God's loved humanity
            Whose kingdom comes.

The summer was spent in France; in November they sailed for Egypt.

"_November 27, Egypt._ Land early this morning--a long flat strip at
first visible. Then Arabs in a boat came on board. Then began a scene of
unparalleled confusion, in the midst of which Cook's Arabian agent found
me and got my baggage--helping us all through quietly, and with great
saving of trouble.... A drive to see Pompey's Pillar and obelisk. A walk
through the bazaar. Heat very oppressive. Delightful drive in the
afternoon to the Antonayades garden and villa.... Mr. Antonayades was
most hospitable, gave us great bouquets, and a basket of fruit."

"_Cairo._ Walked out. A woman swung up and down in a box is
brown-washing the wall of the hotel. She was drawn up to the top, quite
a height, and gradually let down. Her dress was a dirty blue cotton
gown, and under that a breech-cloth of dirty sackcloth. We were to have
had an audience from the third Princess[85] this afternoon, and were
nearly dressed for the palace when we were informed that the reception
would take place to-morrow, when there will be a general reception, it
being the first day of Bairam. Visit on donkey-back to the bazaars, and
gallop; sunset most beautiful."

  [85] The favorite wife of the Khedive.

"Up early, and all agog for the palace. I wore my black velvet and all
my [few] diamonds, also a white bonnet made by Julia McAllister[86] and
trimmed with her lace and Miss Irwin's white lilacs. General Stone sent
his carriage with _sais_ richly dressed. Reception was at Abdin
Palace--row of black eunuchs outside, very grimy in aspect. Only women
inside--dresses of bright pink and yellow satin, of orange silk, blue,
lilac, white satin. Lady in waiting in blue silk and diamonds. In the
hall they made us sit down, and brought us cigarettes in gilt saucers.
We took a whiff, then went to the lady in waiting who took us into the
room where the three princesses were waiting to receive us. They shook
hands with us and made us sit down, seating themselves also. First and
second Princesses on a sofa, I at their right in a fauteuil, on my left
the third Princess. First in white brocaded satin, pattern very bright,
pink flowers with green leaves. Second wore a Worth dress of corn
brocade, trimmed with claret velvet; third in blue silk. All in
stupendous diamonds. Chibouks brought which reached to the floor. We
smoke, I poorly,--mine was badly lighted,--an attendant in satin brought
a fresh coal and then the third Princess told me it was all right.
Coffee in porcelain cups, the stands all studded with diamonds.
Conversation rather awkward. Carried on by myself and the third
Princess, who interpreted to the others. Where should we go from Cairo?
Up the Nile, in January to Constantinople."

  [86] A cousin who was of the party.

"Achmed took me to see the women dance, in a house where a wedding is
soon to take place. Dancing done by a one-eyed woman in purple and gold
brocade--house large, but grimy with dirt and neglect. Men all in one
room, women in another--several of them one-eyed, the singer blind--only
instruments the earthenware drum and castanets worn like rings on the
upper joints of the fingers. Arab café--the story-teller, the
one-stringed violin...."

"To the ball at the Abdin Palace. The girls looked charmingly. Maud
danced all the night. The Khedive[87] made me quite a speech. He is a
short, thickset man, looking about fifty, with grizzled hair and beard.
He wore a fez, Frank dress, and a star on his breast. Tewfik Pasha, his
son and heir, was similarly dressed. Consul Farman presented me to both
of them. The suite of rooms is very handsome, but this is not the finest
of the Khedive's palaces. Did not get home much before four in the
morning. In the afternoon had visited the mosque of Sultan Abdul
Hassan...."

  [87] Ismail Pasha.


After Cairo came a trip up the Nile, with all its glories and
discomforts. Between marvel and marvel she read Herodotus and Mariette
Bey assiduously.

"_Christmas Day._ Cool wind. Native _reis_ of the boat has a brown
woollen capote over his blue cotton gown, the hood drawn over his
turban. A Christmas service. Rev. Mr. Stovin, English, read the lessons
for the day and the litany. We sang 'Nearer, my God, to Thee,' and
'Hark, the herald angels sing.' It was a good little time. My thoughts
flew back to Theodore Parker, who loved this [first] hymn, and in whose
'meeting' I first heard it. Upper deck dressed with palms--waiters in
their best clothes...."

"To-day visited Assiout, where we arrived soon after ten in the morning.
Donkey-ride delightful, visit to the bazaar. Two very nice youths found
us out, pupils of the American Mission. One of these said, 'I also am
Christianity.' Christian pupils more than one hundred. Several Moslem
pupils have embraced Christianity.... This morning had a very sober
season, lying awake before dawn, and thinking over this extravagant
journey, which threatens to cause me serious embarrassment."

And again:--

"The last day of a year in which I have enjoyed many things, wonderful
new sights and impressions, new friends. I have not been able to do much
useful work, but hope to do better work hereafter for what this year has
shown me. Still, I have spoken four times in public, each time with
labor and preparation--and have advocated the causes of woman's
education, equal rights and equal laws for men and women. My heart
greatly regrets that I have not done better, during these twelve months.
Must always hope for the new year."

The record of the new year (1879) begins with the usual aspirations:--

"May every minute of this year be improved by me! This is too much to
hope, but not too much to pray for. And I determine this year to pass no
day without actual prayer, the want of which I have felt during the year
just past. Busy all day, writing, washing handkerchiefs, and reading
Herodotus."

On January 2, she "visited Blind School with General Stone--Osny
Effendi, Principal. Many trades and handicrafts--straw matting,
boys--boys and girls weaving at hand loom--girls spinning wool and
flax, crochet and knitting--a lesson in geography. Turning lathe--bought
a cup of rhinoceros horn."

On January 4 she is "sad to leave Egypt--dear beautiful country!"

"_Jerusalem, January 5._ I write in view of the Mount of Olives, which
glows in the softest sunset light, the pale moon showing high in the
sky. Christ has been here--here--has looked with his bodily eyes on this
fair prospect. The thought ought to be overpowering--is inconceivable."

"_January 9._ In the saddle by half past eight in the morning. Rode two
hours, to Bethlehem. Convent--Catholic. Children at the school. Boy with
a fine head, Abib. In the afternoon mounted again and rode in sight of
the Dead Sea. Mountains inexpressibly desolate and grand. Route very
rough, and in some places rather dangerous.... Grotto of the
Nativity--place of the birth--manger where the little Christ was laid.
Tomb of St. Jerome. Tombs of two ladies who were friends of the Saint.
Later the plains of Boaz, which also [is] that where the shepherds heard
the angels. Encamped at Marsaba. Greek convent near by receives men
only. An old monk brought some of the handiwork of the brethren for
sale. I bought a stamp for flat cakes, curiously cut in wood. We dined
luxuriously, having a saloon tent and an excellent cook.... Good beds,
but I lay awake a good deal with visions of death from the morrow's
ride."

"_January 10._ [In camp in the desert near Jericho.] 'Shoo-fly'[88]
waked us at half past five banging on a tin pan and singing 'Shoo-fly.'
We rose at once and I felt my terrors subside. Felt that only prayer and
trust in God could carry me through. We were in the saddle by seven
o'clock and began our perilous crossing of the hills which lead to the
Dead Sea. Scenery inexpressibly grand and desolate. Some frightful bits
of way--narrow bridle paths up and down very steep places, in one place
a very narrow ridge to cross, with precipices on either side. I prayed
constantly and so felt uplifted from the abjectness of animal fear.
After a while we began to have glimpses of the Dead Sea, which is
beautifully situated, shut in by high hills, quite blue in color. After
much mental suffering and bodily fatigue on my part we arrived at the
shores of the sea. Here we rested for half an hour, and I lay stretched
on the sands which were very clean and warm! Remounted and rode to
Jordan. Here, I had to be assisted by two men [they lifted her bodily
out of the saddle and laid her on the ground] and lay on my shawl,
eating my luncheon in this attitude. Fell asleep here. Could not stop
long enough to touch the water. We rested in the shade of a clump of
bushes, near the place where the baptism of Christ is supposed to have
taken place. Our cans were filled with water from this sacred stream,
and I picked up a little bit of hollow reed, the only souvenir I could
find. Remounted and rode to Jericho. Near the banks of the Jordan we met
a storm of locusts, four-winged creatures which annoyed our horses and
flew in our faces. John the Baptist probably ate such creatures.
Afternoon ride much better as to safety, but very fatiguing. Reached
Jericho just after sunset, a beautiful camping-ground. After dinner, a
Bedouin dance, very strange and fierce. Men and women stood in a
semicircle, lighted by a fire of dry thorns. They clapped their hands
and sang, or rather murmured, in a rhythm which changed from time to
time. A chief danced before them, very gracefully, threatening them with
his sword, with which he played very skilfully. They sometimes went on
their knees as if imploring him to spare them. He came twice to our tent
and waved the sword close to our heads, saying, '_Taih backsheesh_.' The
dance was like an Indian war-dance--the chief made a noise just like the
war-whoop of our Indians. The dance lasted half an hour. The chief got
his backsheesh and the whole troop departed. Lay down and rested in
peace, knowing that the dangerous part of our journey was over."

  [88] A negro attendant.

"_In Camp in the Desert. January 11._ In the saddle by half past seven.
Rode round the site of ancient Jericho, of which nothing remains but
some portions of the king's highway. Ruins of a caravanserai, which is
said to be the inn where the good Samaritan lodged his patient. Stopped
for rest and luncheon, at Beth--and proceeded to Bethany, where we
visited the tomb of Lazarus. I did not go in--then rode round the Mount
of Olives and round the walls of Jerusalem, arriving at half past three
in the afternoon. I became very stiff in my knees, could hardly be
mounted on my horse, and suffered much pain from my knee and abrasions
of the skin caused by the saddle. Did not get down at the tomb of
Lazarus because I could not have descended the steps which led to it,
and could not have got on my horse again. When we reached our hotel, I
could not step without help, and my strength was quite exhausted. I say
to all tourists, avoid Cook's dreadful hurry, and to all women, avoid
Marsaba! This last day, we often met little troops of Bedouins
travelling on donkeys--sometimes carrying with them their cattle and
household goods. I saw a beautiful white and black lamb carried on a
donkey. Met three Bedouin horsemen with long spears. One of these
stretched his spear across the way almost touching my face, for a joke."

"_Jerusalem. Sunday, January 12._ English service. Communion,
interesting here where the rite was instituted. I was very thankful for
this interesting opportunity."

"_January 15._ Mission hospital and schools in the morning. Also
Saladin's horse. Wailing place of the Jews and some ancient synagogues.
In the afternoon walked to Gethsemane and ascended the Mount of Olives.
In the first-named place, sang one verse of our hymn, 'Go to dark
Gethsemane.' Got some flowers and olive leaves...."


After Jerusalem came Jaffa, where she delivered an address to a "circle"
at a private house. She says:--

"In Jaffa of the Crusaders, Joppa of Peter and Paul, I find an American
Mission School, kept by a worthy lady from Rhode Island. Prominent among
its points of discipline is the clean-washed face, which is so enthroned
in the prejudices of Western civilization. One of her scholars, a youth
of unusual intelligence, finding himself clean, observes himself to be
in strong contrast with his mother's hovel, in which filth is just kept
clear of fever point. 'Why this dirt?' quoth he; 'that which has made me
clean will cleanse this also.' So without more ado, the process of
scrubbing is applied to the floor, without regard to the danger of so
great a novelty. This simple fact has its own significance, for if the
innovation of soap and water can find its way to a Jaffa hut, where can
the ancient, respectable, conservative dirt-devil feel himself secure?"

Apropos of mission work (in which she was a firm believer), she loved to
tell how one day in Jerusalem she was surrounded by a mob of beggars,
unwashed and unsavory, clamoring for money, till she was well-nigh
bewildered. Suddenly there appeared a beautiful youth in spotless white,
who scattered the mob, took her horse's bridle, and in good English
offered to lead her to her hotel. It was as if an angel had stepped into
the narrow street.

"Who are you, dear youth?" she cried.

"I am a Christian!" was the reply.

In parting she says, "Farewell, Holy Land! Thank God that I have seen
and felt it! All good come to it!"


From Palestine the way led to Cyprus ("the town very muddy and bare of
all interest") and Smyrna, thence to Constantinople. Here she visited
Robert College with great delight. Returning, she saw the "Sultan going
to Friday's prayers. A melancholy, frightened-looking man, pale, with a
large, face-absorbing nose...."


"_February 3._ Early at Piræus. Kalopothakis[89] met us there, coming on
board.... To Athens by carriage. Acropolis as beautiful as ever. It
looks small after the Egyptian temples, and of course more modern--still
very impressive...."

  [89] A Greek Protestant minister.

Athens, with its welcoming faces of friends, seemed almost homelike
after the Eastern journeyings. The Journal tells of sight-seeing for the
benefit of the younger traveller, and of other things beside.

"Called on the _Grande Maîtresse_ at the Palace in order to have cards
for the ball. Saw the Schliemann relics from Mycenæ, and the wonderful
marbles gathered in the Museum. Have been writing something about these.
To ball at the palace in my usual sober rig, black velvet and so forth.
Queen very gracious to us.... Home by three in the morning."

"_February 12._ At ten in the morning came a committee of Cretan
officers of the late insurrection, presenting a letter through Mr.
Rainieri, himself a Cretan, expressing the gratitude of the Cretans to
dear Papa for his efforts in their behalf.... Mr. Rainieri made a
suitable address in French--to which I replied in the same tongue.
Coffee and cordial were served. The occasion was of great interest....
In the afternoon spoke at Mrs. Felton's of the Advancement of Women as
promoted by association. An American dinner of perhaps forty, nearly all
women, Greek, but understanding English. A good occasion. To party at
Madame Schliemann's."

"_February 15._ Miserable with a cold. A confused day in which nothing
seemed to go right. Kept losing sight of papers and other things. Felt
as if God could not have made so bad a day--my day after all; I made
it."

"_February 18._ To ball at the Palace. King took Maud out in the
German."

"_February 21._ The day for eating the roast lamb with the Cretan
chiefs. Went down to the Piræus warmly wrapped up.... Occasion most
interesting. Much speech-making and toasting. I mentioned Felton."

"_February 22._ Dreadful day of departure. Packed steadily but with
constant interruptions. The Cretans called upon me to present their
photographs and take leave. Tried a poem, failed. Had black
coffee--tried another--succeeded...."

"_February 23._ Sir Henry Layard, late English minister to the Porte, is
on board. Talked Greek at dinner--beautiful evening--night as rough as
it could well be. Little sleep for any of us. Glad to see that Lord
Hartington has spoken in favor of the Greeks, censuring the English
Government."

"_February 26...._ Sir Henry Layard and I _tête-à-tête_ on deck, looking
at the prospect--he coveting it, no doubt, for his rapacious country, I
coveting it for liberty and true civilization."


The spring was spent in Italy. In May they came to London.

"_May 29._ Met Mr. William Speare.... He told me of his son's death, and
of that of William Lloyd Garrison. Gallant old man, unique and enviable
in reputation and character. Who, oh! who can take his place? 'Show us
the Father.'"


The last weeks of the London visit were again too full for any adequate
account of them to find its way into her letters or journals. She
visited London once more in later years, but this was her last long
stay. She never forgot the friends she made there, and it was one of the
many day-dreams she enjoyed that she should return for another London
season. Sometimes after reading the account of the gay doings chronicled
in the London "World," which Edmund Yates sent her as long as he lived,
she would cry out, "O! for a whiff of London!" or, "My dear, we must
have another London season before I die!"




CHAPTER III

NEWPORT

1879-1882; _aet._ 60-63

A THOUGHT FOR WASHING DAY

  The clothes-line is a Rosary
    Of household help and care;
  Each little saint the Mother loves
    Is represented there.

  And when across her garden plot
    She walks, with thoughtful heed,
  I should not wonder if she told
    Each garment for a bead.

         *       *       *       *       *

  A stranger passing, I salute
    The Household in its wear,
  And smile to think how near of kin
    Are love and toil and prayer.

                                    J. W. H.


July, 1879, found our mother at home at Oak Glen, unpacking trunks and
reading a book on the Talmud. She had met the three married daughters in
Boston ("We talked incessantly for seven hours," says the Journal), and
Florence and Maud accompanied her to Newport, where Florence had
established her summer nursery. There were three Hall grandchildren now,
and they became an important factor in the life at Oak Glen. All through
the records of these summer days runs the patter of children's feet.

She kept only one corner of the house for her private use; a room with
the north light which she then thought essential. This was at once
bedroom and workroom: she never had a separate study or library. Here,
as in Green Peace days, she worked quietly and steadily. Children and
grandchildren might fill the house, might have everything it contained:
she asked only for her "precious time." When she could not have an hour
she took half an hour, a quarter, ten minutes. No fragment of time was
too small for her to save, to invest in study or in work; and as her
mind concentrated instantly on the subject in hand, no such fragment was
wasted. The rule of mind over body was relentless: sick or well, she
must finish her stint before the day closed.

This summer of 1879 was a happy one. After the feverish months of travel
and pleasure, her delight in the soft Newport climate was deeper than
ever. She always felt the change from the air of the mainland to that of
the island, and never crossed the bridge from Tiverton to Bristol Ferry
without an exclamation of pleasure. She used to say that the soft, cool
air of Newport smoothed out the tired, tangled nerves "like a silver
comb"!


"_July 29._ To my Club, where, better than any ovation, an affectionate
greeting awaited me.... Thucydides is very difficult."

This was the Town and Country Club, for some years a great interest to
her. In her "Reminiscences" she tells how in a summer of the late
sixties or early seventies, when Bret Harte and Dr. J. G. Holland,
Professors Lane and Goodwin of Harvard were spending the season at
Newport: "A little band of us combined to improve the beautiful summer
season by picnics, sailing parties, and household soirées, in all of
which these brilliant literary lights took part. Helen Hunt and Kate
Field were often of our company, and Colonel Higginson was always with
us."

       *       *       *       *       *

Among the frolics of that summer was the mock Commencement, arranged by
her and Professor Lane.

"I acted as President, Colonel Higginson as my aide; we both marched up
the aisle in Oxford caps and gowns. I opened the proceedings by an
address in Latin, Greek, and English; and when I turned to Colonel
Higginson and called him '_fili mihi dilectissime_,' he wickedly replied
with three bows of such comic gravity that I almost gave way to
unbecoming laughter. Not long before this he had published a paper on
the Greek goddesses. I therefore assigned as his theme the problem, 'How
to sacrifice an Irish bull to a Greek goddess.' Colonel George Waring,
the well-known engineer, being at that time in charge of a valuable farm
in the neighborhood, was invited to discuss 'Social small potatoes: how
to enlarge their eyes.' An essay on rhinoscopy was given by Fanny Fern,
the which I, chalk in hand, illustrated on the blackboard by the
following equation:--

  "Nose + nose + nose = proboscis.
  Nose - nose - nose = snub.

"A class was called upon for recitations from Mother Goose in seven
different languages. At the head of this Professor Goodwin honored us
with a Greek version of the 'Man in the Moon.' A recent Harvard
graduate, Dr. Gorham Bacon, recited the following, also of her
composition:--

  "'Heu iterum didulum,
  Felis cum fidulum,
  Vacca transiluit lunam,
  Caniculus ridet,
  Quum tale videt,
  Et dish ambulavit cum spoonam.'

"The question being asked whether this last line was in strict
accordance with grammar, the scholar gave the following rule: 'The
conditions of grammar should always give way to the exigencies of
rhyme.'

"The delicious fooling of that unique summer was never repeated. Out of
it came, however, the more serious and permanent association known as
the Town and Country Club of Newport. I felt the need of upholding the
higher social ideals and of not leaving true culture unrepresented, even
in a summer watering-place."

With the help and advice of Professor and Mrs. William B. Rogers,
Colonel Higginson and Mr. Samuel Powell, a number of friends were called
together in the early summer of 1874 and she laid before them the plan
of the proposed club. After speaking of the growing predominance of the
gay and fashionable element in Newport society, she said:--

"But some things can be done as well as others. Newport ... has also
treasures which are still unexplored....

"The milliner and the mantua-maker bring here their costly goods and
tempt the eye with forms and colors. But the great artist, Nature, has
here merchandise far more precious, whose value and beauty are
understood by few of us. I remember once meeting a philosopher in a
jeweller's shop. The master of the establishment exhibited to us his
choicest wares, among others a costly diamond ornament. The philosopher
[we think it was Emerson] said, 'A violet is more beautiful.' I cannot
forget the disgust expressed in the jeweller's face at this remark."

She then outlined the course laid out by the "Friends in Council,"
lectures on astronomy, botany, natural history, all by eminent persons.
They would not expect the Club to meet them on their own ground. They
would come to that of their hearers, and would unfold to them what they
were able to understand.

Accordingly, Weir Mitchell discoursed to them on the Poison of Serpents,
John La Farge on the South Sea Islands, Alexander Agassiz on Deep-Sea
Dredging and the Panama Canal; while Mark Twain and "Hans Breitmann"
made merry, each in his own inimitable fashion.

The Town and Country Club had a long and happy career. No matter what
heavy work she might have on hand for the summer, no sooner arrived at
Newport than our mother called together her Governing Committee and
planned out the season's meetings.

It may have been for this Club that she wrote her "Parlor Macbeth," an
extravaganza in which she appeared as "the impersonation of the whole
Macbeth family."

In the prologue she says:--

"As it is often said and supposed that a woman is at the bottom of all
the mischief that is done under the sun, I appear and say that I am she,
that woman, the female fate of the Macbeth family."

In the monologue that follows, Lady Macbeth fairly lives before the
audience, and in amazing travesty relates the course of the drama.

She thus describes the visit of the weird sisters (the three Misses
Macbeth) who have been asked to contribute some of "their excellent
hell-broth and devilled articles" for her party.

"At 12 M., a rushing and bustling was heard, and down the kitchen
chimney tumbled the three weird sisters, finding everything ready for
their midnight operations.... 'That hussy of a Macbeth's wife leaves us
nothing to work with,' cried one. 'She makes double trouble for us.'
'Double trouble, double trouble,' they all cried and groaned in chorus,
and presently fell into a sort of trilogy of mingled prose and verse
which was enough to drive one mad.

  'Where hast thou been?
                  Sticking pigs.
  And where hast thou?
                  Why, curling wigs
  Fit for a shake in German jigs
        And hoo! carew! carew!'

       *       *       *       *       *


"'We must have Hecate now, can't do without her. Throw the beans over
the broomstick and say boo!' And lo, Hecate comes, much like the others,
only rather more so....

"Now they began to work in good earnest. And they had brought with them
whole bottles of _sunophon_, and _sozodont_, and _rypophagon_, and
_hyperbolism_ and _consternaculum_, and a few others. And in the whole
went. And one stirred the great pot over the fire, while the others
danced around and sang--

  "'Black pepper and red,
  White pepper and grey,
  Tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle,
  Till it smarts all day.'

"'Here's dyspepsia! Here's your racking headache of a morning. Here's
podagra, and jaundice, and a few fits. And now it's done to a turn, and
the weird sisters have done what they could for the family.'

"A rumbling and tumbling and foaming was now heard in the chimney--the
bricks opened, and He-cat and She-cat and all the rest of them went up.
And I knew that my supper would be first-rate."


The time came when some of the other officers of the Town and Country
Club felt unable to keep the pace set by her. She would still press
forward, but they hung back, feeling the burden of the advancing years
which sat so lightly on her shoulders. The Club was disbanded; its fund
of one thousand dollars, so honorably earned, was given to the Redwood
Library, one of the old institutions of Newport.

The Town and Country Club was succeeded by the Papéterie, a smaller club
of ladies only, more intimate in its character. The exchange of "paper
novels" furnished its name and its _raison d'être_. The members were
expected to describe the books taken home from the previous meeting.
"What have you to tell us of the novel you have been reading?" the
president would demand. Then followed a report, serious or comic, as the
character of the volume or the mood of the meeting suggested. A series
of abbreviated criticisms was made and a glossary prepared: for
example,--

  "B. P.--By the pound.
  M. A. S.--May amuse somebody.
  P. B.--Pot-boiler.
  F. W. B.--For waste-basket.
  U. I.--Uplifting influence.
  W. D.--Wholly delightful.
  U. T.--Utter trash."

The officers consisted of the Glossarian, the Penologist, whose duty it
was to invent penalties for delinquents, the Cor. Sec. and the Rec. Sec.
(corresponding and recording secretaries) and the Archivist, who had
charge of the archives. During its early years a novel was written by
the Club, each member writing one chapter. It still exists, and part of
the initiation of a new member consists in reading the manuscript. The
"delicious fooling" that marked the first year of the Town and Country
Club's existence was the animating spirit of the Papéterie. A friend
christened it "Mrs. Howe's Vaudeville." Merrymaking was her
safety-valve. Brain fag and nervous prostration were practically unknown
to her. When she had worked to the point of exhaustion, she turned to
play. Fun and frolic went along with labor and prayer; the power of
combining these kept her steadily at her task till the end of her life.
The last time she left her house, six days before her death, it was to
preside at the Papéterie, where she was as usual the life of the
meeting! The Club still lives, and, like the New England Woman's Club,
seems still pervaded by her spirit.

The Clubs did not have all the fun. The Newport "Evening Express" of
September 2, 1881, says: "Mrs. Julia Ward Howe has astonished Newport by
her acting in 'False Colors.' But she always was a surprising woman."

Another newspaper says: "The interest of the Newport world has been
divided this week between the amateur theatricals at the Casino and the
lawn tennis tournament. Two representations of the comedy of 'False
Colors' were given on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.... The stars were
undoubtedly Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and Mr. Peter Marié, who brought down
the house by their brightness and originality.... Mr. Peter Marié gave a
supper on the last night of the performance, during which he proposed
the health of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and the thanks of the company for her
valuable assistance. Mrs. Howe's reply was very bright and apt, and her
playful warnings of the dangers of sailing under false colors were fully
appreciated."

It is remembered that of all the gay company she was the only one who
was letter-perfect in her part.


To return to 1879. She preached many times this summer in and around
Newport.

"_Sunday, September 28._ Hard at work. Could not look at my sermon until
this day. Corrected my reply to Parkman.[90] Had a very large audience
for the place--all seats full and benches put in."

  [90] Francis Parkman had written an article opposing woman suffrage.

"My sermon at the Unitarian Church in Newport. A most unexpected crowd
to hear me."

"_September 29._ Busy with preparing the dialogue in 'Alice in
Wonderland' for the Town and Country Club occasion...."


Many entries begin with "hard at work," or "very busy all day."

This summer was made delightful by a visit from her sister Louisa, with
her husband[91] and daughter. Music formed a large part of the summer's
pleasure. The Journal tells of a visit from Timothée Adamowski which was
greatly enjoyed.

  [91] Luther Terry, an American painter who had lived long in Rome, and
  had been a close friend of Thomas Crawford. He survived his wife by some
  years.

"_October 11._ Much delightful music. Adamowski has made a pleasant
impression upon all of us."

"_October 12, Sunday._ Sorry to say we made music all day. Looked hard
for Uncle Sam, who came not."

"_October 13._ Our delightful matinée. Adamowski and Daisy played
finely, he making a great sensation. I had the pleasure of accompanying
Adamowski in a Nocturne of Chopin's for violin and piano. All went well.
Our pleasure and fatigue were both great. The house looked charming."


In the autumn came a lecture tour, designed to recoup the heavy expenses
of the Eastern trip. Never skilful in matters of money-making, this tour
was undertaken with less preparation than the modern lecturer could well
imagine. She corresponded with one and another Unitarian clergyman and
arranged her lectures largely through them. Though she did not bring
back so much money as many less popular speakers, she was, after all,
her own mistress, and was not rushed through the country like a letter
by ambitious managers.

The Journal gives some glimpses of this trip.

"Twenty minutes to dress, sup, and get to the hall. Swallowed a cup of
tea and nibbled a biscuit as I dressed myself."

"Found the miserablest railroad hotel, where I waited all day for trunk,
in distress!... Had to lecture without either dress or manuscript. Mrs.
Blank hastily arrayed me in her black silk, and I had fortunately a few
notes."

She never forgot this lesson, and in all the thirty-odd years of
speaking and lecturing that remained, made it an invariable rule to
travel with her lecture and her cap and laces in her handbag. As she
grew older, the satchel grew lighter. She disliked all personal service,
and always wanted to carry her hand-luggage herself. The light palm-leaf
knapsack she brought from Santo Domingo was at the end replaced by a
net, the lightest thing she could find.


The Unitarian Church in Newport was second in her heart only to the
Church of the Disciples. The Reverend Charles T. Brooks, the pastor, was
her dear friend. In the spring of 1880 a Channing memorial celebration
was held in Newport, for which she wrote a poem. She sat on the platform
near Mr. Emerson, heard Dr. Bellows's discourse on Channing, "which was
exhaustive, and as it lasted two hours, exhausting." The exercises, W.
H. Channing's eulogium, etc., etc., lasted through the day and evening,
and in the intervals between addresses she was "still retouching" her
poem, which came last of all. "A great day!" says the Journal.


"_July 23._ Very busy all day. Rainy weather. In the evening I had a
mock meeting, with burlesque papers, etc. I lectured on _Ism-Is-not-m_,
on _Asm-spasm-plasm_."

"_July 24._ Working hard, as usual. Marionettes at home in the evening.
Laura had written the text. Maud was Julius Cæsar; Flossy, Cassius;
Daisy, Brutus."

"_July 28._ Read my lecture on 'Modern Society' in the Hillside Chapel
at Concord.... The comments of Messrs. Alcott and W. H. Channing were
quite enough to turn a sober head."

"To the poorhouse and to Jacob Chase's with Joseph Coggeshall. Old
Elsteth, whom I remember these many years, died a few weeks ago. One of
the pauper women who has been there a long time told me that Elsteth
cried out that she was going to Heaven, and that she gave her, as a last
gift, a red handkerchief. Mrs. Anna Brown, whom I saw last year, died
recently. Her relatives are people in good position and ought to have
provided for her in her declining years. They came, in force, to her
funeral and had a very nice coffin for her. Took her body away for
burial. Such meanness needs no comment.

"Jacob was glad to see me. Asked after Maud and doubted whether she was
as handsome as I was when he first saw me (thirty or more years ago).
His wife said to me in those days: 'Jacob thinks thee's the only
good-looking woman in these parts.' She was herself a handsome woman and
a very sweet one. I wish I had known I was so good-looking."


Of the writing of letters there was no end. Correspondence was rather a
burden than a delight to her; yet, when all the "duty letters" were
written, she loved to take a fresh sheet and frolic with some one of her
absent children. Laura, being the furthest removed, received perhaps
more than her share of these letters; yet, as will appear from them, she
never had enough.


                             _To Laura_

                                      OAK GLEN, October 10, 1880.

DEAREST, DEAREST L. E. R.,--

How I wonder how you R! Cause of silence not hardness of heart, but the
given necessity of scribbling for dear life, to finish a promised paper
for the Woman's Congress, _sedebit_ next week. I in Boston Wed., Thurs.,
and Fri.--day being understood. Mowski [Adamowski] left us yesterday
morning.... We had him here a fortnight, and enjoyed his visit
extremely. At table, between the courses, he played on every instrument
of the orchestra. I asked once for the bass drum, which he imitated,
adding thereunto the cymbals. We had a lunch party last week, for the
bride, Maud Appleton, and "invited quite fashionable," and after all
she didn't come. "Sick in bed with diphtheria." May by some be
considered an excuse, but then, it's very rude to be sick, and it's very
troublesome to other people. (This to make you feel badly about your own
shortcomings.) We had a little dance, too, on Friday evening. An omnibus
party came out and a few others. I pounded the Lancers and some ancient
waltzes and polkas, ending with the Virginia reel, in which last I
thought my floor would give way, the young men stamped so. I have no
paper left except some newspaper wrappers, so can't write any more. Got
up and found this scrap, then hunted for my pen, which, after some
search, I found in my mouth. This is what it is to be lit'ry. Oh, my! I
sometimes wish I wasn't!...


In October, while visiting Julia at the Institution, she missed her
footing and fell down the two steps leading to the dining-room, breaking
the ligaments of her knee. A letter to Laura makes the first mention of
this serious accident, whose effects she felt all her life.

                                      OAK GLEN, November 9, 1880.

DEAREST LAURA CHILD,--

Behold the mum-jacket, sitting clothed and in her chair, confronting you
after long silence, with comforting words of recovery. I am now in the
fourth week of my infirmity, and I really think that the offending, or
rather offended, muscles have almost recovered their natural power of
contraction. My exercise is still restricted to a daily walk from my bed
in the small parlor to my chair in the large parlor, and back again.
But this walk, which at first was an impotent limp, with bones clicking
loosely, is now a very respectable performance, not on the tight rope,
indeed, but, let us say, on the tight garter.... The only break in the
general uniformity of my life was dear Uncle Sam's arrival on Sunday
last. He remained with us a couple of hours, and was as delightful as
ever. Oh! more news. With his kind help, I have taken Mrs. Lodge's small
house for the winter and this opens to me a comfortable prospect,
though, even with his help, the two ends will have to be pulled a little
in order to meet....


The furnished house in lower Mount Vernon Street proved a pleasant
habitat. It was nine years since she had had a house in Boston; in spite
of her lameness, perhaps partly because of it, she enjoyed entertaining
her family and friends. Mrs. Terry and her daughter spent part of the
winter with them.

The year 1880 was marked by the publication of her first book since
"Later Lyrics": a tiny volume entitled "Modern Society," containing,
beside the title essay, a kindred one on "Changes in American Society."
The Journal makes little or no mention of this booklet, but Thomas
Wentworth Higginson says of it: "It would be hard to find a book in
American literature better worth reprinting and distributing.... In wit,
in wisdom, in anecdote, I know few books so racy."


"_January 1, 1881._ I have now been lame for twelve weeks, in
consequence of a bad fall which I had on October 17. I am still on
crutches with my left knee in a splint. Have had much valuable leisure
in consequence of this, but have suffered much inconvenience and
privation of preaching, social intercourse, etc. Very little pain since
the first ten days. Farewell, Old Year! Thank the Heavenly Father for
many joys, comforts and opportunities."

Her physician insisted upon her keeping quiet, but she could not obey
him, and continued to travel about on crutches to keep her many
engagements. Her faithful coachman, Frank McCarthy, was her companion on
these journeys.

"_January 26._ Busy most of the day with my lecture. Had a visit from H.
P. B.,[92] who advised me to keep still and go nowhere until my lameness
shall be much better. Took 4.30 train for Concord, Massachusetts. Maud
would go with me, which grieved me, as she thereby lost a brilliant
ball.... We went to Mr. Cheney's, where we found Frank Barlow, a little
older, but quite unchanged as to character, etc. He has the endearing
coquetry of a woman. Dear Mr. Emerson and Mrs. came to my lecture. Mr.
E. said that he liked it. The audience was very attentive throughout.
Stepped only once on my lame foot in getting into the sleigh...."

  [92] Dr. H. P. Beach.

"_January 28._ Busy all day with my address for woman's suffrage meeting
in the evening.... When I entered with my crutches the audience
applauded quite generally.... Wendell Phillips made the concluding
speech of the evening. He was less brilliant than usual, and kept
referring to what I had said. I thanked him for this afterwards, and he
said that my speech had spoiled his own; that I had taken up the very
points upon which he had intended to dwell."

"_February 11._ Lecture at Groton, Massachusetts. As I went down the
steps to the carriage, one of my crutches slipped and the careless
hackman on my right let me fall, Frank catching me, but not until I had
given my knee a severe wrench which gave me great pain. I suffered much
in my travel, but got through, Frank helping me.... My knee seemed much
inflamed and kept me awake much of the night. My lecture on 'Polite
Society' was well received. The good people of the house brought me
their new ledger, that my name might be the first recorded in it."

"_February 12._ Dinner of Merchants' Club. Edward Atkinson invites me.
Got back by early train, 7.50 A.M., feeling poorly. Did not let Maud
know of my hurt. Went to the dinner mentioned above, which was at the
Vendôme.... Was taken in to dinner by the President, Mr. Fitz. Robert
Collyer had the place on my right. He was delightful as ever. Edward
Everett Hale sat near me and talked with me from time to time. Of course
my speech afflicted me. I got through it, however, but had to lose the
other speeches, the hour being so late and the night so inclement, very
rainy."

"_February 20._ Very lame this morning. No courage to try to go out.
Have been busy with Kant and Miss Cobbe's new book, 'Duties of Women,'
which I am reviewing for the 'Christian Register.'..."


                               _To Laura_

                                                129 MOUNT VERNON STREET,

                                                    February 27, 1881.

MY DEAREST LAURA,--

... Mr. Longfellow came to see us yesterday, and told us his curious
dreams. In one of them, he went to London and found James Russell Lowell
_keeping a grocery._ In another, people were vituperating the bad
weather, and dear Papa said: "Remember, gentlemen, who makes it!" This
impressed us as very characteristic of our dear one. My lameness is
decreasing very slowly, and I have now been a week without the splint.
The knee, however, still swells if I attempt to use it, and my life is
still much restricted as to movement....


"_February 28...._ A cloud seems to lift itself from that part of my
mind which concerns, or should concern, itself with spiritual things.
Sometimes a strong unwillen seizes me in this direction. I feel in
myself no capacity to comprehend any features of the unseen world. My
belief in it does not change, but my imagination refuses to act upon the
basis of the 'things not seen.'"

"_March 5._ Longfellow to dine."

"_March 30._ In the evening to the ever-pleasing Hasty-Pudding
Theatrical Play, a burlesque of Victor Hugo's 'Notre Dame de Paris,'
with many saucy interjections. The fun and spirits of the young men were
very contagious, and must have cheered all present who needed
cheering...."


                            _To Laura_

                                         129 MOUNT VERNON STREET,

                                               March 24, 1881.

MY DARLING LAURA,--

The March wind blows, and gives me the spleen. I don't care about
anything, don't want my books, nor my friends, nor nothing. But you,
poor child, may not be in this wicked, not caring condition, and so I
will write you, having oughted to for a considerable time. Nothing stays
put, not even put-ty. Letters don't stay answered, faces don't stay
washed, clothes don't stay either clean or new. Children won't stay the
youngest. The world won't stay anywhere, anyhow. Forty years ago was
good enough for me. Why couldn't it stay? Now, I see you undertaking to
comfort me in good earnest, and know just how you would begin by saying:
"Well, it should!"... Nunc Richard[93] here yesterday. Remarked nothing
in particular, I replying in like manner. Kept his arm very dark, under
a sort of cloak. We condoled [with] each other upon our mental
stupidity, and parted with no particular views or sentiments. I have
been to-day at a worldly fashionable lunch. Nobody cared for anything
but what they had on and had to eat. "He! he!" said one: "ho! ho! ho!"
the other. "Is your uncle dead yet?" "No, but my aunt is." "Grandfather
Wobblestick used to say"--"Why, of course he did!" Which is all that I
remember of the conversation. Now, darling, this is perfectly hateful of
me to turn and snarl at the hand which has just been putting good
morsels into my mouth. But you see, this is a March wind in Boston, and
I can't help it. And I hobbled greatly up the big staircase, also down.
That's all. Auntie and Daisy and Maud lunched, too, munchingly. D. made
a new capote for Maud. Nobody made nothing new for me. I had no lace bow
under my chin, and looked so neglected! Maud and Daisy always on the
wing, concerts, theatres, lunches, etc., etc. Auntie and I have some
good evenings at home, in which we refresh the venerable intelligence
with the modern publication, we do, to wit, "Early Life of Charles James
Fox." We also play Russian backgammon. Big Frank Crawford has
enlargement of 's liver. This P.M. late Mrs. C. C. Perkins has recep.
for Miss Carl Schurz. Girls going, but going first to X.'s weekly weak
tea and weaker talk. Here again, you spleeny devil, get thee behind me!
I love my fellow-creatures, but, bless you, not in this month.... Julia
Nagnos takes tea round generally, and finds that it agrees with her....
I regard you, on the whole, with feeling. Farewell, Laura, I am your
poor old mad March hare Mamma. Love to Skip and the little ones.

  [93] The late Richard Sullivan.


"_April 7._ Finished Carlyle's 'Reminiscences' to-day. Perhaps nothing
that he has left shows more clearly what he was, and was not. A loyal,
fervent, witty, keen man.... His characterizations of individuals are
keenly hit off with graphic humor. But he could make sad mistakes, and
could not find them out, as in the case of what he calls our 'beautiful
Nigger Agony'!!"

"I went out to the Cambridge Club, having had chills and fever all the
night before. Read my lecture on Paris, which was well received, and
followed by a good discussion with plenty of differences of opinion.
Evening at home; another chill and fever."


                                 _To Laura_

                                            129 MOUNT VERNON STREET,

                                                 April 24, 1881.

Bad old party, is and was. Badness mostly of heart, though head has a
decided crack in it. Unfeeling old Beast! Left Laura so long without a
word. Guess 't isn't worth while for her to write anything more.

My poor dear little Laura, how miserably you must have been feeling, I
know well by your long silence. Oh! posterity! posterity! how much you
cost, and how little you come to! Did I not cost as much as another? And
what do I come to? By Jingo!

Darling, I have got some little miserable mean excuses. Want 'em? Have
had much writing to do, many words for little money. For "Critic" (N.Y.)
and for "Youth's Companion" and other things. Then, have kept up great
correspondence with Uncle Sam, who has given me a house in Beacon
Street! _oh gonniac!_[94]

  [94] Welsh for "glory": a favorite exclamation of hers, learned in
  childhood from a Welsh servant.

We had lit'ry party last week. Dr. Holmes and William Dean Howells read
original things. James Freeman Clarke recited and we had ices and
punch. Maud thought it frumpy, but others liked it very much. Have been
to church to-day, heard J. F. C. 'Most off crutches now and hobble about
the house with a cane. Use crutches to go up and down stairs and to walk
in the street.... Have heard much music and have seen Salvini once, in
the "Gladiator," and hope to see him on Thursday, in "Macbeth." How are
the dear children? I do want to see them, 'specially July Ward....


"_May 27._ Soon after 7 A.M. arrived Uncle Sam with my dear sister Annie
Mailliard from California; the whole intended as a birthday surprise. My
sister is very little changed; always a most tender, sensitive woman.
Sister Louisa didn't know of this and came at 11 A.M. to bring my
greetings and gifts, with Mr. Terry, Daisy, and Uncle Sam. When Sister
Annie appeared, Sister Louisa almost fainted with delight and
astonishment."

"_June 20, Oak Glen_, Dear Flossy suffering at 6 A.M.--about all day.
Her child, a fine boy, born at 3 P.M. We are all very happy and
thankful. It was touching to see the surprise and joy of the little
children when they were admitted to a sight of their new relative. There
was something reverent in the aspect of the little creatures, as if they
partly felt the mystery of this new life which they could not
understand. Some one told them that it came from Heaven. Harry, four
years old, said: 'No, it didn't come from Heaven, for it hasn't any
wings.'"


              _To Laura (who, as usual, wanted a letter)_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 10, 1881.

Yes, she was a little injured, but not so bad as she pretends. Feelings
hurt dreadful? Self-esteem bruised and swollen? Spleen a little touched?
Well, she has had the doctor, and the doctor said: "Her mother is a
public character, what can we do about it?"

  Could my ink forever flow,
  Could my pen no respite know.

Well, my darling, it was too bad, so we'll make up, and kiss and be
friends. But now you look here. Besides all my lit'ry work, which seems
to be heaviest in summer time, I had an awful deal to do in taking care
of Flossy's children and the new baby. The babe is of the crying sort!
When anything is to be done for his Ma, the nurse expects some one to
hold him.... I returned last night from a journey to Vermont, where I
read a paper before the American Institute of Education, and also spoke
at a suffrage meeting and also at an outdoor mass meeting, and also at a
suffrage meeting in Montpelier, and came back, after four days' absence,
very tired. (Chorus, Don't tell Maud.)...


"_August 30._ My first performance at the Casino Theatre. It went off
very successfully, and I was much applauded, as were most of the others.
Supper afterwards at Mrs. Richard Hunt's, where I had to appear in
'plain clothes,' having been unable to accomplish evening dress after
the play. Dear Flossy went with me."

Another "performance" of that summer is not noted in the Journal; an
impromptu rendering of "Horatius at the Bridge," in the "green parlor"
at Oak Glen, with the following cast:--

  Horatius               F. Marion Crawford.
  Spurius Lartius        J. W. H.
  Herminius              Maud Howe.

The green parlor was an oval grass plot, thickly screened by tall
cedars. Laura recited the ballad, keeping her voice as she could while
the heroes waged desperate combat, but breaking down entirely when
Horatius "plunged headlong in the tide," and swam with magnificent
action across--the greensward!


"_September 18._ Preached in Tiverton to-day. Text: 'The fashion of this
world passeth away.' Subject: Fashion, an intense but transient power;
in contradistinction, the eternal things of God."

"_September 25._ Spent much of this day in composing a poem in
commemoration of President Garfield's death. Spared no pains with this
and succeeded better than I had expected."

"_September 26._ The President's funeral. Services held in most cities
of the United States, I should judge. Solemn services also in London and
Liverpool."


                        _To Samuel Ward_

                                               241 BEACON STREET,

                                               December 22, 1881.

DEAREST BROTHER,--

... _Your_ house, darling, was bright and lovely, yesterday. I had my
old pet, Edwin Booth, to lunch--we were nine at table, the poet Aldrich
disappointing us. From three to four we had a reception for Mr. Booth,
quite the _crême de la crême_, I assure you. Among others, Dr. Holmes
came. The rooms and furniture were much admired. We gave only tea at the
levee, but had some of your good wine at the luncheon.

P.S. Mr. Booth in "Lear" last night was sublime!


                              _To the same_

Edwin Booth had sent us his box for the evening. The play was "Hamlet,"
the performance masterly. People's tastes about plays differ, but I am
sure that no one on the boards can begin to do what Booth does. I saw
him for a moment after the play, and he told me that he had done his
best for me. Somehow, I thought that he was doing his very best, but did
not suppose that he was thinking of me particularly....


"_January 29, 1882._ Frank [Marion Crawford] had met Oscar Wilde the
evening before at Dr. Chadwick's; said that he expressed a desire to
make my acquaintance. Wrote before I went to church to invite him to
lunch. He accepted and Maud and Frank, or rather Marion, flew about to
get together friends and viands. Returning from a lifting and delightful
sermon of J. F. C.'s, I met Maud at the door. She cried: 'Oscar is
coming.' Mrs. Jack Gardner, Madame Braggiotti, and Julia completed our
lunch party. Perhaps ten or twelve friends came after lunch. We had what
I might call a 'lovely toss-up,' _i.e._, a social dish quickly
compounded and tossed up like an omelet."

During this year and the next, Crawford made his home at 241 Beacon
Street. Here he wrote his first three books, "Mr. Isaacs," "Dr.
Claudius," and "A Roman Singer." He was a delightful inmate, and the
months he spent under our mother's roof were happy ones. A tender
_camaraderie_ existed between aunt and nephew. During his first winter
in Boston he thought of going on the stage as a singer, and studied
singing with Georg Henschel. He had a fine voice, a dramatic manner,
full of fire, but an imperfect ear. This fault Henschel at first thought
could be remedied: for months they labored together, trying to overcome
it. Crawford delighted in singing, and "Auntie" in playing his
accompaniments. At dusk the two would repair to the old Chickering grand
to make music--Schubert, Brahms, and arias from the oratorios they both
loved. In the evening the three guitars would be brought out, and aunt
and nephew, with Maud or Brother Harry, would sing and play German
students' songs, or the folk-songs of Italy, Ireland, and Scotland. Our
mother was sure to be asked for Matthias Claudius's "_Als Noah aus dem
Kasten war_": Crawford would respond with "_Im schwarzen Wallfisch zu
Ascalon_."

This was the first of thirty happy years passed at 241 Beacon Street,
the house Uncle Sam bought for her. The day she moved in, a friend asked
her the number of her new house.

"241," she answered. "You can remember it because I'm the two-forty
one."

Oscar Wilde was at this time making a lecture tour through the United
States. This was the heyday of his popularity; he had been heralded as
the apostle of the æsthetic movement. At his first lecture, given at the
old Boston Music Hall, he appeared in a black velvet court suit with
ruffles, and black silk stockings, his hair long and curling on his
shoulders. A few moments after he had taken his place on the platform, a
string of Harvard students filed into the hall, dressed in caricature of
the lecturer's costume, each with a sunflower in his coat and a peacock
feather in his hand. Our mother, who was in the audience, recognized
near the head of the procession her favorite grand-nephew, Winthrop
Chanler. Wilde took this interruption in good part, welcoming the lads
and turning the laugh against them. "Imitation is the sincerest
flattery," he said, "though this is a case where I might say, 'Save me
from my friends.'"

Wilde came several times to the house in Boston; later Uncle Sam brought
him to spend a day or two at Oak Glen, where the household was thrown
into a flutter by the advent of his valet. It was one thing to entertain
the æsthete, another to put up the gentleman's gentleman. In spite of
all the affectation of the æsthetic pose, Wilde proved a rarely
entertaining guest. He talked amazingly well; in that company all that
was best in the man came to the surface. He recited his noble poem, "The
Ode to Albion," under the trees of Oak Glen, and told endless stories of
Swinburne, Whistler, and other celebrities of the day. The dreadful
tragedy came later; at this time he was one of the most brilliant
figures in the literary world.

"_March 4._ To Saturday Morning Club with Mrs. [John] Sherwood; very
busy; then with her to Blind Asylum in a carriage. Drove up to front
entrance and alighted, when the gale took me off my feet and threw me
down, spraining my left knee so badly as to render me quite helpless. I
managed to hobble into the Institution and to get through Julia's lunch,
after which I was driven home. Sent for Dr. Beach and was convicted of a
bad sprain, and sentenced to six weeks of (solitary) confinement."

"_March 5._ In bed all day."

"_March 6._ On the lounge; able to work."

"_March 8._ Day of mid-year conference of A.A.W. Business meeting at the
N.E.W.C., where I, of course, could not be present. Afternoon meeting
was in my room. On the whole satisfactory."


                                  _To Laura_

                                                241 BEACON STREET,

                                                  March 18, 1882.

Whereupon, my dearest, let there be no further pribbles and prabbles,
which I conjugate thus: I pribble, thou prabblest, he, she, or it
pribble prabbles. Maud leaveth on a Tuesday, come thou on that same
Tuesday, taking care to keep thy nose in front of thy countenance, and
not otherwisely, which were neither wisely nor too well. I hope thou
wilt not fail to come on Tuesday. And pray don't forget the baby, as the
nurse might find it lonesome to be here without her. During the period
of thy visit, I will change my name to _Jinkins_, we will have such high
Jinks!... Beacon Street looks as though it wanted something. I think
thou beest it....

  Am ever thy lame game MOTHER.


"_March 24._ Longfellow died at about 3.30 P.M. to-day. He will be much
and deservedly lamented. The last of dear Chev's old set, the Five of
Clubs, nicknamed by Mary Dwight the 'Mutual Admiration Society.' On
hearing of this event, I put off my reception for the Zuñi chiefs, which
should have been on Monday, when the funeral will probably take place."

"_March 26._ Dear Brother Sam came on very unexpectedly to attend the
funeral service held at the Longfellow [house] for relatives and
intimates. I also was bidden to this, but thought it impossible for me
to go, lame as I am. Sent word out to Julia Anagnos, who came in, and
went in my place with Uncle Sam. The dear old fellow dined with us. I
got downstairs with great difficulty and fatigue. We had a delightful
evening with him, but he would go back to New York by the night train."

"_March 30._ To-day the Zuñi chiefs and Mr. Cushing, their interpreter
and adopted son, came to luncheon at 1.45. There were twelve Indian
chiefs in full Indian dress. Reception afterwards."


The Zuñi Indians live in Arizona. Once in the year they make a
pilgrimage to the seashore, and wading into the ocean at sunrise, offer
prayer to the Great Spirit, and fill their vessels of woven grass with
water to be used through the year in their religious exercises. This
pilgrimage had always been made to the Pacific; but in the hearts of the
tribe lingered a tradition that once in a hundred years the "Water of
Sunrise" should be visited, and they dreamed of the Eastern ocean. The
tradition was now confirmed, the dream fulfilled, through the friendly
offices of Mr. Cushing.

The ceremony was one of touching interest; hundreds of people gathered
at City Point to watch it. Most of the spectators felt the beauty and
solemnity of the service (for such it was), but a few were inclined to
jeer, till they were sternly rebuked by Phillips Brooks.

As our mother could not go to see the Zuñis, they must come to see her,
and Mr. Cushing gladly brought them. They were grave, stalwart men, with
a beautiful dignity of carriage and demeanor. A picture not to be
forgotten is that of her in her white dress, bending eagerly forward to
listen while the chiefs, sitting in a circle on the floor, told stories,
Mr. Cushing interpreting for her benefit. At parting, each man took her
hand, and raised it to his forehead with a gesture of perfect grace. The
eldest chief, before this salute, held her hand a moment, and blew
across the palm, east and west. "Daughter," he said, "our paths have
crossed here. May yours be bright hereafter!"


"_April 1._ To-day Edward [Everett] Hale brought me a parting memento of
the Zuñis--the basket with which they had dipped up the water from the
'ocean of sunrise.' Mr. Cushing sent this. E. E. H. also spoke about
five hymns which should be written corresponding to the five great
hymns of the Catholic mass. He asked me to write one of these and I
promised to try."

"_April 16._ Splint off to-day. Waited for Dr. Beach, so could not go to
church. Had an interesting talk with the Doctor on the Immortality of
the Soul, in which he is a believer."

"_April 27._ Made to-day a good start in writing about Margaret Fuller.
This night at 8.50 P.M. died Ralph Waldo Emerson, _i.e._, all of him
that could die. I think of him as a father gone--father of so much
beauty, of so much modern thought."

"_May 7._ To church, going out for the first time without a crutch,
using only my cane.

"J. F. C.'s sermon was about Emerson, and was very interesting and
delicately appreciative. I think that he exaggerated Emerson's solid and
practical effect in the promotion of modern liberalism. The change was
in the air and was to come. It was in many minds quite independently of
Mr. Emerson. He was the foremost literary man of his day in America,
philosopher, poet, reformer, all in one. But he did not make his age,
which was an age of great men and of great things."

"_May 14._ Had a sudden thought in church of a minister preaching in a
pulpit and a fiend waiting to carry him off to hell. Made some verses
out of this.

"This is Whitsunday.... I do hope and pray for a fresh outpouring this
year. While I listened to Dr. Furness, two points grew clear to me: one
was, that I would hold my Peace Meeting, if I should hold it alone, as
a priest sometimes serves his mass. The second was, that I could preach
from the text: 'As ye have borne the image of the earthy, so shall ye
bear the image of the heavenly,' and this sermon I think I could preach
to the prisoners, as I once tried to do years ago when dear Chev found
the idea so intolerable that I had to give it up. I am twenty years
older now, and the Woman Ministry is a recognized fact.

"Still Sunday afternoon. I am now full of courage for this week's heavy
work."

"_May 30._ Alas! alas! dear Professor Rogers dropped dead to-day after
some exercise at the Institute of Technology. How he had helped me in
the Town and Country Club! Without his aid and that of his wife, I doubt
whether I could have started it at all: he was always vice-president as
I was president. I cannot think how I can do without him."

"_July 22._ Commemoration of Mr. Emerson at Concord Town Hall. Several
portraits of him and very effective floral decorations; no music. Prayer
by Rev. Dr. Holland; introductory remarks by F. B. Sanborn in which he
quoted a good part of a poem by W. E. Channing, R. W. E. its theme. Then
came an unmercifully long paper by Dr. X., much of which was interesting
and some of which was irrelevant. He insisted upon Mr. Emerson's having
been an evolutionist, and unfolded a good deal of his own tablecloth
along with the mortuary napkin."

"_July 29._ Had a studious and quiet day. Was in good time for the
performance [at the Casino]...."

In a letter to "Uncle Sam" she speaks of "the labor and fatigue of
preparing for the theatricals, which are happily over. We had rehearsals
every day last week. My part was a short one, but I took great pains to
make it as good as I could. Some points which I thought of on the spur
of the moment added greatly to the fun of the impersonation. We had a
fine house, and an enthusiastic reception. I had a floral tribute--only
think of it!--a basket of beautiful roses...."

"_September 18._ Left Newport to attend Saratoga Convention, being
appointed a delegate from the Channing Memorial Church, with its pastor,
Reverend C. W. Wendte."

"_November 8._ Cousin Nancy Greene, my father's cousin, enters to-day
upon her ninety-ninth year. I called to see her, going first to town to
buy her some little gift.... Had a very interesting talk with her. She
was nicely dressed in black, with a fresh cap and lilac ribbon, and a
little silk handkerchief. For her this was quite an unusual toilette. I
wished her a good year to come, but she said: 'Why should I want to live
another year? I can do nothing.' I suggested that she should dictate her
reminiscences to the girl who waits upon her and who writes, she says, a
good hand."

"_November 11._ I went to see the old Seventh Day Baptist Church, now
occupied by the Newport Historical Society, in which my
great-grandfather, Governor Samuel Ward, used to attend service...."

"_December 24, Boston._ Spoke at the Home for Intemperate Women at 6
P.M. I did my best. Text: 'Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth
are named.' Subject: The Christian family; God, its father, all mankind
brothers and sisters.... Afterwards went to the Christmas 'Messiah.'
Felt more sure than ever that no music so beautiful as this has ever
been written."




CHAPTER IV

241 BEACON STREET: THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION

1883-1885; _aet._ 64-66

  The full outpouring of power that stops at no frontier,
  But follows _I would_ with _I can_, and _I can_ with _I do it_!

                                                         J. W. H.


The winter of 1882-83 found her once more with a family of some size,
her son and his wife joining forces with her at 241 Beacon Street. In
Harry's college days, mother and son had made much music together; now
the old music books were unearthed, and the house resounded with the
melodies of Rossini and Handel. It was a gay household, with Crawford
living in the reception room on the ground floor; play was the order of
the evening, as work was of the day.

The new inmates brought new friends to the circle, men of science, the
colleagues of her beloved "Bunko," now Professor Howe of the Institute
of Technology, Italians, and other Europeans introduced by Crawford.
There was need of these new friends, for old ones were growing fewer.
Side by side in the Journal with the mention of this one or that comes
more and more frequently the record of the passing of some dear
companion on life's journey. Those who were left of the great band that
made New England glorious in the nineteenth century held closely to each
other, and the bond between them had a touching significance. Across the
street lived Oliver Wendell Holmes; in Cambridge was Thomas Wentworth
Higginson; in Dorchester, Edward Everett Hale.

In a letter to her brother she speaks of "the constant 'tear and trot'
of my Boston life, in which I try to make all ends meet, domestic,
social, artistic, and reformatory, and go about, I sometimes think, like
a poor spider who spins no web.... Marion has been very industrious, and
is full of good work and of cheer. His book ["Mr. Isaacs"] has been such
a success as to give him at once a recognized position, of which the
best feature, economically, is that it enables him to command adequate
and congenial employment at fairly remunerative prices...."


                              _To Laura_

MY DARLING CHILD,--

Your letter makes me say that I don't know anything, whether I have
written or not, or ought to write, or not. Mammy's poor old head is very
much worse than ever, and I don't get time even to read letters, some
days. I can't tell why, except that there are many points and people to
be reached, in one way and another, and I rush hither and thither,
accomplishing, I fear, very little, but stirring many stews with my own
spoon. It seems to me that I could not bear another winter of this
stress and strain, which is difficult to analyze or account for, as "she
needn't have done it, you know." Why she must do it, notwithstanding, is
hard to tell, or what it is in doing it which so exhausts all nervous
energy and muscular strength. Now, darling, after this prelude in a
minor key, let me thank heaven that, after all, I am well in health,
and comfortable.

_Wednesday, 10th, 2.20_ P.M. I wrote the above at noon, yesterday,
expecting Salvini to lunch.... Mrs. Appleton came in, and kept me, until
2 minus 20 minutes, at which time, nearly beside myself with anxiety, I
tumbled upstairs, out of one garment and into another. Such was my
dressing. Salvini came and was charming. After luncheon came a
reception. Your little girls were there, looking delightfully. Porter
was pleased to say that the little ones, hanging around the (old)
grandmother made a pleasing picture.... No more from 'fection

                                                             MAR.


In later January she has "a peaceful day at Vassar College.... In the
afternoon met the teachers and read some poems, to wit, all of the
Egyptian ones, and the poem on the Vestal dug up in Rome. At bedtime
last night I had a thought of ghosts. I spoke of this to Maria Mitchell
to-day. She told me that Mr. Matthew Vassar's body had been laid in this
room and those of various persons since, which, had I known, I had been
less comfortable than I was."


"_February 18._ Young Salvini [Alessandro] and Ventura to luncheon, also
Lizzie Boott and Mrs. Jack [Gardner]. Salvini is beautiful to look at,
having a finely chiselled Greek head. He is frank, cordial, and
intelligent, and speaks very appreciatively of his parts, especially of
Romeo."

"To the Intemperate Women's Home where I spoke from the text, 'Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"


                               _To Laura_

                                                  March 17, 1883.

DARLING CHILD,--

Just let drop everything, and take me up on your lap. I'se very tired,
writing, tugging at all sorts of things. Long silence b'tween us.
Growing estrangement, eh? Richardses are better, eh? Which nobody can
deny.... Have been hard at work upon a memoir of Maria Mitchell, which
is well-nigh finished.... Am spleeny to-day: the weather being
according....


                          _To "Uncle Sam"_

                                                  March 28, 1883.

MY DARLING BROTHER,--

I owe you two good long letters, and am ashamed to think how long it is
since you have seen my crabbed chirography. Of course, it is the old
story. I have been dreadfully busy with all sorts of work, in all of
which I take delight, while yet to quote St. Paul, "The good that I
would I do not." To give you a few items, I have just finished a short
memoir of Maria Mitchell, Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. This
was an interesting task, but had to be very carefully done. At the same
time, I had to correct Maud's memoir of me, which is to be published in
the same collection of biographies of _eminent_ women! I think I am
eminent for undertaking ten times more than I can do, and doing about
one tenth of it. Well--I have given three Sunday preachments at a sort
of Woman's church which they have here. My themes were: "The Order of
the Natural and the Spiritual," "Tares and Wheat," and "The Power of
Religion in the Life." I was in New York last Wednesday, to preside over
the mid-year Conference of the Woman's Congress.... I had a visit from
Salvini the other day. He was most charming, and sent me a box for last
evening's performance of "The Outlaw," in Italian: "Morte Civile." I
went, with my Harry and Laura, I in my best attire. I had received some
very beautiful roses, which I threw upon the stage, at the recall after
the third Act. To-day I met Wendell Phillips in the street, and made him
come in to see Marion, whose letter on English rule in India, printed in
the New York "Tribune," he had liked very much. Phillips asked me how I
came to live in this part of the city, and I told him about your gift of
the house.... Marion is sitting by my fire, with Browning's "Jocoseria"
in his hands, from which he has been reading passages. It sounds strange
and silly....


                                _To the same_

                                          OAK GLEN, May 10, 1883.

... --I have been here alone all these days, with many gentle ghosts of
past companionship, and with a task at which I work steadily every day.
This is a life of Margaret Fuller, rewritten mostly from the memoirs
already published, but also recast in my own thought. The publisher is
in a hurry for it, and I have to work without intermission, _i.e._, as
long as I can, every day; but with all the diligence in my power, I
cannot get along very rapidly. When I have finished my stint, I refresh
myself with a little Greek, and also with an Italian novel which I have
brought with me. The place looks lovely, and I sat, this afternoon, on
the western piazza, near that angle where you and I used to sit, last
summer, and enjoyed a bath of sunshine....


                               _To Laura_

                                       OAK GLEN, August 21, 1883.

MY MUCH NEGLECTED DARLING,--

I give you to-day my first hour, or half-hour, as the case may be,
feeling that my long silence has been abominable, and must be broken,
even if you should feel it to be your duty to throw an inkstand at my
head, in return for my letter. It is partly Backbone's fault. Backbone
has been so scrouged and put upon by the summer's work that he sometimes
cuts up amazing. Said work is pretty well out of hand at this moment,
the last chapters of "Margaret Fuller" being ready for the press.... I
have so much felt the shocking uncharity of things in the way of diaries
and letters which have been published within the last few years. Not the
least bad exhibition in this kind has been made by Carlyle and his wife.
I have just finished reading the three volumes of her letters and
memorials, which were indeed interesting to me by the mention in them of
persons whom I myself have known. Still, the spirit of the book is
painful. It is sad to see how she adopted, at times, her husband's
harsh creed. I should think Froude, the editor, must be wanting in
common taste and decency, to have allowed the letters to appear in all
this crudeness. I am so glad that I never went near them, after that one
tea-drink, a very bad one, forty years ago. Is this enough about the
Carlyles? And is it strictly charitable? I dunno; I'm getting very old
to know anything....


The "Life of Margaret Fuller" (in Roberts Brothers' series of "Famous
Women") was a small book, yet it stood for much careful work, and was so
recognized and received. The recognition sometimes took a singular form,
_e.g._, a letter from a gentleman styling himself "Prof. Nat. & Geol.,"
who desires two copies of the "Margaret Fuller," and asks her to "accept
for them a choice selection of '_Lithological_,' Cabinet of Geological
Mineral specimens, representing the Glacial, and Emptus period, also the
Crystalline formation of the Earth's Strata, in Coolings, Rubbings, and
Scratchings of the Drift Age."

The exchange was not effected.


                         _To "Uncle Sam"_

                                               December 15, 1883.

DARLING BRO' SAM,--

I must write you at once, or my silence will expand into a broad ocean
which I shall be afraid to cross.... I have had a very laborious year,
now screwed to my desk, and working at _timed_ tasks, now travelling
widely, and scattering my spoken words.... Well, so much for desk-work,
now for the witch broomstick on which I fly. The Congress was held in
Chicago, in mid-October. From this place, I went to Minneapolis....
Harry and his wife are here, paying handsomely their share of our
running expenses. The little house looks friendly and comfortable, and I
hope, after a few more flights, to enjoy it very much. These will now be
very short.... Boston is all alive with Irving's acting, Matthew
Arnold's lectures, Cable's readings, and the coming opera. _Père_
Hyacinthe also has been here, and a very eminent Hindoo, named Mozumdar.
I have lost many of these doings by my journeys, but heard Arnold's
lecture on Emerson last evening. I have also heard one of Cable's
readings. Arnold does not in the least understand Emerson, I think. He
has a positive, square-jawed English mind, with no super-sensible
_aperçûs_. His elocution is pitiable, and when, after his lecture,
Wendell Phillips stepped forward and said a few graceful words of
farewell to him, it was like the Rose complimenting the Cabbage....


The year 1883 closed with a climax of triumphant fatigue in the
Merchants' and Mechanics' Fair, in which she was president of the
Woman's Department. This was to lead to a far more serious undertaking
in the autumn of 1884, that of the Woman's Department of the New Orleans
Exposition. The Journal may bridge the interval between the two.

"_February 3, 1884._ Wendell Phillips is dead.

"To speak at the meeting in memory of Cheshub Chunder Sen at Parker
Memorial Hall. Heard T. W. Higginson and Mrs. Cheney. H. spoke at length
of Phillips and said too much about his later mistakes, I thought,
saying nothing about his suffrage work, of which I took care to speak,
when it was my turn. Several persons thanked me for my words, which
treated very briefly of Phillips's splendid services to humanity."

[She spoke of him as "the most finished orator of our time," and as "the
Chrysostom of modern reform."]

"_February 6._ Wendell Phillips's funeral. I am invited to attend
memorial services at Faneuil Hall on Friday evening. I accept."

"_February 9...._ I was very glad that I had come to this, the People's
meeting, and had been able to be heard in Faneuil Hall, the place of all
others where the _People_ should commemorate Wendell Phillips. My task
was to speak of his services to the cause of Woman. Others spoke of him
in connection with Labor Reform, Anti-Slavery, Ireland, and Temperance."


                               _To Laura_

Just so, knowed you'd take advantage of my silence to write su'thin
saucy. Until I got your kammunikation I felt kind o' penitent
like--hadn't thanked for no Xmas nor nothing. Felt self to be shabby and
piglike in conduct, though perfectly angelic in intention. Pop comes
your letter--pop goes my repentance. "She's got even with me," I said:
"If she went into a tailor's shop to get a cabbage leaf, to make an
apple pie, what does it matter by what initials she calls herself? Who's
going to distress themselves about the set of her cloak? And she do
boast about it preposterous, and that are a fact."

Here endeth the first meditation, and I will now fall back upon the
"Dearly beloved," for the rest of the service....


                          _To the same_

                            241 BEACON STREET, February 11, 1884.

_Oh, thou, who art not quite a Satan!_

Question is, dost thou not come very near it?...

I have been very busy, and have _orated_ tremendous, this winter. I
didn't go for to do it, you know, but I cou'n' avoin it. [A household
expression, dating back to her childhood, when a gentleman with a defect
of speech, speaking of some trouble incurred by her father, said, "Poor
Mr. Warn! he cou'n' avoin it!" This gentleman was a clergyman, and was
once heard to assure his congregation that "their hens [heads] wou'n be
crownen with glory!"]


"_February 12._ Hearing at State House, Committee of Probate, etc., on
the petition of Julia Ward Howe and others that the laws concerning
married women may be amended in three respects. We had prepared three
separate bills, one providing that the mother shall have equal rights
with the father in their children, especially in determining their
residence and their education. A second ruling that on the wife's death,
the husband, who now gets all her real estate, may have one half, and
the children the other, and that the widow shall have the same right to
half the husband's real estate after his death. A third bill was devised
to enable husband and wife to contract valid money obligations toward
each other."


Through the untiring efforts of the Suffragists these bills were all
passed.


"_March 27...._ I heard with dismay of the injury done to my Newport
place by the breaking of Norman's dam. Was very much troubled about
this."


                              _To Laura_

                                                  March 29, 1884.

MY DEAREST DARLING,--

Dunno why I hain't wrote you, 'cept that, while I was lame, the attitude
of reclining with my foot extended was very fatiguing to me. The injury
was very slight. I only knocked my left foot pretty hard (_anglicé_,
stubbed my toe) hurrying upstairs, but the weak left knee gave way, and
turned, letting me down, and feloniously puffing itself up, which
Charity never does. It could not be concealed from Maud, and so Beach
was sent for, and a fortnight of _stay still_ ordered and enforced. On
Tuesday last I broke bounds and railed it to Buffalo, New York, with my
crutches, which were no longer needed. This was for the mid-year
Conference of our Congress. Before I say more under this head, let me
tell you that I returned from Buffalo this morning, much the better for
my trip. I had a lovely visit there, in a most friendly and comfortable
house, with carriages at my disposition. A beautiful luncheon was given
to us Congressers and I gave a lecture on Thursday evening, price $50,
and sat in a high chair, thinking it not prudent to stand so long....


"_April 4._ In the latter part of the eighteenth century a Christian
missionary, Chinese, but disguised as a Portuguese, penetrated into
Corea, and was much aided in his work by the courageous piety of Columba
Kang, wife of one of the lesser nobles. She and the missionary suffered
torture and death.... Merchants, not diplomatists, are the true apostles
of civilization.

"Questions for A.A.W. [_i.e._, for the annual Conference of the
Association for the Advancement of Women]: How far does the business of
this country fulfil the conditions of honest and honorable traffic?

"What is the ideal of a mercantile aristocracy?"

"_April 7._ General Armstrong called last evening. He spoke of the
negroes as individually quick-witted and capable, but powerless in
association and deficient in organizing power. This struck me as the
natural consequence of their long subjection to despotic power. The
exigencies of slavery quickened their individual perceptions, and
sharpened their wits, but left them little opportunity for concerted
action. Freedom allows men to learn how to coöperate widely and strongly
for ends of mutual good. Despotism heightens personal consciousness
through fear of danger, but itself fears nothing so much as association
among men, which it first prohibits and in time renders impossible."

"_April 15._ A delightful Easter. I felt this day that, in my
difficulties with the Anti-Suffragists, the general spread of Christian
feeling gives me ground to stand upon. The charity of Christendom will
not persist in calumniating the Suffragists, nor will its sense of
justice long refuse to admit their claims."

"_April 17._ Sam Eliot was in a horse-car, and told me that Tom Appleton
had died of pneumonia in New York. The last time I spoke with him was in
one of these very cars. He asked me if I had been to the funeral,
meaning that of Wendell Phillips. I was sure that he had been much
impressed by it. I saw him once more, on Commonwealth Avenue on a bitter
day. He walked feebly and was much bent. I did not stop to speak with
him which I now regret. He was very friendly to me, yet the sight of me
seemed to rouse some curious vein of combativeness in him. He had many
precious qualities, and had high views of character, although he was
sometimes unjust in his judgments of other people, particularly of the
come-outer reformers."

"_April 19._ To get some flowers to take to T. G. A.'s house. Saw him
lying placid in his coffin, robed in soft white cashmere, with his
palette and brushes in his hands...."


                           _To Florence_

                                                  April 20, 1884.

... I went yesterday to poor Tom Appleton's funeral. It is very sad to
lose him, and every one says that a great piece of the old Boston goes
with him.... I dined with George William Curtis yesterday at Mrs. Harry
Williams's. George William was one of Tom Appleton's pall-bearers,--so
were Dr. Holmes and Mr. Winthrop....

Curtis's oration on Wendell Phillips was very fine.


"_April 20._ Thought sadly of errors and shortcomings. At church a
penitential psalm helped me much, and the sermon more. I felt assured
that, whatever may be my fate beyond this life, I should always seek,
love, and rejoice in the good. Thus, even in hell, one might share by
sympathy the heavenly victory."

"_May 5._ I begin in great infirmity of spirit a week which brings many
tasks. First, I must proceed in the matter of Norman's injury to my
estate, either to a suit or a settlement by arbitration unless I can
previously come to an understanding with N."


A heavy affliction was soon to drive all other thoughts from her mind.
On May 19, a telegram arrived from Italy saying, "Samuel Ward expired
peacefully."

She writes: "Nothing could be more unexpected than this blow. Dear Bro'
Sam had long since been pronounced out of danger.... Latterly we have
heard of him as feeble, and have felt renewed anxiety, but were entirely
unprepared for his death."


"_May 20._ Dark days of nothingness these, to-day and yesterday. Nothing
to do but be patient and explore the past."

"_May 21._ Had a sitting all alone with dear Uncle Sam's picture this
afternoon. I thought it might be the time of his funeral. I read the
beautiful 90th Psalm and a number of his bright, sweet lyrics. A
sympathetic visit from Winthrop Chanler."

"_May 27...._ Dear Brother Sam's death has brought me well in sight of
the farther shore. May I be ready when it is my turn to cross."


                          _To her sister Louisa_

DEAREST SISTER,--

I was already in debt to you for one good letter when this later one
arrived, giving me the full, desired particulars of our dear one's last
days on earth. You and Annie both write as though the loss were heaviest
to me, and I only feel that I cannot feel it half enough. The pathos of
a life of such wonderful vicissitudes! I cannot half take it in. What
must he not have suffered in those lonely days of wandering and
privation, while I was comfortable in my household!... God knows, I had
every reason to love him, for he was heroically faithful to his
affection for me. Now, I feel how little I appreciated his devotion, and
how many chimeras, in my foolish wool-gathering head, crowded upon this
most precious affection, which was worthy of a much larger place in my
thoughts. His death is a severe loss to Maud and me.... We were always
hoping to rejoin him, and to pass some happy years with him. A great
object is withdrawn from our two lives. Nothing can take his place to
either of us.... As I write, the tears come. Like you, I long to sit
and talk it all over with the two who are all I have left of my own
generation. To our children, the event cannot be at all what it is to
us. They are made for the future, and our day is not theirs. I was
comforted, in your first letter, in reading of that pleasant, quiet talk
you had with him, when, among other things, you read to him the lovely
verses from St. John's Gospel, which have become a classic of
consolation among Christian people. I believe that he is in the heaven
accorded to those who have loved their fellow-men, for who ever coined
pure kindness into acts as he did? One of the lessons I learn from his
life is that it is very hard for us to judge rightly the merits and
demerits of others. Here was a man with many faults on the surface, and
a heart of pure gold beneath.... The thought of his lonely funeral and
solitary grave has wrung my heart at times, but sometimes I think of it
as a place where one might be glad to be at rest.... But now, dear, I
have had all the heart-break I can bear, writing this letter. Let me now
speak of the living and tell you where and how we are.... I left very
unwillingly to come down here, and try to get my poor wrecked place in
order. You know, of course, that the dam which was built to cut off my
water, and against which I obtained an injunction, burst this spring,
and destroyed my two ponds, my carriage, and a good part of my barn. I
have tried, in a lumbering way, to get justice, but have not yet
succeeded. I have had, too, a great deal of trouble in my presidency of
the Woman's Congress, this year. Almost as soon as I open my eyes in
the morning, these black dogs of worry spring upon me. I long to be
free from them....


"_June 28._ Senator Bayard to William A. Duncan about dear Bro' Sam: 'It
is just one of those little kindnesses of which his life was so full.
There is no doubt, as you say, that his later years were his best! The
wine of life fined itself.... He was readily sympathetic, and did in
Rome as Romans did, and kept time and tune to a great variety of
instruments. But the kind good heart _always beat truly_, and the array
of good deeds to his credit in the great book of account is delightful
to think of.'"


                             _To Laura_

                                        NEWPORT, August 15, 1884.

Haven't I written to you? I have an idea of some long letter of mine not
answered by you. But this may be one of those imaginary good actions
which help to puff me up. Life, you see, gallops on to such a degree
with me that I don't know much difference between what I have intended
to do and what I have done....

I think novels is humbug. What you think? They don't leave you anything
but a sort of bad taste....


"_August 27._ Simply good for nothing, but to amuse the little Hall
children. A strange dead level of indifference. Do not see any
difference between one thing and another. This, I should think, must
come from a vagary of the liver. Worst sort of nervous prostration--to
prostrate one's self before one's nerves. To town in the afternoon, when
the dead indifference and lassitude went off somewhat."

"_August 29._ We dined at the Booths' to-day, meeting Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Jefferson and William Warren. A rare and delightful occasion.
Jefferson talked much about art. He, Booth, and Warren all told little
anecdotes of forgetfulness on the stage. Jefferson had told a love-story
twice, Booth had twice given the advice to the players [in "Hamlet"],
Warren, in 'Our American Cousin,' should have tried to light a match
which would not light. He inadvertently turned the ignitable side, which
took fire, and so disconcerted him that he forgot where he was in the
play and had to ask some one what he had last said, which being told him
enabled him to go on."

"_September 25._ Finished to-day my Congress paper. I have written this
paper this week instead of going to the Unitarian Convention, which I
wished much to attend.... I did not go because I thought I ought neither
to leave home unnecessarily, to spend so much money, nor to put off the
writing of the A.A.W. paper.

"I shall look a little to see whether circumstances hereafter will not
show that it was best for me to follow this course. My Dæmon did not say
'go,' but he sometimes plays me false. I have certainly had the most
wonderful ease in writing this paper which, I thought, would occupy a
number of weary days, and lo! it has all written itself, _currente
calamo_."

"_October 5._ Is the law of progress one of harmony or of discord? Do
the various kinds of progress, moral, intellectual, political, and
economic or industrial, agree or disagree? Do they help or hinder each
other?"


                               _To Laura_

                          NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, October 9, 1884.

MY DARLING LAURA,--

My poor wits, in these days, are like bits of sewing silk wound on a
card. You unwind a little and straightway come to an end. The wonder is,
there are so many ends. Here is a precise picture of our days as passed
at present. Morning, I wake early, lie and think over my past life, with
little satisfaction. Bathe. Breakfast. Walk with Maud, Sonny[95] tugging
alongside. Maud goes much further than I do. Sonny and I return, take a
basket and gather dry twigs to brighten the evening fire. I visit my
mare in her stable--a good custom, as my man is not over-careful of her
stall. Maud comes back, I _exercise_ her voice. I go to books, she to
desk. Study Greek a good deal, reading Thucydides and Aristophanes.
Dinner, coffee, more reading and writing, unless we go to town. Evening,
music, reading or cards, worrying about ----, bed. I have not mentioned
my own much writing, because you will understand it. I am trying to
compass a story, but have my fears about it. My paper for the Woman's
Congress is entitled "How to broaden the Views of Society Women."
Darling dear, what more can I tell you? Isn't this too much already?
Now, do spunk up and have some style about you.... Be cheerful and
resolute, my love, life comes but once, and is soon over....

  [95] John Howe Hall.


"_October 13._ To New Bedford, for the Suffrage meeting; trains did not
connect at Myricks, where, after some delay and negotiation, I with
difficulty persuaded the conductor of a freight train to take me to New
Bedford in his caboose. This saved me time enough to go to the Delano
Mansion, restore my strength with food, and put on my cap and ruche. The
Delanos were very kind. I read my Congress paper on 'Benefits of
Suffrage to Women.'"

"_November 23._ To Louisburg Square to my old friend's funeral [Hamilton
Wilde].... Around and before me were the friends and associates of the
golden time in which his delightful humor and _bonhomie_ so often helped
me in charades and other high times. It was ghostly--there were Lizzie
Homans and Jerry Abbott, who took part with him and William Hunt in the
wonderful charade in which the two artists rode a tilt with theatre
hobbies. The gray heads which I had once seen black, brown, or blond,
heightened the effect of the picture. It was indeed a _sic transit_. I
said to Charles Perkins--'For some of us, it is the dressing bell!' Oh!
this mystery! So intense, so immense a fact and force as human life,
tapering to this little point of a final leave-taking and brief
remembrance!"


Now came the New Orleans Exposition, in which she was to be chief of the
Woman's Department.

It was already late when she received the appointment, but she lost no
time. Establishing her headquarters at No. 5 Park Street (for many years
the home of the "Woman's Journal" and the New England Woman's Club), she
sent out circulars to every State in the Union, asking for exhibits, and
appealed to the editors of newspapers all over the country to send women
correspondents for a month or more to the Exposition. She called
meetings in Boston, New York, Providence, Philadelphia, and Hartford, at
all of which she spoke, imploring the women to bestir themselves, and,
late as it was, to make an effort to get together a proper showing of
women's work for the great Fair.

Beside all this, she kept up through the autumn an active correspondence
with the Exposition authorities at New Orleans.

The Exposition was scheduled to open on the 1st of December: it did
actually open on the 16th. She writes:--

"A steamer had been chartered to convey thither the officers of the
Exposition and their invited guests. Seated on the deck, the chief of
the Woman's Department and her fellow-workers watched the arrival of the
high dignitaries of the State and city, escorted by members of the
military, and by two bands of music; one, the famous Mexican Band. All
the craft on the river were adorned with flags and streamers. The
Crescent, which gives the city its familiar designation, was pointed
out, and the 'Father of Waters' was looked upon with admiring eyes. The
steamer brought us to the Exposition grounds, and here a procession was
formed in which the ladies of the Woman's Department were assigned a
place which they had some difficulty in keeping. The march led to the
Main Building. The opening prayer was made by the Reverend De Witt
Talmage. At a given moment a telegram was received from the President of
the United States, Chester A. Arthur, declaring the Exposition to be
formally open. Immediately after, the son of the Director-General, a
fine lad of twelve years, touched the electric button by which the
machinery of the Exposition was set in motion.

"Returning by land, we found the streets gay with decorations, in which
the colors of the orthodox flag were conspicuous."

Maud was with her, and shared her labors, as did her devoted friend
Isabel Greeley. At this time the floor of the gallery destined for the
women's exhibit was not laid. By December 29 the officers of the
department were able to hold a meeting in "an enclosure without doors or
suitable furniture." When all was supposed to be ready for the exhibits,
it was found that the roof leaked badly, the timber having so shrunk
under the action of the sun as to tear away the waterproof felting.
Moreover, there was not enough money to carry on the business of the
Department. Funds had been promised by the Board of Management, but
these funds were not forthcoming, the Board itself being in
difficulties. Our mother had foreseen this contingency.

"Ladies," she said, "we must remember that women have sometimes built
churches with no better instruments than thimbles and a teapot! If the
worst comes to the worst, we must come before the public and endeavor
with its aid to earn the money necessary to complete our enterprise."

This foreboding soon became a fact, and early in January she found
herself in rather a "tight corner." She had sent out the call for
exhibits to every State in the Union; with great effort the women of the
country had responded most generously. She now felt herself personally
responsible for these exhibits, and determined that, _coûte que coûte_,
they should be well displayed and the Woman's Department properly
installed.

There was no money: very well! she would earn some. She arranged a
series of entertainments, beginning with a lecture by herself. There
followed a time of great stress and anxiety, which taxed to the utmost
her mother-wit and power of invention. Faculties hitherto dormant awoke
to meet the task; she devised practical, hard, common-sense methods, far
removed from her life habit of intellectual labor. She had moved into a
new apartment in the house of life, one nearer the earth and not quite
so near the stars. She often quoted during these months Napoleon's
saying, on being told that something he wished to do was impossible,
"_Ne me dîtes pas ce bête de mot!_"

In spite of endless vexations, it was a time of tremendous enjoyment;
every nerve was strained, every gift exercised; the cup of life was
brimming over, even if it was not all filled with honey.

"_January 13, 1885._ Preparing for my lecture this evening. Subject, 'Is
Polite Society Polite?' Place, Werlein Hall. I was very anxious--the
lecture appeared to me very homely for a Southern audience accustomed to
rhetorical productions. My reception was most gratifying. The house was
packed and many were sent away. Judge Gayarré introduced me. Joaquin
Miller came first, reciting his 'Fortunate Isles.' I said in opening
that even if my voice should not fill the hall, my good-will embraced
them all. Every point in the lecture was perceived and applauded, and I
felt more than usually in sympathy with my audience."

"The second entertainment devised for the relief of the Woman's
Department was a '_Soirée Créole_,' the third and last a 'grand musical
_matinée_' at the French Opera House, for which we were indebted to the
great kindness of Colonel Mapleson, who granted us the use of the house,
and by whose permission several of his most distinguished artists gave
their services. Monsignor Gillow, Commissioner for Mexico, also allowed
his band to perform."


The difficulty of persuading the different artists to sing, of pacifying
their separate agents in the matter of place on the programme and size
of the letters in which names were advertised, of bringing harmony out
of all the petty rivalries and cabals between the different members of
the troupe, required a patience worthy of a better cause. Meanwhile
there were other troubles. Most of the women commissioners appointed by
the different States proved loyal comrades to their chief in her great
and distressful labor; but there were others who gave her endless
trouble.


"_February 6._ Our concert. The weather was favorable. Lieutenant Doyle
came to escort me to the theatre. My box was made quite gay by the
uniforms of several navy officers. The house was packed. We took $1500
and hope to have more. I particularly enjoyed the _Semiramide_ overture,
which the band gave grandly. Rossini's soul seemed to me to blossom out
of it like an immortal flower."


These entertainments brought in over two thousand dollars. This money
enabled the women to install such exhibits as were ready, to pay for a
time the necessary workmen, and to engage a special police force for the
protection of their goods. The United States ships in the harbor also
espoused the cause, Admiral Jouett, of the flagship Tennessee, and
Captain Kane, of the Galena, sending experienced craftsmen whose ready
and skilful work soon changed the somewhat desolate aspect of the
gallery.

The arrangements were as simple as might be, the greatest expense being
the purchase of showcases. The tables were of rough pine boards covered
with cambrics and flannels, the draperies of the simplest and cheapest,
the luxury of a carpet was enjoyed only here and there; but the
excellence of the exhibits, and the taste with which they were
displayed, made the department a pleasant place. The winter was cold;
the wooden walls of the Government Building let in many a chilling
blast; but there was a stove in the office of the chief of installation,
and with its help the daily cup of tea was made which kept the workers
alive.

Each State and Territory had a separate opening day for its exhibit.
These days were marked by public meetings at which compliments were
exchanged, addresses made, and the exhibits turned over to the
management. It was considered obligatory for all the commissioners to
attend these meetings, and the women spent many weary hours trying to
hear the addresses of distinguished individuals whose voices contended
in vain with the din of the machinery. The Mexican Band played, and
relieved the tedium of the long sittings; but the women commissioners
were upheld chiefly by the feeling that they were drawn together from
all parts of the country, and were taking an honored part in a great
industrial and peaceful pageant, whose results would be important to the
country and to mankind at large.

The Journal tells in February of the "opening of the colored people's
department; very interesting. A numerous assemblage of them showed a
wide range of types. Music, military, drumming especially good. Saw in
their exhibit a portrait of John A. Andrew which looked like a greeting
from the old heroic time."

The Woman's Department was formally opened on March 3, though it had
really been open to the public since early January. The day was one of
the gayest in the history of the Exposition. The gallery of the
Government Building was bright with flowers and gay with flags. Admiral
Jouett had sent the ship's band as a special compliment; the music was
delightful, the speeches excellent. We quote from Mrs. Howe's address:--

"I wish to speak of the importance, in an industrial point of view, of a
distinct showing of women's work in the great industrial exhibits. There
are few manufactures in which the hand and brain of woman have not their
appointed part. So long, however, as this work is shown merely in
conjunction with that of men, it is dimly recognized, and makes no
distinct impression. The world remains very imperfectly educated
concerning its women. They are liable to be regarded as a non-producing
class, supported by those to whom, in the order of nature, their life is
a necessary condition of existence itself.... Exhibits like the present,
then, are useful in summing up much of this undervalued work of women. A
greater moral use they have in raising the standard of usefulness and
activity for the sex in general. Good work, when recognized, acts as a
spur to human energy. Those who show how women can excel are examples to
shame those who do not try. They lay upon their sex an obligation to
stronger endeavor and better action, and society gains thereby.

"Still more have I at heart the association, in these enterprises, of
women who are not bound to each other by alliance of blood, or affinity
of neighborhood. Greater and more important than the acquisition of
skill is the cultivation of public spirit. '_Pro bono publico_' is a
motto whose meaning men should learn from their infancy, and at their
firesides. How shall they learn it unless the women, the guardian
spirits of the household, shall hold and teach, beyond all other
doctrines, that of devotion and loyalty to the public good?

"I value, then, for the sake of both men and women, the disinterested
association of women for the promotion of the great interests of
society....

"You were stirred the other day by the bringing back of a battle-flag
whose rents had been carefully mended. I tell you, sisters, we have all
one flag now, broad and bright enough to cover us all. Let us see that
no rent is made in it.

"All that the best and wisest men can imagine for the good of the human
race can be wrought if the best women will only help the best men."

       *       *       *       *       *

One of her most arduous tasks was the arranging of a course of
twenty-four "Twelve-o'Clock Talks," which were given every Saturday from
the middle of February till the close of the Exposition. How she labored
over them her companion daughter well remembers: remembers too what
success crowned the effort. The subjects varied widely. Captain Bedford
Pym, R.N., discoursed on Arctic explorations; Charles Dudley Warner told
the story of the Elmira Reformatory; the Japanese Commissioner spoke of
woman's work in Japanese literature. These talks were free to the
public, and proved so popular that eight years later the same plan was
carried out in the Woman's Department of the Chicago World's Fair, and
again proved its excellence and value.

As if all this were not enough, she must found a Literary Association
among the young people of New Orleans. She named them the Pans, and
among their number were several whose names have since become well known
in literature. Grace King, Elizabeth Bisland, and others will remember
those evenings, when their bright youth flashed responsive to the call
of the elder woman of letters.

In all the stress and hurry, we find this entry:--

"My dear father's birthday. I left the Exposition early and walked to
visit dear Marion's grave in Girard Street Cemetery. A lovely place it
was. He is buried above ground in a sort of edifice formed of brick, the
rows of coffins being laid on stone floors, each single one divided from
those on either side of it by a stone partition. 'Francis Marion Ward,
died September 3rd, 1847.' Erected by William Morse, dear Marion's
friend."


"_May 16._ Gave my talk to the colored people, soon after two in the
afternoon in their department. A pretty hexagonal platform had been
arranged. Behind this was a fine portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with a
vase of beautiful flowers [gladiolus and white lilies] at its base. I
spoke of Dr. Channing, Garrison, Theodore Parker, Charles Sumner, John
A. Andrew, Lucretia Mott, and Wendell Phillips, occupying about an hour.
They gave me a fine basket of flowers and sang my 'Battle Hymn.'
Afterwards the Alabama cadets visited us. We gave them tea, cake and
biscuits and I made a little speech for them."

Winter and spring passed rapidly, each season bringing fresh interest.
The picturesqueness of New Orleans, the many friends she made among its
people, the men and women gathered from every corner of the world, well
made up to her for the vexations which inevitably attended her position.
Looking back on these days, she said of them: "It was like having a big,
big Nursery to administer, with children good, bad, and middling. The
good prevailed in the end, as it usually or always does, and yet I used
to say that Satan had a fresh flower for me every morning, when I came
to my office, and took account of the state of things."

The difficulties with which the unfortunate managers were struggling
made it impossible for them to keep their promises of financial support
to the Woman's Department. Things went from bad to worse. Finally she
realized that she herself must find the money to pay the debts of her
department and to return the exhibits to the various States. She wrote a
letter to John M. Forbes, of Boston, urging him to help her and her
assistants out of their alarming predicament. Through Mr. Forbes, the
Honorable George F. Hoar, Senator from Massachusetts, learned the state
of the case. The sum of $15,000 had been named as that necessary to pay
all just claims and wind up the affairs of the Department. At this time
a bill was before Congress for an appropriation to aid the Exposition.
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Hoar, a sum of $15,000 was added to this
bill with the express clause, "For the Relief of the Woman's
Department." The bill was passed without discussion. The news was
received with great rejoicing in New Orleans, especially in the Woman's
Department, "where our need was the sorest." The promise brought new
life to the weary workers; but they were to be far more weary before the
end. The Exposition closed on the last day of May. Summer was upon them;
the Northern women, unused to the great heats of New Orleans, longed to
close up their business and depart, but the money had not come from
Congress, and they could not leave their post. Days dragged on; days of
torrid, relentless heat. Our mother must borrow money for the Department
here and there to bridge over the gap between promise and fulfilment.
Worn out by fatigue, anxiety, and the great heat, she fell seriously
ill. Those nearest her begged her to go home and leave to others the
final settlement of affairs, but she would not hear of this. She would
get well: she _must_ get well! Rallying her forces, mental and physical,
she did get well, though her illness for a time seemed desperate.

At long last, when June was nearly half over, the money came, and with
it the end of her long task. Accounts were audited, checks drawn,
exhibits despatched; and with farewell greetings and congratulations,
"the whole weary matter ended." Her report as President of the Woman's
Department tells the story:

"The business of the Woman's Department having thus been brought
successfully to a close, it only remains for its President to resign the
office she has filled, with some pain and much pleasure, for more than
six months,--to thank the officers of her staff for their able and
faithful services, the vice-presidents, and the lady commissioners in
general, for the friendly support she has had from them almost without
exception....

"The classification by States she considers to have justified itself,
partly through the more distinct knowledge thus gained of the work of
women in localities widely distant from each other, partly in the good
acquaintance and good-will developed by this method of work. The
friendly relations growing out of it still bind together those who are
now thousands of miles apart, but who, we may hope, will ever remain
united in a common zeal for promoting the industrial interests of women.

"Finally, she would say that she considers herself happy in having taken
part in an Exposition of so high and useful a character as that which
has latterly made New Orleans a centre of interest in the civilized
world. She takes leave with regret of a city in which she has enjoyed
much friendly intercourse and hospitality; a city in whose renewed
prosperity she must henceforth feel a deep and lasting interest."


                            _To Laura_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 19, 1885.

How I left New Orleans, how I came North, how I let myself down here, is
no doubt known to you thro' inference. How hot New Orleans was before I
left it, you cannot know, nor how sick I was once upon a time, nor how I
came up upon iced champagne and recovered myself, and became strong
again. Ever since I came home, I have slaved at my report of the
Woman's Department. Weary pages have I written. Life seems at last to
consist in putting a pen into an inkstand, and taking it out again,
scribble, scribble, nibble, nibble (meal-times), and go to bed between
whiles....

       *       *       *       *       *

So ended one of the most interesting and arduous experiences of her
life. She always held in affectionate remembrance the city where she had
enjoyed and suffered so much, and the friends she made there.


                             _To Laura_

                                      OAK GLEN, November 4, 1885.

YOU LITTLE HATEFUL THING!

Herewith returned is the letter you wrote for. I had a mind to send it
to you, beast that you are, without one word, just to pay you for that
postal. Of course, I meant to write you immediately afterward in a
separate envelope, telling you that I still love you. But there! I
reflected that you could have a bad feeling if you opened the envelope
and found no greeting from me. For the sake of posterity, Madam, I
declined to give you this bad feeling. I do also retain some
proprietorship in a certain pair of eyes which are like Sapphira's. Oh!
I mean sapphires, and I don't want to dim them with any tear diamonds.
"You flatter yourself," replies the Good-Natured One,[96] "to think of
my shedding tears about anything that you could say or do, or leave
unsaid or undone." Just so. All right. I have got beefsteak for dinner
to-day. What do you think of the weather, and does your husband know
when your blacking is out?

  [96] Laura had once been told that she "would not amount to much without
  her good nature."

Now, my sweet darling, your old Mammy is just back from a _tremendous_
jaunt. I had a beautiful time in Iowa, and am as well as possible. Only
think, travelling and at work for one calendar month, and not a finger
ache, 'cept one day, when I had a slight headache. And I brought home
over $200 earned by lectures....


                      _To the same_

                             THE BERKELEY NUISANCE,[97] NEW YORK,
                                      December 26, 1885.

... What have I been doing for the last eight weeks? Never you mind, my
little dear. Mostly putting a girdle round the earth by correspondence,
and some-ly worrying about my poor relations. Don't you flatter yourself
that I ever thought of you under this head. But the ----, and the ----,
and the ----, taken together, are enough to give one a turn at the
worry-cat system. Well 'm, I had also to see the distribution of the
whole edition of my New Orleans Report, and I can only compare this to
the process of taking down a house, and of sending each individual brick
somewhere, labelled with your compliments; supposing the bricks to be
one thousand in number, it would take some time to distribute them,
Harry Richards will be able to tell you how much time, and how many
masculine oaths would go to each hundred of the articles. Well, that's
enough about that. You have had one of my bricks sent you, and hang me
if I believe you have read it. Sweetison (a new little 'spression which
I have this minute invented), I stayed at Oak Glen until Monday last,
which was the 21st. Then I came here by the way of Boston, and arrove on
Tuesday evening. Our quarters, or rather eighths, are small, considering
my papers and Maud's clothes. The food is fine, the style first-rate,
the rigs imposing to a degree, but, ah! I kind of hate it all. New York
is too frightfully dirty! and then so stereotyped and commonplace.
Boston losing its prestige? Not as I am at present advised....

  [97] Berkeley Chambers, where she and Maud spent this winter.




CHAPTER V

MORE CHANGES

1886-1888; _aet._ 67-69

GIULIA ROMANA ANAGNOS

  Giulia Romana! how thy trembling beauty,
    That oft would shudder at one breath of praise,
  Comes back to me! before the trump of duty
    Had marshalled thee in life's laborious ways.

  We used to wonder at thy blush in hearing
    Thy parents praised. We now know what it meant:
  A consciousness of their gifts reappearing
    Perchance in thine--to consummation blent.

  Oh, she was beautiful, beyond all magic
    Of sculptor's hand, or pencil to portray!
  Something angelical, divinely tragic,
    Tempered the smile that round her lips would play.

  Dear first-born daughter of a hero's heart!
    Pass to perfection, all but perfect here!
  We weep not much, remembering where thou art,
    Yet, child of Poesy! receive a tear.

                                       T. W. PARSONS.


The years 1886 and 1887 were marked by two events which changed
materially the course of her private life: the death of Julia, the
beloved eldest daughter, and the marriage of Maud, the house-mate and
comrade.

During the winter of 1885-86 she made her headquarters in New York.
Lecture engagements, conferences, and sermons took her hither and
thither, and much of the time that should have been "precious" was
passed in trains and boats.

In the last days of February, Julia was stricken with rheumatic fever,
which soon developed into typhoid. The weather was "direful: bitter cold
and furious wind." Our mother went at once to South Boston, where
"arriving, found my dear child seriously but not dangerously ill. Her
joy at my coming was very pathetic."

On the 28th she writes:--

"I cannot be sure whether it was on this day that she said to me:
'Mamma, don't you remember the dream you had when Flossy and I were
little children, and you were in Europe? You dreamed that you saw us in
a boat and that the tide was carrying us away from you. Now the dream
has come true, and the tide is bearing me away from you.'

"This saying was very sad to me; but my mind was possessed with the
determination that death was not to be thought of."

For a time conditions seemed to improve, and she hastened to New York,
where her presence was imperative; but a telegram summoned her back:
Julia was not so well, and "a pain as of death" fell on the anxious
mother.

"Saw by Katie's face when she opened the door that things were worse. I
flew up the stairs and found my darling little changed, except that her
breathing seemed rather worse. She was so glad to see me!... About this
time I noticed a change come over her sweet face.... I felt, but would
not believe, that it was the beginning of the end. Julia was presently
very happy, with Michael on one side of her and myself on the other.
Each of us held a hand. She said: 'I am very happy now: if one has
one's parents and one's husband, what more can one want?' And presently,
'The angels have charge of me now, mamma and Mimy.'[98] She said to me:
'What does the Lord want to kill me for? I am dying.' I said, 'No, my
darling, you are going to get well.' She said: 'Remember, if anything
happens to me, you two must stay together.'... A little later Michael
and I were alone with her. She began to wander, and talk as if with
reference to her club or some such thing. 'If this is not the right
thing,' she said, 'call another priestess'; then, very emphatically:
'Truth, truth.' These were her last words.

  [98] Michael.

"My darling should have been forty-two years old this day...."

A few days later she writes to Mary Graves:--

"I am not wild, nor melancholy, nor inconsolable, but I feel as America
might if some great, fair State were blotted from its map, leaving only
a void for the salt and bitter sea to overwhelm. I cannot, so far, get
any comfort from other worldly imaginings. If God says anything to me
now, he says, 'Thou fool.' The truth is that we have no notion of the
value and beauty of God's gifts until they are taken from us. Then He
may well say: 'Thou fool,' and we can only answer to our name."

The Journal says:--

"This is the last day of this sorrowful March which took my dear one
from me. I seem to myself only dull, hard, and confused under this
affliction. I pray God to give me comfort by raising me up that I may
be nearer to the higher life into which she and her dear father have
passed. And thou? _eleison_...."

"Have had an uplifting of soul to-day. Have written to Mary Graves: 'I
am at last getting to stand where I can have some spiritual outlook.'
The confusion of 'is not' is giving place to the steadfastness of 'is.'
Have embodied my thoughts in a poem to my dear Julia and in some pages
which I may read at the meeting intended to commemorate her by the New
England Woman's Club."

The Journal of this spring is full of tender allusions to the beloved
daughter. The dreams of night often brought back the gracious figure;
these visions are accurately described, each detail dwelt on with loving
care.

In the "Reminiscences" she tells of Julia's consecrated life, of her
devotion to her father, and to the blind pupils; describes, too, her
pleasure in speaking at the Concord School of Philosophy (where her
"mind seemed to have found its true level") and in a Metaphysical Club
of her own founding.

"It was beautiful to see her seated in the midst of this thoughtful
circle, which she seemed to rule with a staff of lilies. The club was
one in which diversity of opinion sometimes brought individuals into
sharp contrast with each other; but her gentle government was able to
bring harmony out of discord, and to subdue alike the crudeness of
scepticism and the fierceness of intolerance."

In the "Reminiscences" we find also the record of Julia's parting
injunction to her husband: "Be kind to the little blind children, for
they are papa's children."

"These parting words," our mother adds, "are inscribed on the wall of
the Kindergarten for the Blind at Jamaica Plain. Beautiful in life, and
most beautiful in death, her sainted memory has a glory beyond that of
worldly fame."

She considered Julia the most gifted of her children. The
"Reminiscences" speak of her at some length, making mention of her
beneficent life, and of her published works, a volume of poems entitled
"Stray Chords," and "Philosophiæ Quæstor," a slender volume in which she
described the Concord School of Philosophy and her pleasure therein.

In our mother's house of life, each child had its special room, though
no door was locked to any. In all things pertaining to philosophy, Julia
was her special intimate. For help and sympathy in suffrage and club
doings, she turned naturally to Florence, an ardent worker in these
fields; with Harry she would specially enjoy music; with Laura would
talk of books; while Maud was the "Prime Minister" in social and
household matters. So, till the very last, we gray-haired children
leaned on her, clung to her, as in the days when we were children
indeed.

A few years before Julia's death, our mother wrote to Mrs. Cheney, who
had lost her only daughter: "This combat of the soul with deadly sorrow
is a single-handed one, so far as human help is concerned. I do believe
that God's sweet angels are with us when we contend against the extreme
of calamity."

Heavy as this affliction was, it brought none of the paralysis of grief
caused by Sammy's death: rather, as after the passing of the Chevalier,
she was urged by the thought of her dead child to more and higher
efforts.

In the quiet of Oak Glen she wrote this summer a careful study of Dante
and Beatrice, for the Concord School of Philosophy.[99] July 20 found
her at Concord, where she and Julia had been wont to go together. She
says, "I cannot think of the sittings of the School without a vision of
the rapt expression of her face as she sat and listened to the various
speakers."[100]

  [99] This was a summer school of ten years (1879-88) in which Emerson,
  Alcott, and W. T. Harris took part.

  [100] _Reminiscences_, p. 440.

Spite of her grief in missing this sweet companionship she found the
sessions of the School deeply interesting. She was "much more nervous
than usual" about her lecture; which "really sounded a good deal better
than it had looked to me. It was wonderfully well received."

We are told by the last living representative of the School of
Philosophy, Mr. F. B. Sanborn, that she was the most attractive, and
sometimes the most profound, of its lecturers; "had the largest
audiences, and gave the most pleasure; especially when she joined
delicate personal criticism or epigrammatic wit with high philosophy."

The meetings of the School were always a delight to her; the papers
written for it were among her most valuable essays; indeed, we may look
upon them as the flowering of all her deep and painful toil in the
field of philosophy.[101]

  [101] These essays were published in a volume entitled _Is Polite
  Society Polite?_

September finds her planning an "industrial circle" in each State; a
woman's industrial convention hereafter; and attending a Suffrage
Convention at Providence.

"Spoke of the divine right, not of kings or people, but of
righteousness. Spoke of Ouida's article in the 'North American Review.'
It had been reported that I declined to answer it. I said: 'You cannot
mend a stocking which is _all_ holes. If you hold it up it will fall to
pieces of itself.'

"In the afternoon spoke about the Marthas, male and female, who see only
the trouble and inconvenience of reform: of the Marys who rely upon
principle."

After this we have "a day of dreadful hurry, preparing to go West and
also to shut up this house. Had to work _tight_ every minute...."

This Western lecture trip was like many others, yet it had its own
peculiar pleasures and mishaps.

"_October 12._ Dunkirk, lecture.... No one must know that I got off at
the wrong station--Perrysburg, a forlorn hamlet. No train that would
bring me to Dunkirk before 6.30 P.M. Ought to have arrived at 1.30. Went
to the 'hotel,' persuaded the landlord to lend his buggy and a kindly
old fellow to harness his horses to it, and drove twenty miles or more
over the mountains, reaching Dunkirk by 5.10 P.M. When the buggy was
brought to the door of the hotel, I said: 'How am I to get in?' 'Take
it slow and learn to pedal,' said my old driver. Presently he said, 'I
guess you ain't so old as I be.' I replied, 'I am pretty well on toward
seventy.' 'Well, I am five years beyond,' said he. He drives an
accommodation wagon between Perrysburg and Versailles, a small town
where a man once wanted to set up a mill, and to buy land and water
power, and they wouldn't sell either. Whereupon he went to Tonawanda and
made the place. 'Guess they'd have done better to gin him the land and
water, and to set up his mill for him,' said my man, Hinds."

On this trip she saw the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, taking the seven-mile
walk; went as far as Kansas City; was received everywhere with
delightful warmth.


                                 _To Laura_

                                                December 1, 1886.

You see, I was waiting for the winter to begin, in order to write you,
and that you ought to have known. But bless you, in Gardiner, Maine, you
don't know when real _Winter_ begins, 'cause you have so much sham
winter. Well, better late than never. Here's thanking you very much for
the delightful [tea] cozy. Maud said, "What are you going to do with
it?" sarcastic-like. I replied, "Put it on my head"; to which she
_inquit_, "Most natural thing for you to do." The sight of the monogram
gave me real satisfaction and a sense of inborn dignity. You boil down
to your monogram, after all, and this one was beyond my highest
expectations. I am only thinking, dear, whether you would not have
shown more respect by putting the crimson satin bow on the monogram
side, and thus, as it were, calling attention to the distinguished
initials.... I am grinding now in all of my mills, of which one is a
paper for the "Woman Suffrage Bazaar," which paper I am doing my best to
edit. I cannot in conscience ask you to send me anything for its
columns, because, poor dear, you have to do so much work on your own
account. At the same time, a trifling overflow into the hat would be
very welcome....


Winter brought another grave anxiety. Florence in her turn developed
rheumatic fever and became alarmingly ill. The mother-bird flew to her
in terror. On the way she met Henry Ward Beecher and told him of her
deep distress, made still more poignant by the thought of the little
children who might be left motherless. She was scarcely comforted by his
assurance that he "had known stepmothers who were very good to their
stepchildren"!

It was Christmas time, and she divided her time between the beloved
patient and the children who must not lack their holiday cheer.

"_December 27._ The day was a very distressing one to me. I sat much of
the time beside Flossy with a strange feeling that I could keep her
alive by some effort of my will. I seemed to contend with God, saying,
'I gave up Julia, I can't give up Flossy--she has children.'..."

"_December 28._ Most of the day with dear Flossy, who seems a little
better. I sat up with her until 1.30 A.M., and made a great effort of
will to put her to sleep. I succeeded--she slept well for more than an
hour and slept again for a good while without any narcotic."

Throughout the illness she fought against the use of narcotics.

The cloud of danger and anxiety passed, and the year closed in happiness
and deep thankfulness. The last entry reads:--

"God bless all my dear people, sisters, children, grandchildren, and
cousins. God grant me also to serve while I live, and not to fail of the
high and holy life. Amen!"


                               _To Laura_

                                        Monday, January 31, 1887.

Now, you just look here.

Daughter began her school and music to-day. Nobody's a-neglecting of
her. What you mean? Grandma took her to Clarke church, prouder than a
peacock,--Grandma, I mean.

Congregation _inquit_: "Whose child is that?"

"Laura's," _responsa sum_.

"_Id cogitavi_" was the general answer. And she's pop'lar, she is.
Little fourteen-year-olds keep a-coming and a-coming. And I draws her
bath, and tucks her up in bed. And she's having a splendid time. And I
want some more of this paper. And my feelings won't allow me to say any
more. No--my dearest sweetest pug pie, your darling won't be forgotten
for a moment. We couldn't get at the lessons before, and last week,
like strong drink, was raging.

                                 'Fectionate

                                                              MA.

Maud was now engaged to John Elliott, a young Scottish painter, whose
acquaintance they had made in Europe in 1878. The marriage took place on
February 7, 1887. Though there were many periods of separation, the
Elliotts, when in this country, made their home for the most part with
our mother. The affection between her and her son-in-law was deep; his
devotion to her constant. Through the years that were to follow, the
comradeship of the three was hardly less intimate than that of the two
had been.

The Journal carries us swiftly onward. In place of the long meditations
on philosophy and metaphysics, we have brief notes of comings and
goings, of speaking and preaching, writing and reading. She works hard
to finish her paper on "Women in the Three Professions, Law, Medicine,
and Theology," for the "Chautauquan." "Very tired afterwards."

She speaks at the Newport Opera House with Mrs. Livermore (who said she
did not know Mrs. Howe could speak so well); she takes part in the
Authors' Reading for the Longfellow Memorial in the Boston Museum,
reciting "Our Orders" and the "Battle Hymn," with her lines to
Longfellow recently composed.

"I wore my velvet gown, my mother's lace, Uncle Sam's _Saint Esprit_,
and did my best, as did all the others."

The next day she speaks at a suffrage meeting in Providence, and makes
this comment:--

"Woman suffrage represents individual right, integral humanity, ideal
justice. I spoke of the attitude and action of Minerva in the
'Eumenides';[102] her resistance to the Furies, who I said personified
popular passion fortified by ancient tradition; her firm stand for a
just trial, and her casting the decisive ballot. I hoped that this would
prefigure a great life-drama in which this gracious prophecy would be
realized."

  [102] Cf. Æschylus.

In a "good talk with Miss Eddy,"[103] she devises a correspondence and
circular to obtain information concerning art clubs throughout the
country. "I am to draft the circular."

  [103] Miss Sarah J. Eddy, then of Providence, a granddaughter of Francis
  Jackson.

She makes an address at the Unitarian Club in Providence.

"The keynote to this was given me yesterday, by the sight of the people
who thronged the popular churches, attracted, in a great measure no
doubt, by the Easter decoration and music. I thought: 'What a pity that
everybody cannot hear Phillips Brooks.' I also thought: 'They can all
hear the lesson of heavenly truth in the great Church of All Souls and
of All Saints; _there_ is room enough and to spare.'"

She writes a poem for the Blind Kindergarten at Jamaica Plain.

"I worked at my poem until the last moment and even changed it from the
manuscript as I recited it. The occasion was most interesting. Sam Eliot
presided, and made a fine opening address, in which he spoke
beautifully of dear Julia and her service to the blind; also of her
father. I was joined by Drs. Peabody and Bartol, Brooke Herford and
Phillips Brooks. They all spoke delightfully and were delightful to be
with. I recited my poem as well as I could. I think it was well liked,
and I was glad of the work I bestowed on it."

She preaches at Parker Fraternity[104] on "The Ignorant Classes."

  [104] Boston.

Small wonder that at the Club Tea she finds herself "not over-bright."
Still, she had a "flash or two. The state of Karma [calmer], orchestral
conversation, and solo speaking."

She hears the Reverend William Rounceville Alger's paper on the "Blessed
Life." "Very spiritual and in a way edifying; but marred by what I
should call 'mixed metaphysic.' One goes beyond his paper to feel a deep
sympathy with him, a man of intense intellectual impulse, in following
which he undergoes a sort of martyrdom; while yet he does not seem to me
to hit the plain, practical truth so much as one might wish. He is an
estray between Western and Eastern thought, inclining a good deal,
though not exclusively, to the latter."

She goes to conferences of women preachers, to peace meetings; to
jubilee meetings, in honor of Queen Victoria; she conducts services at
the Home for Intemperate Women, and thinks it was a good time.

She "bites into" her paper on Aristophanes, "with a very aching head";
finishes it, delivers it at Concord before the School of Philosophy.

"Before I began, I sent this one word to Davidson,[105] _eleison_. This
because it seemed as if he might resent my assuming to speak at all of
the great comedian. He seemed, however, to like what I said, and in the
discussion which followed, he took part with me, against Sanborn, who
accuses Aristophanes of having always lent his wit to the service of the
old aristocratic party. Returned to Boston and took train for Weirs, New
Hampshire, where arrived more dead than alive."

  [105] Thomas Davidson, founder of the "New Fellowship" (London and New
  York) and of the "Breadwinners' College."

She is at Newport now, and there are tender notes of pleasure with the
Hall grandchildren, of "reading and prayers" with them on Sunday, of
picnics and sailing parties.

Still, in dreams, she calls back the lost daughter; still records with
anxious care each visionary word and gesture.

"Dreamed this morning of Charles Sumner and dearest Julia. She was
talking to me; part of the time reclining on a sort of lounge. I said to
some one, 'This is our own dear Julia, feel how warm she is.'... I think
I said something about our wanting to see her oftener. She said
pathetically, 'Can't you talk of me?' I said, 'We do, darling.' 'Not
very often,' I think was her reply. Then she seemed to come very near
me, and I said to her, 'Darling, do they let you come here as often as
you want to?' She said, 'Not quite.' I asked why, and she answered
almost inaudibly, 'They are afraid of my troubling people.' I stirred
and woke; but the dear vision remains with me, almost calling me across
the silent sea."

She writes innumerable letters; date and address of each is carefully
noted, and now and then an abstract of her words.

"The bane of all representative action is that the spur of personal
ambition will carry people further than larger and more generous
considerations of good are apt to do. So the mean-hearted and ambitious
are always forward in politics; while those who believe in great
principles are perhaps too much inclined to let the principles do all
the work...."

The following extracts hurry the year to its close:--

"_November 7._ Left for Boston by 10.20 A.M. train, to attend the
celebration of Michael's [Anagnos] fiftieth birthday at the Institution,
and the opening meeting of the N.E.W.C.... Arriving in Boston, I ran
about somewhat, fatiguing myself dreadfully. Reached the Institution by
4.30 P.M., when, throwing myself on the bed for necessary rest, the
desired rhymes for Anagnos's birthday flashed upon me, 'all of a
sudden,' and instead of napping, I called for pen and ink and wrote
them. The meeting was very good; I presided. Dwight and Rodocanachi made
speeches, the latter presenting the beautiful chain given to Michael by
the teachers of the Institution. Michael was much moved and could not
but be much gratified. I proposed three cheers at the end."

"I stole half an hour to attend a meeting in memory of Hannah
Stephenson [the friend and house-mate of Theodore Parker] of whom much
good was said that I did not know of. I reproached myself for having
always been repelled by her ugliness of countenance and tart manner, and
having thus failed to come within the sphere of her really noble
influence. The occasion recalled a whole vision of the early and painful
struggle in Boston; of the martyrdom of feeling endured by friends of
the slave--of Parker's heroic house and pulpit. It seemed, as it often
does, great to have known these things, little to have done so little in
consequence."

"_November 27._ Finished my lecture on 'Woman in the Greek Drama.' It
was high time, as my head and eyes are tired with the persistent
strain.... All the past week has been hard work. No pleasure reading
except a very little in the evening."

"_December 1...._ Took 2.30 train for Melrose.... I read my new
lecture--'Woman as shown by the Greek Dramatists': of whom I quoted from
Æschylus, Sophocles, and Aristophanes. A Club Tea followed: a pleasant
one. I asked the mothers present whether they educated their daughters
in hygiene and housekeeping. The response was not enthusiastic, and
people were more disposed to talk of the outer world, careers of women,
business or profession, than to speak of the home business. One young
girl, however, told us that she was a housekeeping girl; a very pleasant
lady, Mrs. Burr, had been trained by her mother, to her own great
advantage."

"_December 18._ For the [Parker] Fraternity a text occurs to me, 'Upon
this rock I will build my church.' Will speak of the simple religious
element in human nature, the loss of which no critical skill or insight
could replace. Will quote some of the acts and expressions of the true
religious zeal of other days, and ask why this means nothing for us of
to-day."

Her first act of 1888 was to preach this sermon before the Parker
Fraternity. It was one of those best liked by herself and others.

The great event of this year was her visit to California. She had never
seen the Pacific Coast; the Elliotts were going to Chicago for an
indefinite stay; her sister Annie, whom she had not seen in many years,
begged earnestly for a visit from the "Old Bird."

She decided to make the journey, and arranged a lecture tour to cover
its expenses.

The expedition was throughout one of deepest interest. It began with "a
day of frightful hurry and fatigue. I had been preparing for this
departure for some time past; yet when the time came, it seemed as if I
could hardly get off. Maud worked hard to help me. She insisted upon
arranging matters for me; went to the bank; got my ticket. We parted
cheerfully, yet I felt the wrench. God knows whether she will ever be in
my house again, as my partner in care and responsibility...."

After an "A.A.W." conference in Boston, and a Woman's Council in
Washington, she took the road. Her first stop was at Chicago. Here she
was "very busy and not quite well. Divided the day between Maud and some
necessary business. At 3.15 P.M. the dreadful wrench took place. Maud
was very brave, but I know that she felt it as I did...."


                                  _To Maud_

                                          MERCHANTS' HOTEL,
                                   ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, April 10.

So far, so good, my dear sweet child. I got me off as well as possible,
though we had many complications and delays as to the ticket. My section
was very comfortable. I had supper in the dining-car, and slept well, no
theatre-troupe nor D. T. being aboard. I have now got my ticket all
straight to 'Frisco, and won't I frisk oh! when I get there!


The next stop was at Spokane Falls. Here she had "a bronchial attack;
very hoarse and sore in my throat and chest. Went over my lecture
carefully, leaving out some pages. Felt absolute need of tea-stimulant,
and went downtown, finding some in a grocer's shop. The good servant
Dora made me a hot cup which refreshed me greatly. Very hoarse at my
lecture. Opera House a good one enough; for a desk, a box mounted on a
barrel, all covered with a colored paper; decent enough. Lecture:
'Polite Society'; well received." The Spokane of to-day may smile at the
small things of yesterday; yet our mother always spoke with pleasure of
her cordial reception there.

Walla Walla, Walula, Paser. In the last-named place she "found a tavern
with many claimants for beds. Mrs. Isaacs, who came with me from Walla
Walla for a little change of air, could not have a separate room, and
we were glad to share not only a small room but also a three-quarters
bed. I was cramped and slept miserably. She was very quiet and amiable."

At Tacoma again (on the way whither she felt as if her life hung by a
thread while crossing the Notch), there was but one room for the two
ladies, but they occupied it "very peacefully."

After church at Tacoma "we heard singing in one of the parlors, and went
in quest of it. In the great parlor of the hotel where hops take place,
we found an assemblage of men and women, mostly young, singing Gospel
hymns, with an accompaniment of grand piano. The Bishop of New Zealand
stood in the middle of the apartment singing with gusto. Presently he
took his place at the instrument, his wife joining him as if she thought
his situation dangerous for a 'lone hand.' A little later, some one, who
appeared to act as master of ceremonies, asked me to come over and be
introduced to the Bishop, to which I consented. His first question was:
'Are you going to New Zealand immediately?' He is a Londoner. 'Ah, come;
with all your States, you can show nothing like London.' Being asked for
a brief address, he spoke very readily, with a frank, honest face, and
in a genial, offhand manner. A good specimen of his sort, not
fine-brained, nor over-brained, but believing in religion and glad to
devote his life to it. The Bishop has blue eyes and a shaggy head of
grizzled hair."

After Tacoma came "hospitable Seattle"; where she lectured and attended
a meeting of the Seattle Emerson Club; then to Olympia, by a small Sound
steamer.

"A queer old bachelor on board, hearing me say that I should like to
live in Washington Territory, said he would give me a handsome house and
lot if I would live in Olympia, at which several Olympians present
laughed."

She left Olympia by train, _en route_ for Portland. The conductor,
"Brown by name," saw the name on her valise, and claimed acquaintance,
remembering her when she lived in Boylston Place. Soon after, passing a
lovely little mill-stream, with a few houses near it, by name Tumwater,
she consulted him as to the value of land there, with the result that
she bought several acres of "good bottom land."

This was one of several small purchases of land made during her various
journeyings. She always hoped that they would bring about large results:
the Tumwater property was specially valued by her, though she never set
foot in the place. The pioneer was strong in her, as it was in the
Doctor; the romance of travel never failed to thrill her. Speeding
hither and thither by rail, her eye caught beauty and desirableness in a
flash; the settler stirred in her blood, and she longed to possess and
to develop. Tumwater she fondly hoped was to bring wealth to the two
eldest grandchildren, to whom she bequeathed it.

In Portland she spent several days, lectured three times, and was most
hospitably entertained. On her one disengaged evening she went down into
the hotel parlor, played for the guests to dance, played accompaniments
for them to sing. She spoke to the school children; "she made slight
acquaintance with various people," most of whom told her the story of
their lives. Briefly, she touched life at every point.

Finally, on May 5, she reached San Francisco, and a few hours later the
ranch of San Geronimo, where the Mailliards had been living for some
years.

"Situation very beautiful," she says; "a cup in the mountains." Here she
found her beloved sister Annie, the "little Hitter" of her early
letters; here she spent happy days, warm with outer and inner sunshine.

California was a-tiptoe with eagerness to see and hear the author of the
"Battle Hymn"; many lectures were planned, in San Francisco and
elsewhere. The Journal gives but brief glimpses of this California
visit, which she always recalled with delight as one of the best of all
her "great good times." In the newspaper clippings, preserved in a
scrapbook, we find the adjectives piled mountain high in praise and
appreciation. Though not yet seventy, she was already, in the eye of the
youthful reporter, "aged"; her silver hair was dwelt on lovingly; people
were amazed at her activity. One of the great occasions was the
celebration of Decoration Day by the Grand Army of the Republic in the
Grand Opera House, at which she was the guest of honor. The house was
packed; the stage brilliant with flowers and emblems. Her name was
cheered to the echo. She spoke a few words of acknowledgment.

"I join in this celebration with thrilled and uplifted heart. I remember
those camp-fires, I remember those dreadful battles. It was a question
with us women, 'Will our men prevail? Until they do they will not come
home.' How we blessed them when they did; how we blessed them with our
prayers when they were in the battlefield. Those were times of sorrow;
this is one of joy. Let us thank God, who has given us these victories."

The audience rose _en masse_, and stood while the "Battle Hymn" was
sung, author and audience joining in the chorus.

After her second lecture in Santa Barbara, she "sauntered a little, and
spent a little money. Bought some imperfect pearls which will look well
when set. Wanted a handsome brooch which I saw; thought I had best
conquer my desire, and did so."

At Ventura: "Got so tired that I could hardly dress for lecture." The
next day she proposed to Mrs. S. at dinner (1 P.M.) to invite some young
people for the evening, promising to play for them to dance. "She [Mrs.
S.] ordered a buggy and drove about the village. Her son stretched a
burlap on the straw matting and waxed it. About thirty came. We had some
sweet music, singers with good voices, and among others a pupil of
Perabo, who was really interesting and remarkable."

At one of the hospitable cities, a gentleman asked her to drive with
him, drove her about for a couple of hours, descanting upon the beauties
of the place, and afterwards proclaimed that Mrs. Howe was the most
agreeable woman he had ever met. "And I never once opened my lips!" she
said.

On June 10 she preached in Oakland: "the one sermon which I have felt
like preaching in these parts: 'Thou art Peter, and upon this rock.' The
house was well filled.... After service as I leaned over to speak to
those who stopped to greet me, I saw one of our old church-members, who
told me, with eyes full of tears, that our dear James Freeman Clarke is
no more. This was like an ice-bolt; I could not realize it at first.

  "'A very tender history
  Did in your passing fall.'

"Years of sweet converse, of following and dependence, end with this
event."

       *       *       *       *       *

So we come to the last day at the ranch, the parting with the dear
sister; the departure for San Francisco, laden with roses and good
wishes.

On the way eastward she stopped at Salt Lake City, and went to the
Mormon Tabernacle; "an enormous building with a roof like the back of a
turtle; many tourists present. The Mormons mostly an ill-looking and
ill-smelling crowd. Bishop Whitney, a young man, preached a cosmopolite
sermon, quoting Milton and Emerson. He spoke of the Christian Church
with patronizing indulgence; insisted upon the doctrine of immediate and
personal revelation, and censured the Mormons for sometimes considering
their families before their church. Communion, bread in silver baskets
and water in silver cups, handed to every one, children partaking with
the rest; no solemnity."

"_June 26._ To visit the penitentiary, where thirty Mormon bishops are
imprisoned for polygamy. Spoke with one, Bishop of Provo, a rather
canny-looking man, whom we found in the prison library, reading. The
librarian (four years' term for forgery) told me it was the result of
liquor and bad company. I said a few motherly words to him and presently
proposed to speak to the prisoners, to which the jailer gladly assented.
I began by saying, 'I feel to speak to you, my brothers.' Said that all
of us make mistakes and many of us do wrong at times. Exhorted them to
give, in future, obedience to the laws upon which the existence of
society depends. The convict Montrose sent to me a little chain and
ornaments of his own making. I promised to send one or two books for the
library...."

So, through "bowery and breezy Nebraska; such a relief to eyes and
nerves!" to Chicago, where Maud kept and comforted her as long as might
be, and sent her refreshed on her way; finally to Boston, where she
arrived half-starved, and so to Newport.


                              _To Maud_

                                                    July 8, 1888.

  Grumble, grumble--tumble, tumble,
  For something to eat,
  Fast-y fast-y nasty, nasty,
  At last, at last-y,
  Ma's dead beat!

"Oh! the dust of it, and the swirl, in which the black porter and the
white babies all seemed mixed up together. A few dried and withered old
women, like myself, were thrown in, an occasional smoky gent, and the
gruel 'thick and slab,' was what is called Human Nature! This is the
spleeny vein, and I indulge it to make you laugh, but really, my journey
was as comfortable as heat and speed would allow. Imagine my feelings on
learning that there was no dining or buffet car! Do not grieve about
this, the biscuits and bananas which you put up carried me quite a way.
We got a tolerable breakfast at Cleveland, and a bad dinner at Buffalo,
but dry your eyes, the strawberry shortcake was uncommonly good. And
think how good it is that I have got through with it all and can now
rest good and handsome."


The summer entries in the Journal are varied and picturesque. "My cow,
of which I was fond, was found dead this morning.... My neighbor Almy
was very kind.... I feel this a good deal, but complaining will not help
matters."

"Mr. Bancroft [George], historian, brought Dr. Hedge to call after
dinner. Mr. B. kissed me on both cheeks for the first time in his life.
We had a very pleasant and rather brilliant talk, as might have been
expected where such men meet."

She writes to Maud:--

"Mr. Alger seized upon my left ear metaphorically and emptied into it
all the five-syllable words that he knew, and the result was a mingling
of active and passive lunacy, for I almost went mad and he had not far
to go in that direction."

And again; apropos of ----: "How the great world does use up a man! It
is not merely the growing older, for that is a natural and simple
process; but it is the coating of worldliness which seems to varnish
the life out of a man; dead eyes, dead smile, and (worst of all) dead
breath."

"_September 23_. To church in Newport. A suggestive sermon from Mr.
Alger on 'Watching,' _i.e._, upon all the agencies that watch us,
children, foes, friends, critics, authorities, spirits, God himself.

"As we drove into town [Newport] I had one of those momentary glimpses
which in things spiritual are so infinitely precious. The idea became
clear and present to my mind that God, an actual presence, takes note of
our actions and intentions. I thought how helpful it would be to us to
pass our lives in a sense of this divine supervision. After this inward
experience I was almost startled by the theme of Alger's sermon. I spoke
to him of the coincidence, and he said it must have been a thought wave.
The thought is one to which I have need to cling. I have at this moment
mental troubles, obsessions of imagination, from which I pray to be
delivered. While this idea of the divine presence was clear to me, I
felt myself lifted above these things. May this lifting continue."

"_November 4._ In my prayer this morning I thanked God that I have come
to grieve more over my moral disappointments than over my intellectual
ones. With my natural talents I had nothing to do: with my use or abuse
of them, everything.

"I have thought, too, lately, of a reason why we should not neglect our
duty to others for our real or supposed duty to ourselves. It is this:
ourselves we have always with us; our fellows flit from our company, or
pass away and we must help them when and while we can."

On December 5 she hears "the bitter news of Abby May's death. Alas! and
alas! for the community, for her many friends, and for the Club and the
Congress in which she did such great silent service. God rest her in His
sweet peace!"

On Christmas Day she went to "Trinity Church, where I enjoyed Phillips
Brooks's sermon. Felt much drawn to go to communion with the rest; but
thought it might occasion surprise and annoyance. Going into a remote
upper gallery I was present at the scene, and felt that I had my
communion without partaking of the 'elements.' These lines also
suggested themselves as I walked home:--

  "The Universal bread,
  The sacrificial wine,
  The glory of the thorn-crowned head,
  Humanity divine."

"The last day of the year dawned upon me, bringing solemn thoughts of
the uncertainty of life, and sorrow for such misuse of its great gifts
and opportunities as I am well conscious of. This has been a good year
to me. It carried me to the Pacific slope, and showed me indeed a land
of promise. It gave me an unexpected joy in the harmonious feelings
toward me and the members of A.A.W. at the Detroit Congress. It has,
alas! taken from me my dear pastor, most precious to me for help and
instruction, and other dear and valued friends, notably Sarah Shaw
Russell,[106] Abby W. May and Carrie Tappan.[107] I desire to set my
house in order, and be ready for my departure; thankful to live, or
willing to cease from my mortal life when God so wills...."

  [106] Mrs. George Russell, widow of the Doctor's friend and college
  chum.

  [107] Caroline Tappan was Caroline Sturgis, daughter of Captain William
  Sturgis, and sister of Ellen (Sturgis) Hooper,--member of the inmost
  Transcendentalist circle, and friend of Emerson, Ellery Channing, and
  Margaret Fuller.




CHAPTER VI

SEVENTY YEARS YOUNG

1889-1890; _aet._ 70-71

  The seven decades of my years
  I figure like those Pleiad spheres
  Which, thro' the heaven's soft impulse moved,
  Still seek a sister star beloved.

  Thro' many sorrows, more delight,
  Thro' miracles in sound and sight,
  Thro' battles lost and battles won,
  These star-spaced years have led me on.

  Though long behind me shows the path,
  The future still its promise hath,
  For tho' the past be fair and fond,
  The perfect number lies beyond.

                                     J. W. H.

She was dissatisfied with herself in these days.

"_January 1, 1889._ In my prayer this night I asked for weight and
earnestness of purpose. I am too frivolous and frisky."

"On waking I said, 'If God does not help me this day, I shall not be
able to finish my address' [for a Washington's Birthday celebration at
Newport]."

She thinks He did help her, as she found the vein of what she wished to
say, and finished it to her "tolerable satisfaction."

"As I entered the hall in the evening, the thought of Cinderella struck
me, and I used it by comparing the fashion, of which we make so much
account, to Cinderella with her rat horses and pumpkin carriage, so
resplendent until her hour came; then the horses would not carry her,
the golden coach would not hold her, her illusory grandeur was at an
end. Our cause of truth and justice I compared to the Princess in her
enchanted sleep, who lies spellbound until the true champion comes to
rescue her, and the two go forth together, to return to sleep and
diversion, oh, never more."


This is the note throughout the Journal; the record of work, the prayer
for strength. Yet the friskiness was there; no one but herself would
have had less of it.

She had already entered the happy estate of grandmotherhood, and enjoyed
it to the full. New songs must be made for the little new people, new
games invented. We see her taking a grandchild's hands in hers, and
improvising thus:--

  "We have two hands,
  To buckle bands!
  We have ten fingers,
  To make clotheswringers!
  We have two thumbs,
  To pick up crumbs!
  We have two heels,
  To bob for eels!
  We have ten toes,
  To match our nose!"

If the child be tired or fretful, "Hush!" says the grandmother. "Be
good, and I will play you the 'Canarybird's Funeral.'" Off they go to
the piano, and the "Canarybird's Funeral" is improvised, and must be
played over and over, for this and succeeding grandchildren. For them,
too, she composed the musical drama of "Flibbertigibbet," which she was
to play and recite for so many happy children, and grown folks too.
Flibbertigibbet was a black imp who appeared one day in the
market-place, and playing a jig on his fiddle, set all the people
dancing whether they would or no. She played the jig, and one did not
wonder at the people. Next came Flibbertigibbet's march, which he played
on his way to prison; his melancholy, as he sat in durance; the cats on
the roof of his prison; finally, entrance of the benevolent fairy, who
whisks him off in a balloon to fairyland. All these, voice and piano
gave together: nobody who heard "Flibbertigibbet" ever forgot it. She
set Mother Goose to music for the grandchildren; singing of Little Boy
Blue, and the Man in the Moon. She thought these nursery melodies among
her best compositions; from time to time, however, other and graver airs
came to her, dreamed over the piano on summer evenings, or in twilight
walks among the Newport meadows. Some of these airs were gathered and
published in later years.[108]

  [108] _Song Album._ Published by G. Schirmer & Co.


In May of this year she notes the closing of a life long associated with
hers.

"_May 24._ Laura Bridgman died to-day at about 12 M. This event brings
with it solemn suggestions, which my overcrowded brain cannot adequately
follow. Her training was a beautiful out-blossoming from the romance of
my husband's philanthropy. She has taught a great lesson in her time,
and unfortunates of her sort are now trained, without question of the
result. This was to S. G. H. an undiscovered country in the first
instance. I cannot help imagining him as standing before the face of
the Highest and pointing to his work: happy, thrice happy man, with all
his sorrow!"


The close of her seventieth year was a notable milestone on the long
road. May found her still carrying full sail; a little more tired after
each exertion, a little puzzled at the occasional rebellion of "Sister
Body," her hard-worked "A.B.,"; but not yet dreaming of taking in a
reef.

The seventieth birthday was a great festival. Maud, inviting Oliver
Wendell Holmes to the party, had written, "Mamma will be _seventy years
young_ on the 27th. Come and play with her!"

The Doctor in his reply said, "It is better to be seventy years young
than forty years old!"

Dr. Holmes himself was now eighty years old. It was in these days that
she went with Laura to call on him, and found him in his library, a big,
bright room, looking out on the Charles River, books lining the walls, a
prevailing impression of atlases and dictionaries open on stands. The
greeting between the two was pleasant to see, their talk something to
remember. "Ah, Mrs. Howe," said the Autocrat, "you at seventy have much
to learn about life. At eighty you will find new vistas opening in every
direction!"

Ten years later she was reminded of this. "It is true!" she said.

At parting he kissed her, which touched her deeply.

He was in another mood when they met at a reception shortly after this.
"Ah! Mrs. Howe," he said, "you see I still hang on as one of the old
wrecks!"

"Yes, you are indeed _Rex_!" was the reply.

"Then, Madam," he cried with a flash, "you are _Regina_!"

To return to the birthday! Here are a few of the letters received:--


                  _From George William Curtis_

                          WEST NEW BRIGHTON, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.,

                                        May 9, 1889.

MY DEAR MRS. ELLIOTT,--

I shall still be too lame to venture so far away from home as your kind
invitation tempts me to stray, but no words of my regard and admiration
for Mrs. Howe will ever limp and linger. I doubt if among the hosts who
will offer their homage upon her accession to the years of a ripe youth
there will be many earlier friends than I, and certainly there will be
none who have watched her career with more sympathy in her varied and
humane activities. Poet, scholar, philanthropist, and advocate of true
Democracy, her crown is more than triple, and it is her praise as it may
well be her pride to have added fresh lustre to the married name she
bears.

I am sincerely sorry that only in this inadequate way can I join my
voice to the chorus of friendly rejoicing and congratulation on the
happy day, which reminds us only of the perpetual youth of the warm
heart and the sound mind.

                                   Very truly yours,
                                           GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS.


                     _From W. W. Story_

MY DEAR JULIA,--

(I suppose I may still call you so--we are both so young and
inexperienced) I cannot let this anniversary of your birth go by,
without stretching out my hands to you across the ocean, and throwing to
you all they can hold of good wishes, and affectionate thought, and
delightful memories. Though years have gone by since I have seen you,
you are still fresh, joyous, and amusing, and charming as ever. Of this
I am fully persuaded, and often I look into that anxious mirror of my
mind, and see you and wander with you, and jest with you and sing with
you, as I used in the olden days; and never will I be so faithless as to
believe that you are any older than you were--and I hope earnestly you
are no wiser and that a great deal of folly is still left in you--as it
is, I am happy to say, in me.

For, after all, what is life worth when its folly is all departed? When
we have grown wise and sad as well as old--it is time to say Good-bye.
But that time has not come for us yet. So let us still shout _Evviva_!

I do not mention the fact of your age,--I don't know it,--but if I
should guess, from what I know I should say twenty-five. I was
twenty-eight when I left America--and that is such a few months ago--and
I know you were born somewhat about the same time.

You will receive a great many congratulations and expressions of
friendship, but none more sincere than those of

                                 Your old friend--I mean
                                       Your young friend,
                                                     W. W. STORY.

ROME, PALAZZO BARBERINI,
      MAY 10, 1889.


                     _From James Russell Lowell_

                                             68 BEACON STREET,
                                                 13th MAY, 1889.

DEAR MRS. HOWE,--

I shouldn't have suspected it, but if you say so, I am bound to believe
this improbability, as absurd as Leporello's Catalogue for its numerals.
If it be so--I beg pardon--since it is so, I am glad that you are going
to take it cheerfully as who should say to Time, "Another turn of the
glass, please, my young friend, I'm writing." But alas, I can't be there
to take a glass with you. You say, "if there be no obstacle." No less
than a couple of thousand miles of water, harder to get over than the
years themselves, which indeed get behind more swiftly than they ought.
I can at least wish you many happy returns of the day and will drink to
your health on the 27th. I sail on the 18th.

Pray accept my thanks and regrets and make them acceptable to your
children.

                                   Faithfully yours,
                                            JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.

The Journal thus notes the occasion.

"My seventieth birthday. A very busy day for all of us.... My head was
dressed at eleven. All my children were here, with daughter- and
sons-in-law. I had many lovely gifts. The house was like a garden of
costly flowers. Breakfast was at 12.30; was in very good style. Guests:
General Walker, John S. Dwight, E. E. Hale, Mrs. Jack Gardner, Mmes.
Bell, Pratt, and Agassiz. Walker made the first speech at the table, H.
M. H.[109] being toastmaster. Walker seemed to speak very feelingly,
calling me the first citizeness of the country; stood silent a little
and sat down. Dwight read a delightful poem; Hale left too soon to do
anything. H. introduced J. S. D. thus: 'Sweetness and light, your name
is Dwight.' While we sat at table, baskets and bouquets of wonderful
flowers kept constantly arriving; the sweet granddaughters brought them
in, in a sort of procession lovely to see. It rained in the afternoon,
but the house was thronged with visitors, all the same."

  [109] Henry Marion Howe.

A sober entry, written the next day, when she was "very tired, with a
delightful fatigue": but on the day itself she was gay, enjoying her
"party" to the full, treasuring every flower, wondering why people were
so good to her.

The festivities lasted several days, for every one wanted to "play
Birthday" with her. The New England Woman's Club gave her a luncheon,
which she valued next to the home celebration; the blind children of the
Perkins Institution must hear her speak, and in return sing some of her
songs, and give her flowers, clustering round her with tender, groping
fingers that sought to clasp hers. Moreover, the last week of May is
Anniversary Week in Boston. Suffragists, women ministers, Unitarians,
"uplifters" of every description, held their meetings (traditionally in
a pouring rain) and one and all wanted Mrs. Howe.

"I have said to God on every morning of these busy days: 'Give me this
day,' and He has given them all: _i.e._, He has given me power to fulfil
the task appointed for each."

When she finally got to Newport, she was "dazed with the quiet after the
strain of heart and fatigue."

The ministry was much in her mind this summer.

"I take for my guidance a new motto: 'I will ascend'; not in my
ambition, but in my thoughts and aims."

"A dry Sunday, _i.e._, no church, it being the women's turn to go. I
shelled peas for dinner. Began Rambaud's 'History of Russia.'... I think
of two sermons to write, one, 'A spirit of Power'; one, 'Behold, I show
you a more excellent way.'"

Suffrage had its meed too in these summer days.

"Have copied my Call for the Congress. In my coming suffrage talks will
invite women to study the history of their sex in the past, and its
destiny in the future; inertia and ignorance are the great dangers of
society. The old condition of women largely increased instead of
diminishing these sources of evil. The women were purposely kept
ignorant, in order that they might be enslaved and degraded. Inertia is
largely fostered by the paralysis of independent action...."

"I feel just now that we ought to try hard to have all the Far West
represented at the Denver Congress."

"Thought a book or article about 'Fooleries' would be entertaining and
instructive. The need of this element in human society is shown by the
ancient jesters and court fools.... In Bible times Samson made sport for
the Philistines. People now do their own dancing and their own fooling:
some of it very dull. Query: What ancient jests have been preserved?
'The Fools of old and of all time' would not be a bad title."

       *       *       *       *       *

In October came the Woman's Congress in Denver; she was there,
"attending all meetings and sessions."

"Mrs. ----'s paper on 'The Redemptive Power of Art' was very so-so, and
did not touch my conception of the theme, viz., art made valuable for
the reform of criminals. I spoke of this with warmth."

After the Congress "the visiting ladies enjoyed a drive about the city
of Denver. I went early to the High School with A. A. B.[110] Found Mrs.
Cheney speaking to the pupils assembled. She did not notice our entrance
and spoke of me very warmly. Presently, turning round, she saw us and we
all laughed. I spoke to them of my 'drink of youth'; compared the
spirits of youth to steam given to carry them on a celestial railroad;
compared youth to wine in a beautiful vase; spoke of ancient libations
to the gods; our libation to be poured to the true Divine; urged them
not to starve their studies in order to feed their amusements. 'Two ways
of study, one mean, the other generous.' Told them not to imitate
savages, who will barter valuable land for worthless baubles; not so to
barter their opportunities for barren pleasures."

  [110] The Reverend Antoinette Blackwell.

She preached at Unity Church Sunday morning.

"At Grace Church [Methodist] in the afternoon. Spoke to the text, 'God
hath not left himself without a witness.' This witness is in every human
heart; which, with all its intense desires, desires most of all, law,
order, religion.... I applied my text to the coming out into the new
territories; a rough Exodus stimulated by the love of gold; but with the
army of fortune-seekers go faithful souls, and instead of passing out of
civilization, they extend its bounds. 'Praise waiteth for thee in
Zion'--yes, but the Prophet says: 'The solitary places shall be glad for
them,' et cetera. I set this down for future use."

       *       *       *       *       *

The Denver people were most friendly, and she enjoyed the visit greatly.
Thence she stepped westward once more, lecturing and preaching as she
went, everywhere welcomed with cordial warmth, everywhere carrying her
ministry with her.

"A sweet young mother was dreadfully plagued with two babies; I helped
her as much as I could."

"A delicate young woman was travelling with her father, a boy of five
years, and a semi-friend, semi-help, not much of either. This party sat
opposite me in the Pullman, and soon made acquaintance. She is going for
her health from Tacoma to California. An odd-looking genius, something
like ---- in his youth, got in somewhere and attracted my attention by
his restless manner. I took him for no good; a gambler, perhaps. He
seemed to notice me a good deal....

"Made acquaintance with the odd-looking young man. He is a timber-land
broker. He had noticed me because I reminded him of his mother. We
became friends. He told me his story. He brought another gentleman, a
man more of society than himself, and we and Mrs. Campbell played whist.
We were quite gay all day. In the evening a sad, elderly man whom I had
observed, came over and showed me his wife's photograph as she had
looked in health, and then a photograph of her in her last illness; he
holding her up in his arms. He said he was travelling to help his
sorrow.

"At Reading my two whist gentlemen cried out, '_Tamales!_' and rushed
out. They presently returned, bringing some curious Mexican eatables,
corn meal with chicken and red peppers rolled in corn leaves. These folk
all left at Sacramento at three in the morning."


California was once more her goal. This second visit was brief and
hurried.

"Hurry, scurry to dress for the Forefathers' Day celebration. Oakley was
my squire. I was taken down to dinner by Professor Moore, President of
the occasion.... I was suddenly and unexpectedly called for, and all
were requested to rise, which was a great honor done me. I spoke of two
Congregationalists whom I had known, Antoinette Blackwell, of whose
ordination I told; then of Theodore Parker, of whom I said, 'Nothing
that I have heard here is more Christian than what I heard from him.' I
told of his first having brought into notice the hymn, 'Nearer, My God,
to Thee,' and said that I had sung it with him; said that in advising
with all women's clubs, I always urged them to include in their
programmes pressing questions of the day. Was much applauded.... They
then sang the 'Battle Hymn' and we adjourned."

       *       *       *       *       *

She spent Christmas with Sister Annie, in great contentment; her last
word before starting for home is, "Thank God for much good!"


                            _To Maud_

                                                          BOSTON.

I reached Boston very comfortably on Monday night about eleven o'clock.
I was slower than usual [on the journey] in making friends with those
around me, but finally thought I would speak to the pleasant-looking
woman on my left. She had made acquaintance with the people who had the
two sections behind mine. I had observed a gaunt young man going back
and forth, with a look on his face which made me say to my friend in
Number Nine: "That man must have committed a murder." Who do you think
he turned out to be? Lieutenant Ripley, of the Vandalia, U.S.N., the
great ship which went to pieces on the Samoan reef. I, of course,
determined to hear about it from his own lips, and we had a most
interesting talk. He is very slight, but must be all nerve and muscle.
All the sailors in the top in which he was clinging for his life fell
off and were drowned. He held on till the Trenton came down upon them,
when, with the others who were saved in other parts of the rigging, he
crept along a hawser and somehow reached the Trenton. Fearing that she
would go to pieces, he started with fifteen sailors to swim ashore--he
alone was saved--he says he is much practised in swimming. I spoke of
this all as a dreadful experience. "Yes," said he, with a twinkle in his
eye, "but the storm cleared out the Germans for us." He was thrown
ashore insensible, but soon recovered consciousness--had been naked and
without food for thirty-six hours. Took a cup of coffee in one hand, and
a cup of brandy in the other, and swallowed a little from each
alternately, his refection lasting from nine in the evening till one
o'clock at night....


                             _To the same_

We have not seen the sun in some days. I hope that he has shined upon
you. Item, I have almost finished my anxious piece of work for the N.Y.
"Evening Post," after which I shall say, "Now, frolic, soul, with thy
coat off!"


In January, 1890, she "heard young Cram[111] explain Tristram and
Iseult,' and young Prescott execute some of the music. It seemed to me
like _broken china_, no complete chord; no perfect result; no
architectonic."

  [111] Ralph Adams Cram, architect and _littérateur_.

She never learned to like what was in those days "the new music." Wagner
and Brahms were anathema to her, as to many another music-lover of her
time, notably John Sullivan Dwight, long-time Boston's chief musical
critic. Many a sympathetic talk they had together; one can see him now,
his eyes burning gentle fire, head nodding, hands waving, as he
denounced what seemed to him wanton cacophony. She avoided the Symphony
Concerts at which "the new music" was exploited; but it was positive
pain to her to miss a symphony of Beethoven or Schubert.

In March of this year the Saturday Morning Club of Boston gave a
performance of the "Antigone" of Sophocles.

"In afternoon to the second representation of the 'Antigone.'... On the
whole very pathetic and powerful. Mrs. Tilden full of dramatic fire;
Sally Fairchild ideally beautiful in dress, attitude, and expression.
The whole a high feast of beauty and of poetry. The male parts
wonderfully illusive, especially that of Tiresias, the seer...."


                                   _To Laura_

                                       241 BEACON STREET, BOSTON,

                                             April 26, 1890.

I'se very sorry for unhandsome neglect complained of in your last. What
are we going to do about it? I have now and then made efforts to reclaim
the old Party, but have long considered her incorrigible. What shall we
say, then? "Where sin doth abound, Grace shall much more abound," or
words to that effect, are recorded of one Paul, of whom I have no mean
opinion. So, there's Scripture for you, do you see? As I wrote you
yes'day or day before, things have been _hoppy_ here since my return.
The elder Agassiz used to mention in his lectures the _Lepidoptera_, and
I think that's the creature (insect, I b'lieve) which infests Boston.
What I have hopped for, and whither to, I cannot in the least remember.
Flossy was here, as you know, and I hop't for her. I also 'tended two of
the festival Oratorios, which were fine, but to me very fatiguing. I
find that I must take public amusements, when I do take them, in the
afternoon, as in the evening bodily fatigue overmasters even the
æsthetic sense, and it is not worth while to pay a large price for the
pleasure of wishing one's self at home.... The benefit at Boston Museum
for the Vincent Hospital netted over $1600. It was a brilliant success,
but I caught there the first cold I have had since my return from the
Far West. Maud is very busy with the flower table, which she has
undertaken, _having nothing to do_. This is for the Vincent Fair, which
will take place on Tuesday, 29th.... Have got a few lovely books from
Libbie's sale of the Hart collection--among other things, a fine French
edition of "Les Misérables," which I am at last glad never to have read,
as I shall enjoy it, _D.V._, in some of the long reading days of
summer....

                         Your ownty donty

                                                              MA.

P.S. Before the Libbie sale I wickedly bid $25 upon a small but very
precious missal. It brought $825!!

       *       *       *       *       *

When she reached Oak Glen in mid-June, she felt a "constant
discouragement"; was lonely, and missed the cheerful converse of her
club and suffrage friends. "My work seems to me to amount to nothing at
all." She soon revived, and "determined to fulfil in due order all the
tasks undertaken for this summer; so attacked the Kappa poem and wrote
at a stretch twenty-two verses, of four lines each, which was pretty
much my day's work. Read in Martineau, in J. F. C., a little Greek, and
the miserable 'Les Misérables.'"

She decided to hold some conversations in the Unitarian parsonage, and
wrote out the following topics for them:--

"Useful undertakings in this city as existing and needed."

"How to promote public spirit in American men and women."

"How to attain a just average estimate of our own people."

"How far is it wise to adopt the plan of universal reading for ourselves
and our young people?"

"In what respects do the foreign civilizations retard, in what do they
promote the progress of our own civilization?"

In August she preached to the women in Sherborn Prison, choosing a "text
of cheer and uplifting: 'Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory.' Read part of Isaiah 40th. Said that I had wished to bring them
some word of comfort and exhilaration. Pointed out how the Lord's Prayer
begins with solemn worship and ascription, aspiring to God's Kingdom,
praying for daily bread and for deliverance from temptation and all
evil; at the close it rises into this joyous strain, 'Thine is the
kingdom,' et cetera. Tried to show how the kingdom is God, the great
providential order, before and beyond all earthly government; then the
power, that of perfect wisdom and goodness, the power to know and rule
all things, to be everywhere and ever present, to regulate the mighty
sweep of stars and planets, and, at the same time, to take note of the
poorest and smallest of us; the glory first of the visible universe,
glory of the day and night, of the seasons, glory of the redeeming power
of truth, glory of the inexhaustible patience, of boundless compassion
and love."

She enjoyed the visit to the prison and was thankful for it.

A few days later, at a meeting in Newport, she heard a lady demand that
the children of genius should be set apart from others for special
education and encouragement, receiving a pension even in their early
years. She demanded colleges of genius, and a retreat for people of
genius. By thus fostering juvenile promise, we should produce giants and
demigods.

"I, being called upon, gave the card house a tolerable shaking, and, I
think, brought it down, for which several people thanked me."

Vividly as she lived in the present, the past was never far from her.

"Had in the morning at first waking a very vivid mind-picture of my
sweet young mother lying dead, with two or three of us little ones
standing about her. My brother Henry, two years my senior, laid his
little hand upon her forehead and said: 'It is as cold as a stone,' or
some such comparison. I felt strangely, this morning, the very pain and
agony of that moment, preceding the tragical vision of a life in which
that central point of nurture, a mother's affection and wisdom, has been
wanting. The scene in my mind was only a vivid reminiscence of what
actually took place, which I never forgot, but I had not felt it as I
did to-day in many years."

Perhaps at heart she was always the little child who used to say to
herself at night, "Now I will stretch out and make myself as long as I
can, so that the robbers will think I am a grown-up person, and perhaps
then they will not touch me!" "Then," she told us, "I would stretch
myself out at full length, and go to sleep."

She was reading Martineau's "Study of Religion" this summer with close
attention and deep interest. His writings gave her unfailing delight.
His portrait hung in her room; on her desk lay always a slender volume
of his "Prayers," her favorite passages marked in pencil. When Louise
Chandler Moulton lay dying, the best comfort she could devise for her
was the loan of this precious little volume.

The "Study of Religion" is not light reading. We find now and then:
"Head threatening. Will not tackle Martineau to-day"; and again: "My
head is possessed with my study of Martineau. Had a moment's realizing
sense this morning of the universe as created and constantly re-created
by the thought of the will of God. The phrase is common enough: the
thought, vast beyond human conception."

When her head was clear, she studied the great theologian eagerly,
copying many passages for more complete assimilation.

September brought "alarums and excursions."

"Awoke and sprang at once into the worry saddle."

Another Congress was coming, another "A.A.W." paper to be written,
beside an opening address for the Mechanics' Fair, and "1500 words for
Bok," on some aspect of the American woman.

She went to Boston for the opening of the Mechanics' Fair, and sat
beside Phillips Brooks in the great hall. "They will not hear us!" she
said. "No," replied Brooks. "This is the place where little children are
_seen_ and not _heard_."

"Mayor Hart backed up the Tariff while I praised Free Trade. My text was
two words of God: 'Use and Beauty.' My brief address was written
carefully though hastily."

There was no neighborly electric road in Rhode Island in those days, and
the comings and goings were fatiguing.

"A hard day.... The rain was pitiless, and I in my best clothes, and
without rubbers. Embraced a chance of driving to the Perry House, where
... it was cold and dark. I found a disconsolate couple from Schenectady
who had come to Newport for a day's pleasuring. Did my best to entertain
them, walking about the while to keep warm."

She got home finally, and the day ends with her ordering a warm mash for
the horse.

This horse, Ha'pence, a good and faithful beast, ran a great danger
this summer. The coachman, leaving in dudgeon, poisoned the oats with
Paris green, a diabolical act which the Journal chronicles with
indignation. Fortunately the deed was discovered in time.

She was always thoughtful of animals. During the reign at 241 Beacon
Street of the little fox-terrier Patch, it often fell to her lot to take
him out to walk, and she felt this a grave responsibility.

One day Patch ran away on Beacon Street, and would not come back when
she called him. At this instant Dr. Holmes, passing, paused for a
friendly greeting.

"Mrs. Howe," he said, "I trust this fine morning--"

"_Catch the dog!_" cried Mrs. Howe. One author flew one way, one the
other; between the two Patch was caught and brought in triumph home.

One dog story recalls another. She was in the North Station one day,
about to start for Gardiner, as was also the setter Diana, crated and
very unhappy.

"Here, Auntie!" said the baggage-master; "you set here and be company
for the dog, and I'll get your check!"

She complied meekly, and was found somewhat later by her escort, "being
company" for a much-comforted Diana.




CHAPTER VII

A SUMMER ABROAD

1892-1893; _aet._ 73-74

  Methinks my friends grow beauteous in my sight,
  As the years make their havoc of sweet things;
  Like the intenser glory of the light
  When the sad bird of Autumn sits and sings.
    Ah! woe is me! ah! Memory,
  Be cheerful, thanking God for things that be.

                                             J. W. H.


The longing to revisit England and enjoy another "whiff" of a London
season was gratified in the summer of 1892. Accompanied by the Elliotts
and a granddaughter, she sailed for Liverpool on the 4th of June; "a day
of almost inconceivable pressure and labor. I could not waste one
minute, yet could not do some of the simplest things which I intended to
do. Our departure was tolerably decorous and comfortable."

"_June 13._ _At sea._ Have enjoyed some good reading, and have read one
book, 'Bel Ami,' by Guy de Maupassant, which I found so objectionable
that I had to skip whole passages of mere sensual description. My
loathing of the book and its personages will keep me from encountering
again the filth of this author...."

"_June 16._ _Chester._ Attended service in the Cathedral. I first came
to Chester as a bride, forty-nine years ago; then in 1867 with dear
Chev, Julia, and Laura; in 1877 with dear Maud; and now with Maud and
her husband and my dear grandchild, Alice Richards. These three periods
in my woman's life gave me much to think of."

       *       *       *       *       *

June 18 found the party established in pleasant lodgings in Albion
Street, Hyde Park, where they were soon surrounded by friends old and
new.

"_June 21_.... In the afternoon Lady Aberdeen, Arthur Mills, and Henry
Harland visited me. A. M.'s hair is quite white. It was only iron grey
when we last met, thirteen years ago."

"_June 22._ Mrs. Brooke Herford wrote to ask me to come out this
afternoon to meet Mrs. Humphry Ward. The Albert Hall performance very
interesting. Lord Aberdeen sent his carriage for us. My seat was next to
that of the Countess, who appeared in a very fine dress of peach-blossom
corded silk, with white lace draperies--on my left was Lord Brooke. Lady
Aberdeen introduced me to Lord Kenmare and Dr. Barnardo. The singing of
the children, a band of rescued waifs, moved me to tears. The military
drill of the boys and the Maypole dance of the girls were very finely
done. There are more than 4000 of these children in Barnardo Homes."

"_June 23._ To the first view of the Society of English Portrait
Painters. Portraits on the whole well worth seeing--Herkomers _very_
good, also Mrs. Anna Lea Merritt's and others. A superb portrait of
Cardinal Manning, in full red and ermine. In the evening Lady Aberdeen
sent her carriage for me and I went with her to a meeting of the Liberal
League, at which she spoke with a pleasant playfulness, dwelling
somewhat upon the position that Home Rule, if given to Ireland, would do
away with the ill-feeling of the Irish in America towards England. To
lunch with Lady Aberdeen. Lief Jones came into the meeting while Lady
Aberdeen was speaking, and with him Lady Carlisle. She shook hands with
me very cordially. Presently Lief Jones began his address, which was
quite lengthy, presenting the full platform of the Liberal Party. He is
a brisk, adroit speaker, and made points in favor of Woman Suffrage, of
Home Rule, of the disestablishment of the Anglican Church in Wales and
Scotland, of the eight-hour labor law, of the purchase of the
waterworks, now owned by eight companies in the city."

"_June 24._ The lunch at Lady Aberdeen's was very pleasant. Mrs. Eva
McLaren[112] talked with me, as did Miss Ferguson. The American
Minister, Robert Lincoln,[113] was introduced to me and was very
friendly."

  [112] Author of _Civil Rights of Women_.

  [113] Son of Abraham Lincoln.

"_June 25._ Went to Toynbee Hall by Whitechapel 'bus. Had received a
note, which I supposed to be from a lady, offering to show me over the
institution. We were shown into a large room, bare of carpet, but with
some pictures and bric-à-brac. After waiting half an hour, a young
gentleman made his appearance, a Mr. Ames--the letter had been from him.
He showed me Mr. Charles [not General] Booth's map of gradations of
wealth and poverty in London. The distinctions are marked by colors and
shades of color--criminal centres designated by black. In the afternoon
to Sarasate's concert, all violin and piano-forte, but very fine."

"_June 26._ To hear Stopford Brooke in the morning, an interesting
sermon.... He called the Agnostics and Nirvanists a type found in many
classes, but not a class...."

"_June 27._ To lunch with Mrs. Harland. _Very_ pleasant. Edmund Gosse
was the guest invited to meet me. He was vivacious, easy, and agreeable.
Also the composer Marzials...."

"_June 28._ To Westminster Abbey. To Alice, its interest seemed
inexhaustible. It is so, indeed, had one time to be 'strewing violets
all the time,' as E. B. B. said. Longfellow's bust has been placed there
since my last visit; the likeness is good. I wandered about as long as
my feet would carry me, thinking sometimes of Gray's question, 'Can
storied urn,' etc. The Harlands came later and brought the composer of
'Twickenham Ferry.' With Alice to dine at Toynbee Hall. A pleasant
dinner. A bright young man, Bruce by name, related to Abyssinian Bruce,
took Alice in to dinner--sitting afterwards in Ames's room, where we met
an alderman, a bricklayer, a trades' unionist; later, we heard a lecture
from Commander Gladstone, on the Norman-Breton churches, with fine
stereoscopic plates. A violent storm came on, but we managed to ''bus
it' home, taking a cab only at Marble Arch."

"_June 29._ To dine with the Greek Minister at eight o'clock, and to the
_soirée_ of the Academy.

"To Chelsea, to call upon Mrs. Oscar Wilde.... He showed me with pride
a fine boy of five years. We had some talk of old times, of his visit to
America; I reminded him of the vermilion balcony at which he laughed."
[Wilde had complained that the usual pronunciation of these words was
prosaic.]

"_June 30...._ Mrs. Oscar Wilde asks us to take tea on Thursday; she has
invited Walter Pater.... Have writ to James Bryce."

"_July 2._ To see Oscar Wilde's play, 'Lady Windermere's Fan,' at St.
James's Theatre. We went by invitation to his box, where were Lady Wilde
and Mrs. Oscar. The play was perfectly acted, and is excellent of its
kind, the _motif_ not new, but the _dénouement_ original in treatment.
After the play to call on Lady Rothschild, then to Constance
Flower,[114] who showed us her superb house full of treasures of art."

  [114] Lady Battersea.

"_July 4._ Mrs. [Edmund] Gosse came and took us to Alma-Tadema's
beautiful house and garden. He met us very cordially. Mrs. Smalley came.
She was Wendell Phillips's adopted daughter. I had a pleasant talk with
her and with Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, whom I charged with a friendly message
to Thomas himself. After this to Minister Lincoln's Fourth of July
reception. Harry White, Daisy Rutherford's husband, was introduced."

Elsewhere she says of this visit to Alma-Tadema:--

"His charming wife, once seen, explains some of the features of his
works. She has yellow hair of the richest color; her eyes also have a
primrose tint, while her complexion has a pale bloom of its own, most
resembling that of a white rose. She gave us tea from lozenge-shaped
cups, with saucers to match. In the anteroom below we admired a painting
by her own hand, of yellow jonquils and a yellow fan, on a dark
background. Her husband seemed pleased when we praised this picture. So
these two artists occupy their golden nest peaceably, and do not tear
each other's laurels.

"Let me say here that the passion for the golden color still prevails.
In dress, in furniture, in porcelain, it is the prevailing favorite.
Long banished from the social rainbow, it now avenges itself for years
of neglect, and, as every dog must have his day, we will say that the
yellow dog is now to have his, and that the dog-star of this coming
August will certainly be of his color."

"_July 6._ With Maud to Liberty's, where she beguiled me, alas! into
buying a fine black silk mantle for six guineas. To Nutt's in the Strand
for my Greek books. He had only the 'Nicomathean Ethics,' a fine edition
which I bought for twelve shillings. Then to Poole's in Hallowell
Street, where bought two editions of Aristotle's 'Government,' with
English notes. At Poole's found a copy of Schiller's 'Robbers,' which I
bought for threepence."

"_July 7._ Afternoon tea with Mrs. Oscar, meeting an aunt of Mrs.
Wilde's, and Mrs. Burne-Jones. The aunt had been in Japan--she had known
Fenollosa and Professor Morse. Then to Mrs. Louise Chandler Moulton, who
introduced a number of people, among them William Sharp, a poet."

"_July 8._ I had rashly promised to lunch with the Brooke Herfords at
Hampstead, and to take five-o'clock tea with Mrs. Rebecca Moore at
Bedford Place. The Herfords were delightful, and Hampstead is a charming
suburb. We saw the outside of Mrs. Barbauld's house. Herford said much
good of Cookson, a farmer's son whom he had known in England from his
beginnings, a dignified, able, excellent man in his esteem. From this a
long distance to Mrs. Moore. We reached her in good time, however. Found
her alone, in a pleasant little dwelling. Three ladies came to tea,
which was served quite in state--Stepniak[115] came also."

  [115] Sergius Stepniak, a Russian author, then a political exile living
  in England.

"_July 9._ To lunch with Lady Henry Somerset. Some talk with Lady H.
about Mrs. Fawcett, et al.: also concerning Mrs. Martin's intended
candidacy for the presidency of the United States, which, however futile
in itself, we deplore as tending to throw ridicule upon the Woman's
Cause. She thought that the Conservatives would give women the
Parliamentary Suffrage in England on account of the great number of
women who have joined the Primrose League."

"_July 10._ To the Temple Church. The organ voluntaries, strangely, I
thought, were first Chopin's 'Funeral March,' second the 'Dead March' in
'Saul.' A notable sermon from Dr. Vaughan. The discourse was really
concerned with the political situation of the moment: the strong
division of feeling throughout the country, and the fears of many lest
the doctrine in which they believe should be overthrown. He said that
the real Ark of God was the Church Universal, which has been defined as
the whole company of believing Christian people throughout the world.
Many changes would occur, but the vital principle of religion would
prove itself steadfast--a truly noble sermon, worthy of Phillips
Brooks."

"_July 12._ To the New Gallery in which were two fine portraits by
Herkomer, a superb one of Paderewski by Tadema, and one of Walter Crane
by Watts, also of distinguished excellence. Later, called upon the
Duchess of Bedford, a handsome woman, sister to Lady Henry Somerset. We
talked of her sister's visit to the United States. I was well able to
praise her eloquence and her general charm. She has known Lowell well.
We talked of the old London, the old Boston, both past their palmiest
literary days. She had heard Phillips Brooks at Westminster Abbey;
admired him much, but thought him optimistic."

"_July 14._ Was engaged to spend the afternoon at Mrs. Moulton's
reception and to dine with Sebastian Schlesinger.... Many people
introduced to me--Jerome, author of 'Three Men in a Boat'; Molloy,
songwriter; Theodore Watts, poetical critic of the Athenæum.'... At the
dinner I met Mrs. O'Connor, who turned out to be a Texan, pretty and
very pleasant, an Abolitionist at the age of six...."

"_July 15._... To the Harlands', where met Theodore Watts again, and had
some good talk with him about Browning and other friends. Also Walter
Besant, whom I greeted very warmly as 'our best friend.'"

"_July 17._ A sermon of surpassing beauty and power from the dear Bishop
of Massachusetts [Phillips Brooks].... The power and spirit of the
discourse carried me quite away. We waited to speak with him. I had a
dear grasp of the hand from him. I shook my finger at him and said, 'Is
this resting?' He laughed and said, 'This is the last time. I shall not
speak again until I reach Massachusetts.' I wrote some lines on coming
home, only half expressing my thought, which was that the mother of so
brave a son could not have had one coward drop of blood in her
veins--another little scrap, too, about the seven devils that
Christianity can cast out. General Walker in the afternoon and the
Harlands to dinner."

       *       *       *       *       *

They left London to join Mrs. Terry at Schwalbach, lingering for a
little on the way in Holland and Belgium.

"_July 27._ _The Hague._ To see Mesdag and his pictures. Found Mesdag a
hale man of perhaps fifty years--perhaps less; a fine house, and,
besides his own paintings of which we saw a number, a wonderful
collection of pictures, mostly modern French, Troyon, Corot, Rousseau,
Daubigny. Some good things by a Roman artist, Mancini, whom Mesdag
praised highly--he is very poor, but has some excellent qualities. A
picture of a little girl reclining on a pillow with a few flowers in her
hand, pleased me very much--he also praised it. Much fine tapestry,
china, etc., etc. He was gruffly pleasant and hospitable."

"_July 28._ _Antwerp._ Visited Cathedral and _Musée_. Saw my picture,
Rubens's Elevation of the Cross, but felt that my eyesight has dimmed
since I last saw it. Found Félu, the armless artist, in the _Musée_
copying a picture of Godiva. He was very glad to see us. Much talk with
him about Flemish art. A little ramble after dinner and a nibble at a
bric-à-brac shop, which, however, did not become a bite."

"_July 31._ _Cologne._ A great concourse of people awaited the arrival
of a steamer with the Arion Musical Society of New York. Köln choral
societies were represented by fine banners and by members in mediæval
costumes, very picturesque. The steamer came alongside with many flags,
foremost among them our own dear 'Stars and Stripes.' We waved
handkerchiefs vigorously as these last passed by, and were saluted by
their bearers."

"_August 2._ Left Cologne by Rhine steamer. I remember these boats as
crowded, dirty, and very comfortless, but I found this one as well
appointed as need be. Spent the day mostly on deck enjoying the great
beauty and romance of the trip.... I chilled myself pretty badly on
deck, but stayed up until perhaps half-past seven. A very young
Westphalian on board astonished us all by his powers of drinking and of
smoking. He talked with me; said, '_Sie sind deutsch,_' which I denied."

"_August 3._ Reached Schwalbach at three. My dear sister [Mrs. Terry]
came out to greet us. The meeting was a little tearful, but also
cheerful. Much has passed and passed away in these eventful years....
Presently Louisa and I were as though we had not been parted at all.
She is little changed, and retains her old grace and charm of manner."

"_August 4._ Out early with my sister. We have a regular and restful
plan of living. Meet after dinner, coffee with my sister at half-past
four, supper at half-past seven, in the evening reading aloud and
conversation. I am miserable with pain, probably rheumatic, in my left
hip. Think I must have got a chill on the Rhine boat. I say nothing
about this. Daisy and Wintie [Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop Chanler] came this
afternoon."

"_August 7._ To Anglican service with my dear sister. A dull sermon. The
service indifferently read--just the stereotyped Church of England
article. My dreadful hip joint does not ache to-day, and I am ready to
skip about with joy at the relief even if it prove but temporary. The
pain has been pretty severe and I have said nought about it, fearing
treatment."

"_August 9._ Read Aristotle, as I have done all these days. Took up St.
Paul's Epistle to the Romans, with a more distinct view than heretofore
of his attitude relative to them, and theirs to him. Walked out with my
sister, and saw at the bric-à-brac booth near the Stahlbrunnen a ring
composed of a fine garnet, set with fine diamonds, wonderfully cheap,
136 marks--I foolishly wanted it."

"_August 16._ _Heidelberg._ To the Castle--an endless walk and climb. I
was here in 1843, a bride, with dear Chev, my dearest brother Marion,
and my cousin, Henry Hall Ward. We went to the Wolfbrunnen to
breakfast--went on ponies to the Castle, where we wandered at will, and
saw the mighty tun. Some French people were wandering there also, and
one of them, a lady with a sweet soprano voice, sang a song of which the
refrain was: '_Comme une étoile au firmament_.' H. H. Ward long after
found this song somewhere. His voice has now been silent for twenty
years, dear Marion's for forty-six, and here I come to-day, with my
grown-up granddaughter, whom dear Chev only knew as a baby. How long the
time seems, and yet how short! Two generations have grown up since then
in our family. My sister Louisa, then a young beauty, is here with me, a
grandmother with grandchildren nearly grown. 'So teach us to number our
days.'"

       *       *       *       *       *

It seemed to the second and third generations that the two sisters could
hardly have been lovelier in that far-off springtime than now in the
mellow beauty of their autumn. It was a delight to see them together, a
high privilege to sit by and listen to the interchange of precious
memories:--

"Do you remember--"

"And do you remember again--"

       *       *       *       *       *

"_August 24._ _Sonnenberg._... At breakfast an elderly lady seemed to
look at me and to smile. I supposed her to be one of my Club ladies, or
some one who had entertained me, so presently I asked her if she were
'one of my acquaintances.' She replied that she was not, but would be
pleased to make my acquaintance. We met soon after in one of the
corridors; having incautiously mentioned my name, I asked for hers, she
replied, 'Sforza--Duchess Sforza Cesarini.' She had been attracted by my
Breton caps, and especially by Daisy's beautiful version of this simple
adornment. She is a reader of Rosmini."[116]

  [116] Rosmini-Serbati, a noted philosopher and founder of the order of
  the Brothers of Charity.

       *       *       *       *       *

The Duchess confessed afterward that she had requested her maid to
observe and copy the cap, and had been somewhat troubled in mind lest
she had been guilty of a constructive discourtesy.

       *       *       *       *       *

"_September 3._ Received and answered a letter from Jenkin Lloyd Jones,
informing me of my election to an Advisory Board to hold a World's
Unitarian Congress at Chicago in September, 1893. I have accepted this."

"_September 4._ My last day at Sonnenberg.... Gave my sister my little
old Greek Lexicon, long a cherished companion. I had thought of reading
the family one of my sermons, but my throat was troublesome and no one
asked me to do anything of the kind. They wished to hear 'Pickwick,' and
a long reading was held in my room, the fire in the grate helping to
cheer us."

"_September 15._ Left Montreux for Paris. Reed brought me a beautiful
yellow rose, half-blown, upon which I needs must exercise my old trick
of versification. Paper I had none--the back of a pasteboard box held
one stanza, the cover of a Tauchnitz the others."

"_September 18._ Heard to-day of the noble poet, Whittier's death. What
a great heart is gone with him!"

"_September 22._ _Liverpool._ Embarked at about ten in the morning.
Edward Atkinson, wife and daughter on board, a valuable addition to our
resources."

"_September 29._ _At sea._ I said in my mind: 'There is nothing in me
which can redeem me from despair over my poor life and wasted
opportunities. That redemption which I seek must be in Thee. There is no
progress in the mere sense of ill-desert. I must pass on from it to
better effort beyond, self-reproach is negative: woe is me that I was
born! Amendment must have positive ground.' I wrote some lines in which
a bit of sea-weed shining in the sun seemed as an illustration of the
light which I hope to gain."

"_September 30._ A performance of Jarley's Wax-works in the evening was
much enjoyed. Edward Atkinson as Mrs. Partington in my witch hat recited
some merry nonsense of Hood's about European travel."

"_October 2._ _Boston._ In the early morning John M. Forbes's yacht, the
Wild Duck, hovered around us, hoping to take off his daughter, Mrs.
Russell.... Quite a number of us embraced this opportunity with
gratitude...."

"_October 3._ All seems like a dream."

"_October 7._ _Newport._ I begin my life here with a prayer that the
prolongation of my days on earth may be for good to myself and others,
that I may not sink into senile folly or grossness, nor yet wander into
æsthetic conceit, but carry the weight of my experience in humility, in
all charity, and in a loving and serviceable spirit."

       *       *       *       *       *

The last entry in the Journal for 1892 strikes the keynote of what was
to prove the most absorbing interest of the coming year.

"_December 31._ Farewell, dear 1892. You were the real _quattro_
centenary of Columbus's discovery, although we have been so behind time
as not to be ready to celebrate this before 1893. 1492 was indeed a year
momentous to humanity."

       *       *       *       *       *

To her many cares was added now work for the Columbian Exhibition at
Chicago. The Woman's Department of the World's Fair was ably
administered by Mrs. Potter Palmer, who consulted her frequently, her
experiences in the New Orleans Cotton Centennial proving useful in the
Columbian Exhibition. The "Twelve-o'Clock Talks," so successful in the
Crescent City, were, at her suggestion, repeated at Chicago, and proved
most valuable. The Association for the Advancement of Women and many
other associations were to meet in Chicago this year. She writes to the
Reverend Jenkin Lloyd Jones concerning the Parliament of Religions and
the Unitarian Congress; to Aaron Powell touching the Congress on Social
Purity. There are letters, too, about the Alliance of Unitarian Women,
the Congress of Representative Women, and the Association of Women
Ministers and Preachers.

"_January 7._ [_Boston._] To speak to the Daughters of the American
Revolution at the house of Miss Rebecca W. Brown. I had dreaded the
meeting, feeling that I must speak of suffrage in connection with the
new womanhood, and anticipating a cold or angry reception. What was my
surprise at finding my words, which were not many, warmly welcomed!
Truly, the hour is at hand!"

"_January 8._ To speak for Dr. Clisby at Women's Educational and
Industrial Union. I had dreaded this, too, fearing not to interest my
audience. The occasion was very pleasant to me, and, I think, to them;
Mrs. Waters endorsed my estimate of Phillips Brooks as a perfectly
disinterested worker. Mrs. Catlin of New York agreed in my praise of
Bishop Henry C. Potter on the same grounds; both also spoke well in
relation to my most prominent point--emancipation from the slavery of
self."

"_January 23._ Oh! and alas! dear Phillips Brooks died suddenly this
morning at half-past six. Alas! for Christendom, which he did so much to
unite by redeeming his domain in it from superstition, formalism, and
uncharity. Oh! to have such a reputation, and _deserve it_!"

"_March 4._ To-day have been allowed to visit the study of the late dear
Bishop of Massachusetts. I took this pin from his pincushion, to keep
for a souvenir. Made Rosalind write down the names of a number of the
books. The library is a very generous one, comprising a large sweep of
study and opinion. A charming frieze over the large window had been
painted by Mrs. Whitman. We entered with a reverent feeling, as if in a
sacred place.... The dining-room, and his seat thereat, with portraits
of his parents and grandfather. The mother was of his color, dark of
eyes and hair, strong temperament, otherwise no special resemblance. His
father looked substantial but not remarkable."

       *       *       *       *       *

In mid-May she went to Chicago, to take part in the World's Congress of
Representative Women, and in many of the other congresses and
conferences of that notable year.

"_May 16._ _Chicago._ Was appointed to preside to-day over a Report
Convention [of the above Congress]; went to Room 6 of the Art Palace and
found no one. Mrs. Kennard came presently, and Mrs. Clara B. Colby, who
stood by me bravely--when about a dozen had gathered I opened the
meeting. Mrs. Colby read reports for two associations, British, I think.
A German delegate had a long report written in German, which it would
have been useless for her to read. She accordingly reported as she was
able, in very funny English, I helping her when she was at a loss for a
word. Her evident earnestness made a good impression. I reported for
A.A.W., partly in writing, partly _extempore_. In the evening read my
paper on the Moral Initiative as regards Women. The hall [of Washington]
was frightfully cold."

"_May 17._ Going to the Art Palace this afternoon I found an audience
waiting in one of the small halls with no speaker. Madame C. had engaged
to speak on musical education. I was requested to fill the breach,
which I did, telling of the Boston Conservatory of Music, early music in
Boston, and down to our time. Had an ovation afterwards of friendly
handshaking."

"_May 19._ Meeting of National Alliance of Unitarian Women."

"_May 27._ My seventy-fourth birthday. Thank God for my continued life,
health, and bodily and mental powers. My prayer to Him is that, whether
I am to have a year, a month, a week, or a day more, it may be for good
to myself and others.

"Went to the Columbian Exhibition. Thomas's Orchestra playing for Mrs.
Potter Palmer's reception given to the women of the Press Association.
Later I went into the model kitchen where tea was served by the
Cingalese. Mrs. Palmer asked me to follow her brief address with a few
words. I did this and told of its being my birthday, at which Mrs.
Palmer gave me her bouquet of carnations, and the ladies present rose
and waved handkerchiefs. Read my sermon for to-morrow twice and feared
it might not strike a keynote here."

"_May 28._ Rather nervous about getting to town in time for my service
at the Unitarian Church,--we were in good time. My mind was much
exercised about my prayer, I having decided to offer the longer one,
which I did, I hope, acceptably. I don't think that the sermon _told_ as
it did in Boston. The church is not easy to speak in. Mr. Fenn said a
few words very tenderly about his pleasure in receiving me into his
pulpit. The pulpit roses were given me."

"_May 29._ Went to the Exposition, where met Mrs. Charlotte Emerson
Brown. Went with her to her space in the Organization Room. She will
receive and care for my exhibits. Saw the very fine collection of club
manuals, histories, etc."[117]

  [117] Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Brown was at this time president of the
  General Federation of Women's Clubs, and had prepared this exhibit, the
  first of its kind in club history.

"_May 30._ Made a little spurt to begin my screed for Aaron Powell's
meeting on Sunday. Went with dear Maud and Helen Gardner to the Fair.
Side-shows as follows: Cairo Street, Cairo Theatre, Soudanese dancers
(very black savages wearing top tufts of black hair or wool, clothed in
strips of dirty white cotton cloth), old Vienna, dinner at Vienna
restaurant....

"The Cairo dancing was simply horrid, no touch of grace in it, only a
most deforming movement of the whole abdominal and lumbar region. We
thought it indecent. The savages were much better, though they only
stamp their bare feet and clap their hands in rhythm without music. One
had a curious smooth lyre, which seemed to give no sound. Their teeth
were beautifully white and regular. One of them came up to me and said,
'Mamma,' as if to indicate my age. Then into a bark hut, to see the
Soudanese baby dance--a dear little child that danced very funnily to a
tum-tum."

Early June found her back in Boston and hard at work.

"_June 8._ Finished my screed for the July 'Forum.' Subject, 'A Proper
Observance of the Fourth of July.' I have prayed over this piece of work
as over all the others which have been strung, one after another, in
this busiest of years for me. I have also despaired of it, and am not
yet sure of its acceptance."

Next day she felt that she "must see the last of dear Edwin Booth." The
Journal describes his funeral at length; "the sun perfectly golden
behind the trees." She brought away a bit of evergreen from the grave,
and at church, two days later, "had the sexton slide it in among the
pulpit flowers; afterward brought it home. Perhaps a silly fancy, but an
affectionate one." She wrote a poem in memory of Mr. Booth, "not
altogether to my satisfaction." She felt his death as a real loss; he
remained always to her a beautiful and heroic figure, connected with a
great time.

"_June 15._ 'Thus far the Lord has led me on.' I have had many pieces of
work to accomplish, and when almost despairing, seemed to have been
uplifted right into my working seat, and so have fulfilled my tasks as
well as I was able. Have still my Fourth of July poem to write, and wish
to write a poem in memory of Edwin Booth. I'm hungry, oh! how hungry,
for rest and reading. Must work very hard for A.A.W. this season...."

She went to Harvard Class Day this summer, her eldest grandson, Samuel
Prescott Hall, being of the graduating class; drove out to Cambridge in
a pouring rain, and enjoyed the occasion. "I saw my Boy march with his
fellows; when they cheered Weld, I waved a napkin."

The summer sped by on wings of study and work; she was lame, but that
gave her the more time for writing. The Journal records many letters;
among other things, "a short screed for the man who asks to be convinced
that there is such a thing as soul." In September she spread other wings
and flew back to Chicago for the Parliament of Religions, and some last
Impressions of the Dream City of the World's Fair.

"_September 23._ Went to the Parliament of Religions where Jenkin Lloyd
Jones put me on the platform. Heard Dr. Momery, who gave a pleasant,
liberal, and spirited address, a little _elementary_, as he closed by
reciting 'Abou Ben Adhem,' which is as familiar to Americans as A B C.
In the evening went to meet, or rather find, the women ministers. Miss
Chapin excused herself from attending and asked me to run the
meeting.... I read my short screed, briefly narrating my own efforts to
found an association of women ministers. Miss Putnam and Mary Graves
were appointed as a committee to consult with me as to a plan of
organization."

"_September 26._ Up early.... Visited the German village, castle and
museum, the mining, agricultural, shoe and leather buildings for a brief
space. Made a turn in the Ferris Wheel.... Mary Graves came for me, and
we started for the Parliament in good time. The first speaker was
intolerably narrow and out of place, insisting upon the hostility of
Christ to all ethnic religions. I could not refrain from taking him up a
little, very mildly. I was received with applause and the Chautauqua
salute, and my brief speech (fourteen minutes without notes) was much
applauded. I was very thankful for this opportunity."

       *       *       *       *       *

This impromptu speech made a deep impression. In the newspaper reports
great stress was laid on it, with singular result. She was amazed next
day to hear her name roared out in the Midway Plaisance by a touter who
stood at the gateway of one of the sideshows where some Orientals were
at prayer.

"Come in, all ye Christian people," the man cried. "Come in and see
these devout Mohammedans at their devotions. Julia Ward Howe has knocked
the orthodoxy into a cocked hat."

The quiet little figure, passing in the motley throng, paused for a
moment and looked with astonishment into the touter's face, which gave
no sign of recognition.

"This," said a friend, who happened to come up at the moment,--"this is
fame!"




CHAPTER VIII

"DIVERS GOOD CAUSES"

1890-1896; _aet._ 71-77

A DREAM OF THE HEARTHSTONE

  A figure by my fireside stayed,
  Plain was her garb, and veiled her face;
  A presence mystical she made,
  Nor changed her attitude, nor place.

  Did I neglect my household ways
  For pleasure, wrought of pen or book?
  She sighed a murmur of dispraise,
  At which, methought, the rafters shook.

         *       *       *       *       *

  "Now, who art thou that didst not smile
  When I my maddest jest devised?
  Who art thou, stark and grim the while
  That men my time and measure prized?"

  Without her pilgrim staff she rose,
  Her weeds of darkness cast aside;
  More dazzling than Olympian snows
  The beauty that those weeds did hide.

  Most like a solemn symphony
  That lifts the heart from lowly things,
  The voice with which she spake to me
  Did loose contrition at its springs.

  "Oh, Duty! Visitor Divine,
  Take all the wealth my house affords,
  But make thy holy methods mine;
  Speak to me thy surpassing words!

  "Neglected once and undiscerned,
  I pour my homage at thy feet.
  Till I thy sacred law have learned
  Nor joy, nor life can be complete."

                                         J. W. H.


In the closing decade of the nineteenth century a new growth of "causes"
claimed her time and sympathy. The year 1891 saw the birth of the
Society of American Friends of Russian Freedom; modelled on a similar
society which, with "Free Russia" as its organ, was doing good work in
England.

The object of the American society was "to aid by all moral and legal
means the Russian patriots in their efforts to obtain for their country
political freedom and self-government." Its circular was signed by
Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Julia Ward Howe, John Greenleaf Whittier,
James Russell Lowell, George Kennan, William Lloyd Garrison, Henry I.
Bowditch, F. W. Bird, Alice Freeman Palmer, Charles G. Ames, Edward L.
Pierce, Frank B. Sanborn, Annie Fields, E. Benjamin Andrews, Lillie B.
Chace Wyman, Samuel L. Clemens, and Joseph H. Twitchell.

James Russell Lowell, writing to Francis J. Garrison in 1891, says:
"Between mote and beam, I think _this_ time Russia has the latter in her
eye, though God knows we have motes enough in ours. So you may take my
name even if it be in vain, as I think it will be."

It was through this society that she made the acquaintance of Mme.
Breschkovskaya,[118] the Russian patriot whose sufferings and sacrifices
have endeared her to all lovers of freedom. The two women felt instant
sympathy with each other. Mme. Breschkovskaya came to 241 Beacon Street
more than once, and they had much talk together. On one of these
occasions our mother was asked to play some of her own compositions. Her
fingers strayed from one thing to another; finally, on a sudden
impulse, she struck the opening chords of the Russian National Hymn.
Mme. Breschkovskaya started forward. "Ah, madame!" she cried, "do not
play that! You cannot know what that air means to us Russians!"

  [118] Now (1915) a political prisoner in Siberia: she escaped, but was
  recaptured and later removed to a more remote place of imprisonment.

At a great meeting in Faneuil Hall the two spoke, in English and Russian
respectively, while other addresses were in Yiddish and Polish. All were
frantically applauded by the polyglot audience which filled the hall to
overflowing. William Dudley Foulke presided at this meeting. Speaking
with our mother several years later, he reminded her of the occasion,
which he thought might have been of a somewhat anarchistic tendency. He
was not sure, he said, that they had not made fools of themselves. "One
can afford," she replied, "to make a very great fool of one's self in
such a cause as that of Russian liberty!"

       *       *       *       *       *

The year 1891 saw the birth of another society in which she was deeply
interested, the Women's Rest Tour Association, whose object was "simply
to make it easier for women who need a trip abroad to take one."

It was proved "that the sum of $250 was sufficient to enable a woman of
simple tastes to enjoy a summer's vacation in Europe"; a travelling fund
was established from which women could borrow, or--in certain
cases--receive gifts; a handbook was issued, etc., etc.

In an unobtrusive way, the Women's Rest Tour Association did and
continues to do much good. She was its president to the close of her
life, and in silent and lovely tribute to her memory the office has
since then remained vacant.

In the early nineties all Christendom was aroused by the outrages
committed by the Turks in Armenia. From almost every Christian country
rose a cry of horror: indignation meetings were called; protest,
denunciation, and appeal were the order of the day. In Boston a meeting
was held at Faneuil Hall (November 26, 1894), called together by the
Boston Armenian Relief Committee. She was on the platform, and spoke
from her heart.

"I could not," she says, "stay away from this meeting. My heart was
here, and I came, not so much to speak, as to hear what is to be done
about this dreadful trouble. For something must be done. I have to pray
God night and morning that He would find some way to stay this terrible
tide of slaughter....

"I recall the first action of Florence Nightingale when she went to take
care of the sick and wounded in the Crimean War. She found many things
wanting for the comfort of the soldiers in the hospitals, but she could
not get at them. Some seal or mandate was waited for. 'The men are
suffering,' Florence Nightingale said. 'Break in the doors--open the
boxes--give me the blankets and medicines. I must have them!'--and so
she did. Now, the fleets of the Western nations are waiting for some
diplomatic development which shall open the way for action. I think that
we, the United States of America, are now called upon to play the part
of Florence Nightingale; to take our stand and insist upon it that the
slaughter shall cease. Oh! let us give money, let us give life, but let
us stand by our principles of civil and religious liberty. I am sure
that if we do so, we shall have behind us, and with us, that great
spirit which has been in the world for nineteen centuries past, with
ever-increasing power. Let us set up in these distant lands the shelter
of the blessed Cross, and of all that it stands for, and let us make it
availing once and forever."

Soon after this the Friends of Armenia organized as a society, she being
its president. Among its members were William Lloyd Garrison, Henry
Blackwell and his devoted daughter Alice, and M. H. Gulesian. Singly or
in company they went about, through Massachusetts, holding meetings,
rousing the people to aid in the protest of Christendom against
heathendom, of mercy against cruelty. "Spoke for Armenia," is a frequent
entry in the Journal of these days.

In one of these addresses she said:--

"It may be asked, where is the good of our assembling here? what can a
handful of us effect against this wicked and remorseless power, so far
beyond our reach, so entrenched in the selfishness of European nations
who are the creditors of the bankrupt state, and who keep her alive in
the hope of recovering the debt which she owes them? The walls of this
old hall should answer this question. They saw the dawn of our own
larger liberties. They heard the first indignant plea of Wendell
Phillips when, in the splendor of his youth, he took the field for the
emancipation of a despised race which had no friends. So, on this sacred
arena, I throw down the glove which challenges the Turkish Government
to its dread account. What have we for us in this contest? The spirit of
civilization, the sense of Christendom, the heart of humanity. All of
these plead for justice, all cry out against barbarous warfare of which
the victims are helpless men, tender women and children. We invoke here
the higher powers of humanity against the rude instincts in which the
brute element survives and rules.

  "Aid us, paper, aid us, pen,
  Aid us, hearts of noble men!

"Aid us, shades of champions who have led the world's progress! Aid us,
thou who hast made royal the scourge and crown of thorns!"

After hearing these words, Frederick Greenhalge, then Governor of
Massachusetts, said to her, "Ah, Mrs. Howe, you have given us a prose
Battle Hymn!"

The Friends of Armenia did active and zealous service through a number
of years, laboring not only for the saving of life, but for the support
and education of the thousands of women and orphans left desolate.
Schools and hospitals were established in Armenia, and many children
were placed in American homes, where they grew up happily, to
citizenship.

Nearly ten years later, a new outbreak of Turkish ferocity roused the
"Friends" to new fervor, and once again her voice was lifted up in
protest and appeal. She wrote to President Roosevelt, imploring him to
send some one from some neighboring American consulate to investigate
conditions. He did so, and his action prevented an impending massacre.

In 1909, fresh persecutions brought the organization once more
together. The Armenians of Boston reminded her of the help she had given
before, and asked her to write to President Taft. This she promptly did.
Briefly, this cause with so many others was to be relinquished only with
life itself.

On the fly-leaf of the Journal for 1894 is written: "I take possession
of the New Year in the name of Faith, Hope, and Charity. J. W. Howe."

"Head bewildered with correspondence, bills, etc. Must get out of this
or die."

"A threatening head, and a week before me full of functions. I feel weak
in mind and dazed with confusions, but will trust in God and keep my
powder dry."

"Hearing on Suffrage, Green Room, 10 A.M. My mind was unusually clear
for this speaking. I determined to speak of the two sorts of people,
those who naturally wish to keep the best things for themselves, and
those whose appreciation of these things is such that they cannot
refrain from spreading them abroad, giving freely as they have received.
I was able to follow and apply this tolerably in my ten-minute
speech...."

"Annual meeting of Rest Tour Association; a delightful meeting, full of
good suggestions. I made one concerning pilgrimages in groups.... I had
a sudden glimpse to-day of the unfailing goodness of God. This and not
our merits brings the pardon of our sins."

"To hear Irving in 'Louis XI'; a strong play and a good part for him.
Left after Act Fourth to attend Mrs. Gardner's musicale, at which Busoni
pounded fearfully. I said, 'He ought to play with his boots on his
hands.' He played two curious compositions of Liszt's: St. Francis's
Sermon to the Birds and to the Fishes--much roaring as of old ocean in
the second."

"_Boston._ Attended Mrs. Mary Hemenway's funeral in the morning.... A
great loss she is, but her life has been a great gain. Would that more
rich men had such daughters! That more rich women had such a heart!..."

"C. G. A. preached a funeral sermon on Mrs. Hemenway. As he opened his
lips, I said to myself, 'What can he teach us that her life has not
taught us?' The sermon, however, was most instructive. Such a life makes
an epoch, and should establish a precedent. If one woman can be so
disinterested and so wise, others can emulate her example. I, for one,
feel that I shall not forget this forcible presentation of the aspect of
such a character, of such a history. God send that her mantle may fall
upon this whole community, stimulating each to do what he or she can for
humanity."


                               _To Maud_

                               241 BEACON STREET, April 21, 1894.

MY DEAREST DEAR CHILD,--

... Let me tell you of the abolition of the old Fast Day and of the new
holiday, April 19, ordained in its stead. This, you may remember, is the
anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. The celebration here was quite
on a grand scale. The bells of the old North Church were rung and the
lanterns hung out. A horseman, personating Paul Revere, rode out to
rouse the farmers of Concord and Lexington, and a sham fight, imitating
the real one, actually came off with an immense concourse of spectators.
The Daughters of the American Revolution had made me promise to go to
their celebration at the Old South, where I sat upon the platform with
Mrs. Sam Eliot, Regent, and with the two orators of the day, Professor
Channing and Edward Hale. I wore the changeable silk that Jenny Nelson
made, the Gardner cashmere, and the _bonnet_ which little you made for
me last summer. McAlvin refreshed it a little, and it looked most proud.
Sam Eliot, who presided, said to me, "Why, Julia, you look like the
queen that I said you were, long ago. If I could do so, I would
introduce you as the Queen." I tell you all this in order that you may
know that I was all right as to appearance. I was to read a poem, but
had not managed to compose one, so I copied out "Our Country" from
"Later Lyrics," and read it as I was never able to read it before. For
the first time, it _told_ upon the audience. This was because it was
especially appropriate to the occasion....

       *       *       *       *       *

"_May 11._ Opposed the dispensing with the reading of State Reports. The
maker of the motion said that we could read these at home. I said, 'Yes,
and we can read the Bible at home, but we like to go to church and hear
it read.' Finished my screed for this evening and licked my Columbus
poem into shape, the dear Lord helping me."


                         _To Maud_

                                  PLAINFIELD, N.J., May 16, 1894.

MY DEAREST MAUD,--

... First place, I had a visit from Laura. We threw the ball daily, and
had lunches and punches. We went to hear de Koven's "Robin Hood," the
music of which is strongly _reminiscent_, and also saw Mounet-Sully's
"Hamlet," a very wonderful piece of acting. Flossy and I had three days
of conventioning in Philadelphia, last week. Flossy's little speech was
one of the best at the convention, and was much applauded. I was
received on all hands with affectionate goodwill.... There seemed to be,
among the Eastern women, a desire to make _me_ president [of the General
Federation of Women's Clubs]. This I immediately put out of the question
and Mrs. Cheney stood by me, saying that Massachusetts would not see me
killed with work. It would indeed have been out of the question, as the
position is probably one of great labor and responsibility....

                                           YOUR MOTHEREST MOTHER.

       *       *       *       *       *

The Seventy-fifth Birthday brought the customary festivities. The
newspapers sent reporters; she had a word for each. To the
representative of the "Advertiser," she said, "I think that I enjoy the
coming of old age with its peacefulness, like the going down of the sun.
It is very lovely! I am so glad to be remembered by so many. The
twilight of life is indeed a pleasant season!"


                            _To Maud_

                                 241 BEACON STREET, May 31, 1894.

MY DEAREST CHILD,--

I send you a budget of tributes to my birthday. The "Springfield
Republican" has a bit about it, with a good and gratifying poem from
Sanborn. _Really_, dear, between you and me what a old humbug it is! But
no matter--if people will take me for much better than I am, I can't
help it, and must only try to live up to my reputation.... I received a
good letter from you, "a little scolding at first," but "soft rebukes
with blessings ended," as Longfellow describes the admonitions of his
first wife.... At the Suffrage Festival, Governor Long presided, and in
introducing me waved a branch of lilies, saying, "In the beauty of the
lilies she is still, at seventy-five." Now that I call handsome, don't
you?...

Flossy had a very successful afternoon tea while I was with her. She had
three ladies of the _Civitas_ Club and invited about one hundred of her
neighbors to hear them read papers. It wasn't suffrage, but it was good
government, which is about the same thing. The parlors looked very
pretty. I should think seventy or eighty came and all were delighted.
Did I write you that at Philadelphia she made the most admired speech of
the occasion? She wore the brocade, finely made over, with big black
velvet top sleeves and rhinestone comb, and they 'plauded and 'plauded,
and I sat, grinning like a chessy cat, oh! so welly pleased.

"_July 1._ [_Oak Glen._] Despite my severe fatigue went in town to
church; desired in my mind to have some good abiding thought given me to
work for and live by. The best thought that came to me was something
like this: we are careful of our fortune and of our reputation. We are
not careful enough of our lives. Society is built of these lives in
which each should fit his or her place, like a stone fitly joined by the
builder. We die, but _the life we have lived remains_, and helps to
build society well or ill. Later on I thought that it sometimes seems as
if a rope or chain of mercy would be let down to pull some of us out of
sin and degradation, out of the Hell of passion. If we have taken hold
of it and have been rescued, shall we not work to have others drawn up
with us? At such moments, I remember my old wish to speak to the
prisoners, never fully realized."

"_August 13._ Finished my poem for the Bryant Centenary, of which I have
despaired; my mind has seemed dull of late, and I have had a hard time
with this poem, writing what appeared to me bald-doggerel, with no
uniting thought. In these last three days, I have hammered upon it, and
bettered it, coming in sight of a better vein and to-day, not without
prayerful effort, I got it about ready, _D.G._"


                                _To Maud_

                                       OAK GLEN, August 27, 1894.

... An interesting French gentleman has been giving readings at Mrs.
Coleman's. He read us Corneille's "Cid" last evening with much dash and
spirit. It is a famous play, but the sentiment is very stilted, like
going up a ladder to shave one's self. I was at Providence on Friday to
meet a literary club of ladies. I read to them the greater part of my
play, "Hippolytus," written the summer before Sammy was born, for Edwin
Booth. It seemed very ghostly to go back to the ambitions of that time,
but the audience, a parlor one, expressed great satisfaction.... I
'fesses that I did attend the Bryant Centenary Festival at Cummington,
Mass. I read a poem written for the occasion. Charles Dudley Warner and
Charles Eliot Norton were there, and Parke Godwin presided.

       *       *       *       *       *

"_August 31._ To Newport with Flossy, taking my screed with me, to the
meeting of Colonial Dames, at the rooms of the Historical Society, one
of which is the old Seventh-Day Baptist Church, which my
great-grandfather, Governor Samuel Ward, used to attend.... Bishop
Clarke made the closing address, full of good sense, sentiment and
wit--a wonderful man for eighty-two years of age."


                                _To Laura_

                                     OAK GLEN, September 6, 1894.

Q. What has been your mother's treatment of you latterly?

Ans. Quite devilish, thank you.

Q. Has her conduct this past season been worse than usual?

Ans. Much as usual. I regret to say, couldn't be worse.

(Family Catechism for 1894.)

Oh! I've got a day to myself, and I've got some chillen, and I'm going
to write to 'em, you bet.

You see, Laura E., of the plural name of Dick, there warn't no summer,
only one of those patent, boiled-down contrivances, all shrivelled up,
which if you puts them in water, they swells out, but there warn't no
water (Encycl. Brit., Article "Drought"); and so the dried-up thing
didn't swell, and there warn't no summer, and that is why you haven't
heard from me.... I'm sorry, anyhow, that I can't allow you the luxury
of one moment's grievance against me, but I can't; I may, _now and
then_, forget to write ("!!!!" says L. E. R.), but I 'dores you all the
same. I carry the sweet cheer of your household through all my life. Am
drefful glad that you have been to camp this season; wish I could go
myself. Only think of Celia Thaxter's death! I can hardly believe it,
she always seemed so full of life....

       *       *       *       *       *

"_September 28._ Here begins for me a new period. I have fulfilled as
well as I could the tasks of the summer, and must now have a little
rest, a day or so, and then begin in good earnest to prepare for the
autumn and winter work, in which A.A.W. comes first, and endless
correspondence."

                           _To Maud_

                            241 BEACON STREET, December 19, 1894.

Last Sunday evening I spoke in Trinity Church, having been invited to do
so by the rector, Dr. Donald. Wonders will never cease. The meeting was
in behalf of the colored school at Tuskegee, which we A.A.W.'s visited
after our Congress. I dressed myself with unusual care. Dr. Donald gave
me the place of honor and took me in and upon the platform in the
chancel where we all sat. Governor Greenhalge was the first speaker. I
came about fourth, and to my surprise was distinctly heard all over the
house. You may easily imagine that I enjoyed this very much, although it
was rather an anxious moment when I stepped forward to speak.... We are
all much shocked at the death of dear Robert Louis Stevenson of which
you will have heard before this reaches you. What a loss to literature!

       *       *       *       *       *

"_January 1, 1895._ I was awake very early and made the prayer that
during this year I might not say one uncharitable word, or be guilty of
one ungenerous action."

"_January 6_.... My afternoon service at the Women's Educational and
Industrial Union.... The day was very stormy and Mrs. Lee met me at the
carriage, offering to excuse me from speaking to the five persons who
were in attendance. I felt not to disappoint those five, and presently
twenty-three were present, and we had a pleasant talk, after the reading
of the short sermon."

"_January 8_.... Felt much discouraged at waking, the long vista of work
opening out before me, each task calling for some original brain-work, I
mean for some special thought worth presenting to an audience. While I
puzzled, a thought came to me for this day's suffrage speech: 'The
kingdom cometh not with observation.' The silent, gradual, wonderful
growth of public sentiment regarding woman suffrage, the spreading sense
of the great universal harmony which Christ delivered to us in the words
and acts of a few years, and which, it seems to me, is only now
beginning to make itself generally felt and to shape the world's
councils increasingly."

"_January 25._ I awoke this morning overwhelmed by the thought of my
lecture at Salem, which I have not written. Suddenly a line of my own
came to me, 'Had I one of thy words, my Master,' and this brought me the
train of thought, which I shall endeavor to present. The one word which
we all have is 'charity.' I wrote quite a screed and with that and some
speaking shall get through, I hope.... Got a good lead of thought and
felt that I could supply _extempore_ what I had not time to write. Harry
and Fanny had a beautiful dinner for Lady Henry Somerset."

"_January 26._ Lunch and lecture in Salem. A dreadful storm; I felt that
I must go. The hackman and I rolled down the steps of the house, he,
fortunately for me, undermost and quite stout of person; otherwise the
shock would have been severe and even dangerous...."

[N.B. The terrified hackman, picking himself up, found her already on
her feet.

"Oh! Mrs. Howe," he cried, "let me help you into the house!"

"Nonsense!" was the reply. "I have just time to catch my train!"]


                          _To Maud_

                            241 BEACON STREET, February 24, 1895.

I lost a good lecture engagement at Poughkeepsie through a blizzard. Did
not start, finding that roads were badly blocked. My engagement at
Brooklyn was a good one--a hundred dollars. I stayed at Chanler house,
which was Chanleresque as usual. Peter Marié gave me a fine dinner.
Margaret went with me, in white satin. I wore my black and white which
you remember well. It still looks well enough. I wore some beautiful
lace which I got, through dear sister Annie, from some distressed lace
woman in England. I went to New York by a _five_-hour train, Godkin of
the "Nation" taking care of me. He remembers your kind attentions to him
when you met him in the Pullman with a broken ankle.

       *       *       *       *       *

"_March 30...._ I awoke very early this morning, with a head so confused
that I thought my brain had given out, at least from the recent
overstrain.... Twice I knelt and prayed that God would give me the use
of my mind. An hour in sleep did something towards this and a good cup
of tea put me quite on my feet...."

"_April 8._ In the late afternoon Harry, my son, came, and after some
little preparation told me of the death of my dear sister Annie. I have
been toiling and moiling to keep the engagements of this week, but here
comes the great silence, and I must keep it for some days at least...."

"_April 10...._ It suddenly occurred to me that this might be the hour,
as this would surely be the day of dear Annie's funeral. So I found the
90th Psalm and the chapter in Corinthians, and sat and read them before
her picture, remembering also Tennyson's lines:--

  "'And _Ave_, _Ave_, _Ave_ said
  Adieu, adieu, forever more.'"


                             _To Laura_

                               241 BEACON STREET, April 14, 1895.

BUONA PASQUA, DEAR CHILD!--

... I feel thankful that my darling died in her own home, apparently
without suffering, and in the bosom of her beloved family. She has lived
out her sweet life, and while the loss to all who loved her is great, we
must be willing to commit our dear ones to God, as we commit ourselves.
The chill of age, no doubt, prevents my feeling as I should once have
done, and the feeling that she has only passed in a little before me,
lessens the sense of separation.

12.25. I have been to our Easter service, which I found very comforting
and elevating, though it brought some tears, of which I have not shed
many, being now past the age at which they flow freely. I thought a good
deal of the desolate Easter at the ranch. For them, too, let us hope
that the blessed season has brought comforting thoughts.... I went too
to a Good Friday service at the new Old South, at which Dr. Donald of
Trinity, Cuckson of Arlington [Unitarian] and Gordon, orthodox
[Congregational], each took part. It was such an earnest, a reconciled
and unified Christendom as I am thankful to have lived to see.

Love and blessings to you and yours, dear child.

                                                   Affect.,
                                                          MOTHER.


"_May 20._.Have writ a brief letter to Mary G. Hennessey, Dixon,
Illinois. She intends to speak of me in her graduation address and
wanted me to send her 'a vivid history of my life,' with my 'ideas of
literary work.' I declined the first, but sent a bit under the last
head."

"_May 27._... Suffrage meeting in the evening. I presided and began
with, 'Sixty years ago to-day I was sixteen years old. If I only knew
now what I thought I knew then'!"

"_June 2._... To communion in afternoon. The minister asked whether I
would speak. I told what I had felt as I entered the church that
afternoon, 'a sort of realization of the scene in that upper chamber,
its gloom and its glory. What was in that great heart whose pulsations
have made themselves felt down to our own time, and all over the world?
What are its sorrows? It bore the burthen of the sorrows and distresses
of humanity, and we who pledge him here in this cup are bound to bear
our part of that burthen. Only thus shall we attain to share in that
festival of joy and of revealed power which followed the days of doubt
and despair.'

"All this came to me like a flash. I have written it down from memory
because I value the thought."

"_June 15._ Attended the funeral of my old friend and helper, Dr.
Williams, the oculist.... Six stalwart sons carried the coffin.... I
thought this: 'I am glad that I have at last found out that the battle
of life is an unending fight against the evil tendencies, evil mostly
because exceeding right measure, which we find in ourselves.' Strange
that it should take so long to find this out. This is the victory which
God gives us when we have fought well and faithfully. Might I at least
share it with the saints whom I have known.'"

"_July 14._... When I lay down to my rest before dinner, I had a
momentary sense of the sweetness and relief of the last lying down. This
was a new experience to me, as I have been averse to any thought of
death as opposed to the activity which I love. I now saw it as the
termination of all fight and struggle, and prayed that in the life
beyond I might pay some of the debts of affection and recompense which I
have failed to make good in this life. Feeling a little like my old self
to-day, I realize how far from well I have been for days past."

"_July 27._ Woke with an aching head.... Prayed that even in suffering I
might still have 'work and worship.' Alliteration is, I know, one of my
weaknesses. I thought afterwards of a third W--, work, worship, welcome.
These three words will do for a motto of the life which I now lead, in
which these words stand for my ruling objects, 'welcome' denoting
'hospitality' in which I should be glad to be more forward than I have
been of late...."

"_July 28._ Reading Mr. Hedge's review of Historic Christianity to-day,
I felt puzzled by his showing of the usefulness of human errors and
delusion in the great order of Providence. Lying down for my midday
rest, it became more clear to me that there is truth of sentiment and
also intellectual truth. In Dr. Hedge's view, the inevitable mistakes of
human intellect in its early unfolding were helpful to the development
of true sentiment. Higher than this, however, must be the agreement of
the two, prefigured perhaps in such sentences as 'Mercy and truth have
kissed each other.' This thought also came to me: 'Oh, God, no kingdom
is worth praying for but thine.'"


                            _To Laura_

                                        OAK GLEN, August 2, 1895.

DEAREST PIDGE, ALSO MIDGE,--

... I will condescend to inform you that I am well, that Flossy is very
faithful in taking care of me, and that we are reading Bulwer's
"Pelham," the stupidest of novels. We are two thirds through with it,
and how the author of "Rienzi" could have offered the public so dull a
dish, even in his unripe youth, passes my understanding.

You must not get too tired. Remember that no one will have mercy upon
you unless you will have mercy upon yourself. We sit out a good deal,
and enjoy our books, all but "Pelham," our trees, birds, and
butterflies.

                                              Affectionate
                                                              MA.

"_September 30._ My dearest Maud left me this morning for another long
absence; she is to sail for Europe. She had forbidden me to see her off,
but I could not obey her in this and sat with her at breakfast, and had
a last kiss and greeting. My last words called after her were: 'Do not
forget to say your prayers.' May God keep my dearest child and permit us
to meet again, if it is best that I should live until her return, of
which at present the prospect seems very good...."


The Association for the Advancement of Women met in New Orleans this
year, but first she must go with Florence to the Council of the General
Federation of Women's Clubs at Atlanta, Georgia, where a great
exposition was also being held. The expedition began with disaster.

"_October 31._ Left Boston by Colonial train at 9 A.M. Rolled down my
front steps, striking my forehead and bruising myself generally, in
getting to the carriage...."

After taking her part in the Council and visiting the Exposition, she
proceeded to New Orleans, where a warm welcome awaited her. A few days
after her arrival, she was driving to some function when a trolley car
ran into the carriage, shaking her up badly and bruising her lame knee
severely. It seemed imperative that she should rest for a few days, and
hostess and daughter pleaded with her. Florence begged in particular
that she would cancel her engagement to preach in the Unitarian Church;
begged a little too insistently. "I _wouldn't_, dear mother!" "Flossy,"
was the reply, "you are you, and I am I! I shall preach on Sunday!"


                        _To Maud_

                            241 BEACON STREET, November 17, 1895.

MY DARLING CHILD,--

... I had a confused and weary time moving up from Newport, and my
Southern journey followed "hard upon." Mrs. Cheney, Eva Channing, Mrs.
Bethune, and I started on October 31. Flossy joined us in New York. We
reached Atlanta on Friday. Our meetings were held in the Woman's
Building of the Atlanta Exposition, and were very pleasant, the
Exposition being also well worth visiting. I spoke in the Unitarian
Church on the Sunday following, and on November 4 we started for New
Orleans which we reached the next morning. We were all to be
entertained, and Mrs. King, our old friend, had written me a cordial
invitation to stay with her. The whole family turned out to receive us,
and we were made at home at once.... Mrs. King had always been most kind
and loyal to me. Our days in New Orleans, only six in number, were
delightful. I saw most of the old friends.... After the accident to Mrs.
King and myself, I felt much like seeking my own hearth. You will have
seen or heard that a trolley car upset our carriage.... All said that it
was a wonderful escape. My bruises are nearly well now, and I am able to
go about as usual. New Orleans has improved much since we were there.
The old mule cars have disappeared, and much of the mud. People feel
very glad that the Lottery has been got rid of, but they are bitter
against the sugar trust. Mrs. Walmsley received our A.A.W. ladies very
cordially at her fine house and sent me beautiful flowers.... I spoke in
the Unitarian Church on Sunday, so I had my heart's desire fulfilled....


                                 _To Laura_

                                       241 BEACON STREET, BOSTON,
                                             December 18, 1895.

'Pon my word and honor, couldn't come at it before!... Last week I spoke
straight along, every day until Saturday; was dreadfully tired. This
week haven't spoken at all. Oh, I forgot, lecture on "Race Problems in
Europe," before my own Club. Have sent the Armenians the money for a
lecture given at Nahant last week, $10. Oh! the difficult dollars!...


"_December 28...._ Mrs. Barrows dined _tête-à-tête_ with me, and we had
much talk about Armenia. I said: 'If we two should go to England, would
it do any good?' I spoke only half in earnest. She said: 'If you would
only go, I would go with you as your henchman.' This set me thinking of
a voyage to England and a crusade such as I made for Peace in 1872. I
am, however, held forcibly here by engagements, and at my age, my bodily
presence might be, as St. Paul says, 'contemptible.' I must try to work
in some other way."


                              _To Laura_

                            241 BEACON STREET, December 29, 1895.

... The mince pie was in the grand style, and has been faithfully
devoured, a profound sense of duty forbidding me to neglect it.... I
went to a fine musical party at Mrs. Montie Sears's on Thursday evening,
26th. Paderewski played, at first with strings a Septet or Septuor of
Brahms', and then many things by himself. Somehow, I could not enjoy him
much; he played miraculously, but did not seem to be _in it_.

I am more than ever stirred up about the Armenians. The horrible
massacres go on, just the same, and Christendom stands still. Oh! a
curse on human selfishness!... We are to have a dramatic entertainment
for the Red Cross on Jan. 7th at Boston Theatre....


"_December 29...._ I determined to-day to try to work more
systematically for the Armenians. Think I will write to Clara Barton and
Senator Hoar, also to Lady Henry Somerset, an arraignment of Christendom
for its supineness towards the Turks, an allusion to Cœur de Lion and
the ancient Crusaders...."

"_December 30...._ Clara Barton held a meeting for the Red Cross.... I
was the last speaker and I think that, as sometimes happens, my few
words brought things to a crisis, for the moment only, indeed, but even
that may help."

"_December 31._ Rising early and with a mind somewhat confused and
clouded, I went to my window. As I looked out, the gray clouds parted,
giving me a moment's sight of a star high up in the heavens. This little
glimpse gave me hope for the day and great comfort. It was like an
answering glance to my many troubled questions...."

"We have stood for that which was known to be right in theory, and for
that which has proved to be right in practice. (From my suffrage address
at State House in 1894)."


In December, 1895, appeared her first volume since "Margaret Fuller," a
collection of essays, published under the title of the opening one, "Is
Polite Society Polite?" In the preface she says:--

"I remember, that quite late in the fifties, I mentioned to Theodore
Parker the desire which I began to feel to give living expression to my
thoughts, and to lend to my written words the interpretation of my
voice.

"Parker, who had taken a friendly interest in the publication of my
first volumes, 'Passion Flowers' and 'Words for the Hour,' gave his
approval also to this new project. 'The great desire of the age,' he
said, 'is for vocal expression. People are scarcely satisfied with the
printed page alone: they crave for their instruction the living voice
and the living presence.'..."

Of the title essay she says:--

"I remember that I was once invited to read this essay to a village
audience in one of the New England States. My theme was probably one
quite remote from the general thought of my hearers. As I went on,
their indifference began to affect me, and my thought was that I might
as well have appealed to a set of wooden tenpins as to those who were
present on that occasion.

"In this, I afterwards learned that I was mistaken. After the conclusion
of the evening's exercise, a young man, well known in the community, was
heard to inquire urgently where he could find the lecturer. Friends
asked, what did he want of her? He replied: 'Well, I did put my brother
in the poorhouse, and now that I have heard Mrs. Howe, I suppose that I
must take him out.'"

Another personal reminiscence goes back to her childhood days:--

"I had a nursery governess when I was a small child. She came from some
country town, and probably regarded her position in my father's family
as a promotion. One evening, while we little folks gathered about her in
our nursery, she wept bitterly. 'What is the matter?' we asked; and she
took me up in her lap, and said: 'My poor old father came here to see me
to-day, and I would not see him. I bade them tell him that he had
mistaken the house, and he went away, and as he went I saw him looking
up at the windows so wistfully!' Poor woman! We wept with her, feeling
that this was indeed a tragical event, and not knowing what she could do
to make it better.

"But could I see that woman now, I would say to her: 'If you were
serving the king at his table, and held his wine-cup in your hand, and
your father stood without, asking for you, you should set down the cup,
and go out from the royal presence to honor your father, so much the
more if he is poor, so much the more if he is old.' And all that is
really polite in polite society would say so too."

On the same page is a memory of later years:--

"I once heard a lady, herself quite new in society, say of a Parisian
dame who had shown her some attention: 'Ah! the trouble with Madame ----
is that she is too good-natured. She entertains everybody.' 'Indeed,'
thought I, 'if she had been less good-natured, is it certain that she
would have entertained you?'"




CHAPTER IX

IN THE HOUSE OF LABOR

1896-1897; _aet._ 77-78

THE HOUSE OF REST

  I will build a house of rest,
  Square the corners every one:
  At each angle on his breast
  Shall a cherub take the sun;
  Rising, risen, sinking, down,
  Weaving day's unequal crown.

         *       *       *       *       *

  With a free, unmeasured tread
  Shall we pace the cloisters through:
  Rest, enfranchised, like the Dead;
  Rest till Love be born anew.
  Weary Thought shall take his time,
  Free of task-work, loosed from rhyme.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Measured bread shall build us up
  At the hospitable board;
  In Contentment's golden cup
  Is the guileless liquor poured.
  May the beggar pledge the king
  In that spirit gathering.

  Oh! My house is far away;
  Yet it sometimes shuts me in.
  Imperfection mars each day
  While the perfect works begin.
  In the house of labor best
  Can I build the house of rest.

                                     J. W. H.


On the fly-leaf of the Journal for 1896 is written:--

"That it may please Thee, to have mercy upon all men, we beseech Thee to
hear us, Good Lord."

"_January 1._ I ask for this year, or for so much of it as God may grant
me, that I may do some service in the war of civilization against
barbarism, in my own country and elsewhere."

"_January 18._... Re-wrote and finished my Easter poem, for which
_gratias Deo_! I have had so much small business that I almost despaired
of accomplishing this poem, of which the conception is good, but the
execution very faulty. I took it all to pieces to-day, kept the thoughts
and altered the arrangement."

"_January 23._ Dinner of Sorosis at the Waldorf, at 7 o'clock.

"Reached New York at 3 P.M. Elizabeth [Mrs. John Jay Chapman] had sent
maid and carriage for me, which was most kind. Had a good rest and a
short walk and went to Sorosis dinner, which was very brilliant and
fine. I was asked to speak and took for my topic, 'The Day of Small
Things'; the beginning of Sorosis and the New England Woman's Club,
considered so trifling a matter, yet very important because it had
behind it a very important principle; the fact that the time had come in
which women were bound to study, assist, and stand by each other. I
quoted Christ's saying about the mustard seed. Miss Barton's mission to
Armenia I called a mustard seed, and one which would have very important
results."

"_January 27...._ Wrote a few lines to Mrs. Charles A. Babcock, Oil
City, Pennsylvania, for a woman's issue of a paper called the 'Derrick.'
She wishes me to say what I thought would be the result of the 'women's
edition' fad. I said that one result would be to drive to desperation
those who receive letters, asking contributions to these issues."

"_February 9._ Another inspired sermon from C. G. Ames. Miss Page asked,
'Why is he so earnest? What does it mean?' I replied, 'He is in one of
those waves of inspiration which come sometimes. The angel has certainly
troubled the pool and we can go to it for healing.' Returning home, I
wrote some lines about my sister Annie's picture. I had in church a
momentary glimpse of the meaning of Christ's saying, 'I am the vine and
ye are the branches.' I felt how the source of our spiritual love is in
the heavenly fatherhood, and how departing from our sense of this we
become empty and barren. It was a moment of great comfort...."

"_February 10...._ Gulesian last evening said that the Armenians want me
to go to England, as a leader in advocacy of their cause. The thought
brought me a new feeling of energy and enthusiasm. I think I must first
help the cause in Washington, D.C."

"_February 26._ Hearing at State House on Suffrage. Worked at it [her
address] somewhat in the early morning. Was tolerably successful in
making my points. Was rather disappointed because no one applauded me.
Considered that this was a lesson that we must learn, to do without
praise. It comforted me to take it in this way. Soon the interest of
what the others said put my own matters quite out of my mind. The
hearing was a good one, all except a dreadful woman, calling herself a
Socialist, full of insufferable conceit and affectation of knowledge. An
English labor man spoke well."

"_March 22...._ As I left church, Mrs. James Freeman Clarke stopped me,
took both of my hands in hers and said she was sure that the world was
better for my having been in it. This from so undemonstrative a person
moved me a good deal and consoled me somewhat for my poor deserts and
performances in the past--a burden which often weighs heavily upon
me...."

"_April 2._ Conservatory of Music, 3 P.M. I went in fear and trembling
with a violent bronchial cold and cough, in a miserable storm. I prayed
all the way there that I might be pleasant in my demeanor, and I think
that I was, for my trouble at having to run such a risk soon went out of
my mind, and I enjoyed the occasion very much; especially meeting pupils
from so many distant States, and one or two from Canada."

"_April 8...._ I asked in my prayer this morning, feeling miserably dull
and weak, that some deed of help and love might be given me to
accomplish to-day. At noon came three gentlemen, Hagop Bogigian, Mr.
Blanchard, and Mr. Breed, of Lynn, praying me to make an appeal to the
women of America for their Armenian sisters, who are destroying
themselves in many instances to avoid Turkish outrage. The funds
subscribed for relief are exhausted and some new stimulus to rouse the
public is much needed.... I felt that I had had an answer to my
prayer...."


                          _To Maud_

                               241 BEACON STREET, April 18, 1896.

... Let me tell you now, lest you should hear of it in some other way,
that I was urged to go to England this summer to intercede with Queen
Victoria for the Armenians. I thought of it, but the plan seemed to me
chimerical and futile. I still have them and the Cretans greatly at
heart, but I don't think I could do any good in the way just mentioned.
I should have been glad to make a great sacrifice for these persecuted
people, but common sense must be adhered to, in all circumstances....


                                 _To the same_

                               241 BEACON STREET, April 18, 1896.

... If you go to Russia, be careful to go as Mrs. John Elliott, not as
Maud Howe Elliott. Your name is probably known there as one of the
friends of "Free Russia," and you might be subjected to some annoyance
in consequence. You had better make acquaintance with our minister,
whoever he may be. The Russians seem now to have joined hands with the
Turks. If the American missionaries can only be got rid of, Russia, it
is said, will take Armenia under her so-called protection, and will
compel all Christians to join the Greek Church. There is so much spying
in Russia that you will have to be very careful what you talk about. I
rather hope you will not go, for a dynamite country is especially
dangerous in times of great public excitement, which the time of the
coronation cannot fail to be....


"_April 20._ F. J. Garrison called and made me an offer, on the part of
Houghton, Mifflin & Company, that they should publish my
'Reminiscences.'... I accepted, but named a year as the shortest time
possible for me to get such a book ready...."


As a matter of fact, it took three years for her to complete the
"Reminiscences." During these years, while she made it her principal
literary work, it still had to take its chance with the rest, to be laid
down at the call of the hour and taken up again when the insistence of
"screed" or poem was removed: this while in Boston or Newport. During
the Roman winter, soon to be described, she wrote steadily day by day;
but here she must still work at disadvantage, having no access to
journals or papers, depending on memory alone.


"_May 7._ Question: Cannot we follow up the Parliament of Religions by a
Pan-Christian Association? I will try to write about this."

"_May 19._ Had sought much for light, or a leading thought about what I
ought to do for Armenia.... Wrote fully to Senator Hoar, asking his
opinion about my going abroad and whether I could have any official
support."

"_May 28._ Moral Education Association, 10 A.M., Tremont Temple.

"I wish to record this thought which came to me on my birthday: As for
individuals, no bettering of fortunes compares in importance with the
bettering of character; so among nations, no extension of territory or
aggregation of wealth equals in importance the fact of moral growth. So
no national loss is to be deplored in comparison with loss of moral
earnestness."

"_Oak Glen, June 30...._ Finished this afternoon my perusal of the
'Memoir' of Mr. John Pickering. Felt myself really uplifted by it into
an atmosphere of culture and scholarship, rarely attained even by the
intelligent people whom we all know...."

"_July 12...._ I pray this morning for courage to undertake and fervor
to accomplish something in behalf of Christian civilization against the
tide of barbarism, which threatens to over-sweep it. This may be a
magazine article; something, at any rate, which I shall try to write.

"1 P.M. Have made a pretty good beginning in this task, having writ nine
pages of a screed under the heading: 'Shall the frontier of Christendom
be maintained and its domain extended?'"


                                _To Maud_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 18, 1896.

MY DARLING WANDERER,--

Here I am comfortably settled for the summer, bathed in greenery and
good air. I had barely unpacked my books and papers when Daisy came out
on horseback to insist upon my paying her a visit. I did this, and went
to her on Wednesday, returning home on the following Monday. On the 4th
of July I attended, by invitation, the meeting of the Cincinnati in the
Old State House here. Cousin Nathanael Greene presided. Charles Howland
Russell read aloud the Declaration of Independence. Governor Lippitt
made an address in which he mentioned Governor Samuel Ward, my
great-grandfather.... I have a good piano this year. We went on Monday
last to see the furniture at Malbone, all of which has just been sold at
auction. A good deal of it was very costly and some of it very
handsome.... Apropos of worldly goods, Cornelius Vanderbilt has had a
stroke.


                              _To Laura_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 25, 1896.

Oh, yes! you now and then do lend me a daughter, and so you'd ought to.
Which, didn't I profit by Alice's visit? My good woman (as poor, dear
----used to say when she was in wrath), I should think so. Clear comfort
the wretch was to me, wretch because she had such an old miserable to
look after. I sometimes catch myself thinking that, however it may be
with other families, your family, madam, came into this world for my
especial pleasure and comfort. What do you think of this view? No matter
what you think, dear, it won't make any difference as to facts.... I
miss even the youth in Alice's voice. I would like, mum, if you please,
mum, to enjoy about sixty years more of grandmotherhood, with fresh
crops of grandchildren coming up at reasonable intervals. Our life here,
this summer, is even unusually quiet. We have few visitors.... I am, as
usual, well content with my books, and busy with my papers. Flossy reads
aloud Green's "History of the English People" about half an hour daily,
after breakfast. The boys reluctantly submit to listen, fidgeting a
good deal. It is less readable for youth than I supposed it to be. We
play whist in the evening, and had a wood fire last evening, the weather
being suddenly cold. I learned yesterday, from the "'Tiser," the death
of Adolphe Mailliard [her brother-in-law] which has brought me many
sober thoughts, despite the trifling tone of this letter. I had waked
the day before, thinking that some one said to me "Mailliard is dying."
I recorded it in my Diary, but had no idea that I should so soon hear of
it as a reality. What a chapter ends with him!


"_August 15._ To-day is mercifully cool. I have about finished my A.A.W.
screed, _D.G._ The great heats have affected me very much; my brain has
been full of fever fancies and of nonsense. I prayed earnestly this
morning that I might not survive my wits. I have great hope that I shall
not...."

"_August 17._ Have read in Minot J. Savage's 'Four Great Questions,' and
in the long biography of my uncle, Rev. B. C. Cutler. His piety and
faithfulness appear to me most edifying. His theology at the present
time seems impossible. I am sorry that I saw so very little of him after
my marriage, but he was disposed to consider me as one of the lost, and
I could not have met him on any religious ground. I could do this better
now, having learned something of the value which very erroneous opinions
may have, when they serve, as in his case, to stimulate right effort and
true feeling."


                               _To Laura_

                                       OAK GLEN, August 21, 1896.

Being in a spleeny and uncomfortable mood to-day, what resource so
legitimate as to betake myself to my own family? No particular reason
for growling, growly so much the more. If I only had a good grievance
now, how I would improve it! Well, you see, trouble is some of us have
not any money to speak of, and in consequence we ain't nobody, and so
on. There I hear the voice of my little mother Laura, saying: "Well,
well!" in her soothing way. The truth is, darling, that first I was
roasted out, and then it "friz horrid," and my poor old "conshushion"
couldn't quite stand it.... D' ye see? "Well, no," says Laura: "I don't
exactly see." Well, s'pose you don't--what then? You sweetheart, this is
just the way this old, unthankful sinner was taken, just now. But I've
got bravely over it, and I submit to health, comfort, delightful books,
young company and good friends. Edifying, ain't it? ...


"_September 15._ In the cars, reading the Duke of Argyll's fine
opuscule, 'Our [England's] Responsibilities for Turkey,' my heart was
lifted up in agonized prayer. I said, 'O God! give me a handwriting on
the wall, that I may truly know what I can do for these people.' And I
resolved not to go back from the purpose which prompted this prayer.

"Arrived at St. John [New Brunswick] and was made very welcome.
Reception in the evening by the ladies of the Council. Speeches: Rev.
Mr. De Wars, Anglican minister, spoke of our taking A.A.W. to England. I
wondered if this was my handwriting on the wall."

"_October 10._ Wheaton Seminary Club, Vendôme. Reminiscences of
Longfellow and Emerson.... As I was leaving one lady said to me, 'Mrs.
Howe, you have shocked me very much, and I think that when you go to the
other world, you will be sorry that you did not stay as you were,'
_i.e._, Orthodox instead of Unitarian. Miss Emerson apologized to me for
this rather uncivil greeting. I feel sure that the lady misunderstood
something in my lecture. What, I could not tell."

"_November 1._ The Communion service was very delightful. I prayed quite
earnestly this morning that the dimness of sight, which has lately
troubled me, might disappear. My eyes are really better to-day. I seemed
at one moment during the service to see myself as a little child in the
Heavenly Father's Nursery, having played my naughty pranks (alas!) and
left my tasks unperformed, but coming, as bedtime draws near, to kiss
and be forgiven."


                              _To Maud_

                      ROKEBY, BARRYTOWN, N.Y., December 25, 1896.

MY OWN DEAREST,--

I am here according to promise to spend Christmas with Daisy.[119] I
occupy Elizabeth Chanler's room, beautifully adorned with hangings of
poppy-colored silk.

  [119] Mrs. Winthrop Chanler.

... All of us helped to dress the tree, which was really beautiful. The
farm people came in at about six o'clock, also the old tutor, Bostwick,
and the Armstrong cousins. After dinner, we had a fiddler in the hall.
Alida danced an Irish jig very prettily, and we had a Virginia reel,
which I danced, if you please, with Mr. Bostwick. Then we snuggled up to
the fire in the library and Wintie read aloud from Mark Twain's
"Huckleberry Finn."...


The year 1897 brought new activities. The Lodge Immigration Bill roused
her to indignation and protest; there were "screeds" and letters to the
powers that were.

In the early spring came another crisis in the East, Greece and Crete
bearing this time the brunt of Turkish violence. Thirty years had passed
since Crete made her first stand for independence; years of dumb
suffering and misery. Now her people rose again in revolt against their
brutal masters, and this time Greece felt strong enough to stand openly
by her Cretan brothers.

Our mother was deeply moved by this new need, which recalled so many
precious memories. The record of the spring of 1897 is much concerned
with it.

Written on the fly-leaf of the Journal: "The good God make me grateful
for this new year, of which I am allowed to see the beginning. Thy
kingdom come! I have many wishes, but this prayer will carry them all.
January 1, 1897.

"Oh, dear!"


"_January 4...._ Went in the evening to see the Smith College girls,
Class of '95, play 'Midsummer Night's Dream.' A most lovely and ideal
performance. Their representation of the Athenian clowns was incredibly
good, especially of Nick Bottom."

"_January 5._... Was grieved and shocked to learn early this morning
that my brilliant neighbor, General Francis A. Walker, had died during
the night. He always greeted me with chivalrous courtesy, and has more
than once given me his arm to help me homeward, when he has found me
battling with the high winds in or near Beacon Street...."


                              _To Maud_

                     241 BEACON STREET, BOSTON, January 18, 1897.

About the life "_à deux seulement_," I agree with you in thinking that
it is not good for either party. It is certainly very narrowing both to
the mind and to the affections, and is therefore to be avoided. A
reasonable amount of outside intercourse is a vital condition of good
living, even in the most sympathetic and intimate marriages, and the
knowledge of this is one of the strong points in the character of women
generally, who do nine tenths of what is done to keep up social
intercourse....


"_April 2._ Evening; celebration of twenty-fifth year of Saturday
Morning Club. Have writ draft of an open letter regarding Greek matters;
also finished a very short screed for this evening...."

"_April 18...._ I determined to work more for the Greeks and to try and
write something about the craze prevailing just now for the Eastern
religions, which are rather systems of speculation than of practical
religion."


                                   _To Maud_

                                                  April 18, 1897.

... Mrs. Berdan made a visit here, and I gave a reception for her, and
took her to the great occasion of the Saturday Morning Club, celebrating
their twenty-fifth anniversary. The whole thing was very beautiful--the
reception was in the tapestry room of the Art Museum. I was placed in a
sort of throne chair, with the president and ex-presidents in a line at
my left, and the cream of Boston was all brought up and presented to me.
In another of the large rooms a stage had been arranged, and from this I
made my little speech. Then came some beautiful singing by Mrs. Tebbets,
with a small orchestral accompaniment, and then was given one act of
Tennyson's "Princess" and Browning's "In a Balcony." The place, the
performances, and the guests made this a very distinguished occasion. I
had gone just before this to see Louisa Cushing's wonderful acting in a
French play of the Commune. She possesses great tragic power and reminds
one of Duse and of Sarah Bernhardt. I suppose that H. M. H. has written
you of his appointment as Professor of Metallurgy, etc., at Columbia
College, New York. He and Fannie are much pleased with this, and it is
considered a very important step for him. I shall miss him a good deal,
but am glad of it for his sake. Michael[120] and I went yesterday to the
annual breakfast of the Charity Club. Greece had been made the topic of
the day. Michael made a splendid speech, and sang three stanzas of the
Greek National Hymn, albeit he cannot sing at all--he intoned it. I also
made a little speech, and some money was given to aid the Greek cause.
Hezekiah Butterworth was present, and I offered the following conundrum:
"What's butter worth?" Answer, "The cream of everything." Adieu, my
dearest.

  [120] Anagnos.

                                 Ever your loving
                                                          MOTHER.


"_April 26._ Received permission to use Faneuil Hall for a Woman's
Meeting of Aid and Sympathy for Greece...."

"_May 3._ Working at sending out notices of the Faneuil Hall meeting."

"_May 4._ The day was auspicious for our meeting. Although very tired
with the preparations, I wrote my little screed, dressed, and went
betimes to the Hall, where I was expected to preside. I found it
prettily arranged, though at very small expense. I wore as a badge a
tiny Greek flag made of blue and white ribbon, and brought badges of
these colors for the young ladies who were to take up the collection.
Many whom I had requested to come were present. Sarah Whitman, Lizzie
Agassiz, Mrs. Cornelius Felton, Mrs. Fields, Mrs. Whitney, besides our
Committee and Mrs. Barrows. M. Anagnos gave us the band of the
Institution, which was a great help. They played several times. I
introduced C. G. Ames, who made a prayer. My opening address followed.
Mmes. Livermore and Woolson, and Anagnos made the most important
addresses. As the band played 'America,' a young Greek came in, bearing
the Greek flag, which had quite a dramatic effect. The meeting was
enthusiastic and the contribution unusual for such a meeting, three
hundred and ninety-seven dollars and odd cents. Thank God for this
success."

"_May 13.... Head desperately bad in the morning._ ... Have done no good
work to-day, brain being unserviceable. Did, however, begin a short
screed for my speech at Unitarian Festival.

"The Round Table was most interesting. Rev. S. J. Barrows read a
carefully studied monograph of the Greek struggle for liberty. Mr.
Robinson, of the Art Museum, spoke mostly of the present desperate need.
I think I was called next. I characterized the Turks as almost '_ferae
naturae_.' Spoke of the low level of European diplomacy. Said that we
must fall back upon the ethical people, but hope for a general
world-movement making necessary the adoption of a higher level of
international relation--look to the religious world to uphold the
principle that no religion can henceforth be allowed to propagate itself
by bloodshed."

"_May 18._ A lecture at Westerly, Rhode Island.... My lameness made the
ascent of steps and stairs very painful...."

"_May 22._ Heard a delightful French Conference and reading from M.
Louis. Had a fit of timidity about the stairs, which were high and many;
finally got down. Had a worse one at home, where could not get up the
staircase on my feet, and had to execute some curious gymnastics to get
up at all."

"_May 25._ My knee was very painful in the night, and almost intolerable
in the morning, so sent for Wesselhoeft, who examined it and found the
trouble to proceed from an irritation of a muscle, probably rheumatic in
character. He prescribed entire rest and threatened to use a splint if
it should not soon be better. I must give up some of my many
engagements, and cannot profit by the doings of this week, alas!"

"_May 27._ I am to speak at the Unitarian Festival; dinner at 5 P.M.

"This is my seventy-eighth birthday. If the good God sees fit to grant
me another year, may He help me to fill it with good work. I am still
very lame, but perhaps a little better for yesterday's massage. Gifts of
flowers from many friends began early to arrive, and continued till late
in the evening. The house was resplendent and fragrant with them. I
worried somewhat about the evening's programme and what I should say,
but everything went well. Kind Dr. Baker Flynt helped me, cushion and
all, into Music Hall, and several gentlemen assisted me to the platform,
where I was seated between the Chairman of the Festival Committee and
Robert Collyer.... I desired much to have the word for the occasion, but
I am not sure whether I had."

"_June 2._ My first day of 'solitary confinement.'..."


                          _To Laura_

                                 241 BEACON STREET, June 2, 1897.

As poor Susan Bigelow once wrote me:--

  "The Buffalo lies in his lonely lair,
  No friend nor agent visits him there."

She was lame at the time, and I had once called her, by mistake, "Mrs.
Buffalo." Well, perfidious William,[121] rivalling in tyranny the Sultan
of Turkey, has forbidden me to leave this floor. So here I sit, growly
and bad, but obliged to acquiescence in W.'s sentence....

  [121] Dr. Wesselhoeft.

                             Affect.,
                                                         MUZ-WUZ.


                            _To Maud_
                                 241 BEACON STREET, June 4, 1897.

DEAREST DEAR CHILD,--

First place, darling, dismiss from your mind the idea that reasonable
people to-day believe that the souls of men in the pre-Christian world
were condemned and lost. The old religions are generally considered
to-day as necessary steps in the religion of the human race, and
therefore as part of the plan of a beneficent Providence. The Jews were
people of especial religious genius, producing a wonderful religious
literature, and Christianity, which came out of Judaism, is, to my
belief, the culmination of the religious sense of mankind. But Paul
himself says, speaking to the Athenians, that "God hath not left himself
without a witness," at any time. I was brought up, of course, in the
old belief, which I soon dismissed as irreconcilable with any idea of a
beneficent Deity. As for the doctrine of regeneration, I think that by
being born again the dear Lord meant that we cannot apprehend spiritual
truths unless our minds are earnestly set upon understanding them. To
any one who has led a simple, material life, without aspiration or moral
reflection, the change by which his attention becomes fastened upon the
nobler aspect of character and of life is really like a new birth. We
may say the same of the love of high art and great literature. Some
people turn very suddenly from a frivolous or immoral life to a better
and more thoughtful way. They remember this as a sudden conversion. In
most of us, I think the change is more gradual and natural. The better
influences win us from the evil things to which most of us are in some
way disposed. We have to seek the one and to shun the other. I, for
example, am very thankful that my views of many things are unlike what
they were twenty or thirty or forty years ago. I attribute this change
mostly to good influences, reading, hearing sermons and high
conversation. These things often begin in an effort of will to "move up
higher." If I write more about this, I shall muddle myself and you. Only
don't distress yourself about regeneration. I think it mostly comes
insensibly, like a child's growth....

I attended the memorial meeting at the unveiling of the Shaw Monument.
You can't think how beautiful the work is. The ceremonies took place
Monday, beginning with a procession which came through Beacon Street.
Governor Wolcott, in a barouche and four, distinctly bowed to me. The
New York Seventh Regiment came on and marched beautifully; our Cadets
marched about as well. There was also a squad from our battleships, two
of which were in the harbor. At twelve o'clock we all went to Music Hall
where they sang my "Battle Hymn." The Governor and Mayor and Colonel
Harry Lee spoke. Willie James gave the oration and Booker Washington
really made _the_ address of the day, simple, balanced, and very
eloquent. I had a visit yesterday from Larz and Isabel [Anderson]. He
told me much about you. Darling, this is a very poor letter, but much
love goes with it.

                              Affectionate
                                                          MOTHER.


"_June 6._... Have writ a note to little John Jeffries, _aet._ six
years, who sent me a note in his own writing, with a dollar saved out of
five cents per week, for the 'poor Armenians.' He writes: 'I don't like
the Turks one bit. I think they are horrid.' Have sent note and dollar
to A. S. B. for the Armenian orphans."

"_June 27, Oak Glen._ My first writing in this dear place. Carrie Hall
yesterday moved me down into dear Chev's bedroom on the first floor,
Wesselhoeft having forbidden me to go up and down stairs. I rebelled
inwardly against this, but am compelled to acknowledge that it is best
so. Carrie showed great energy in moving down all the small objects to
which she supposed me to be attached. I have now had an exquisite
sitting in my green parlor, reading a sermon of dear James Freeman
Clarke's."

"_June 28._ Wrote my stint of 'Reminiscences' in the morning.... At
bedtime had very sober thoughts of the limitation of life. It seemed to
me that the end might be near. My lameness and the painful condition of
my feet appear like warnings of a decline of physical power, which could
only lead one way. My great anxiety is to see Maud before I depart."

"_July 10._ I dreamed last night, or rather this morning, that I was
walking as of old, lightly and without pain. I cried in my joy: 'Oh,
some one has been mind-curing me. My lameness has disappeared.' Have
writ a pretty good screed about John Brown."

"_July 22._... Dearest Maud and Jack arrived in the evening. So welcome!
I had not seen Jack in two years. I had begun to fear that I was never
to see Maud again."

"_July 26._ Had a little time of quiet thought this morning, in which I
seemed to see how the intensity of individual desire would make chaos in
the world of men and women if there were not a conquering and
reconciling principle of harmony above them all. This to my mind can be
no other than the infinite wisdom and infinite love which we call God."

"_August 18._ I prayed this morning for some direct and definite service
which I might render. At noon a reporter from the 'New York Journal'
arrived, beseeching me to write something to help the young Cuban girl,
who is in danger of being sent to the Spanish Penal Colony [Ceuta] in
Africa. I wrote an appeal in her behalf and suggested a cable to the
Pope. This I have already written. The Hearsts will send it. This was
an answer to my prayer. Our dear H. M. H. arrived at 3 P.M...."

"_August 29._ Had a little service for my own people, Flossy and her
four children. Spoke of the importance of religious culture. Read the
parable of the wise and foolish virgins. Flossy thought the wise ones
unkind not to be willing to share with the foolish. I suggested that the
oil pictured something which could not be given in a minute. Cited
Beecher's saying, which I have so long remembered, that we cannot get
religion as we order a suit of clothes. If we live without it, when some
overwhelming distress or temptation meets us, we shall not find either
the consolation or the strength which true faith gives."

"_September 23._ Have just learned by cable from Rome that my dearest
sister Louisa died yesterday morning. Let me rather hope that she awoke
from painful weakness and infirmity into a new glory of spiritual life.
Her life here has been most blameless, as well as most beautiful.
Transplanted to Rome in her early youth and beauty, she became there a
centre of disinterested hospitality, of love and of charity. She was as
rare a person in her way as my sweet sister Annie. Alas! I, of less
desert than either, am left, the last of my dear father's and mother's
children. God grant that my remaining may be for good! And God help me
to use faithfully my little remnant of life in setting my house in
order, and in giving such completeness as I can to my life-work, or
rather, to its poor efforts."

"_September 25._ Was sad as death at waking, pondering my many
difficulties. The day is most lovely. I have read two of Dr. Hedge's
sermons and feel much better. One is called 'The Comforter,' and was
probably written in view of the loss of friends by death. It speaks of
the spirit of a true life, which does not pass away when the life is
ended, but becomes more and more dear and precious to loving survivors.
The text, from John xvi, 7: 'It is expedient for you that I go away.'
Have writ a good screed about the Rome of 1843-44."


                              _To Laura_

                                    OAK GLEN, September 27, 1897.

... My dear sister and I have lived so long far apart, that it is
difficult for me to have a _realizing sense_ of her departure. It is
only at moments that I can feel that we shall meet on earth no more. I
grieve most of all that my life has been so far removed from hers. She
has been a joy, a comfort, a delight to so many people, and I have had
so little of all this! The remembrance of what I have had is indeed most
precious, but alas! for the long and wide separation. What an enviable
memory she leaves! No shadows to dim its beauty.

I send you, dear, a statement regarding my relations with Lee and
Shepard. I am much disheartened about my poems and almost feel like
giving up. _But I won't._

                                  Affect.,
                                                          MOTHER.

In November, 1897, she sailed for Italy with the Elliotts.




CHAPTER X

THE LAST ROMAN WINTER

1897-1898; _aet._ 78

THE CITY OF MY LOVE

  She sits among th' eternal hills,
  Their crown, thrice glorious and dear;
  Her voice is as a thousand tongues
  Of silver fountains, gurgling clear.

  Her breath is prayer, her life is love,
  And worship of all lovely things;
  Her children have a gracious port,
  Her beggars show the blood of kings.

  By old Tradition guarded close,
  None doubt the grandeur she has seen;
  Upon her venerable front
  Is written: "I was born a Queen!"

  She rules the age by Beauty's power,
  As once she ruled by armèd might;
  The Southern sun doth treasure her
  Deep in his golden heart of light.

  Awe strikes the traveller when he sees
  The vision of her distant dome,
  And a strange spasm wrings his heart
  As the guide whispers: "There is Rome!"

         *       *       *       *       *

  And, though it seem a childish prayer,
  I've breathed it oft, that when I die,
  As thy remembrance dear in it,
  That heart in thee might buried lie.

                                             J. W. H.


The closing verse of her early poem, "The City of My Love," expresses
the longing that, like Shelley's, her heart "might buried lie" in Rome.
Some memory of this wish, some foreboding that the wish might be
granted, possibly darkened the first days of her last Roman winter. In
late November of the year 1897 she arrived in Rome with the Elliotts to
pass the winter at their apartment in the ancient Palazzo Rusticucci of
the old Leonine City across the Tiber; in the shadow of St. Peter's,
next door to the Vatican. The visit had been planned partly in the hope
that she might once more see her sister Louisa. In this we know she was
disappointed. They reached Rome at the beginning of the rainy season,
which fell late that year. All these causes taken together account for
an unfamiliar depression that creeps into the Journal. She missed, too,
the thousand interests of her Boston life; her church, her club, her
meetings, all the happy business of keeping a grandmother's house where
three generations and their friends were made welcome. At home every
hour of time was planned for, every ounce of power well invested in some
"labor worthy of her metal." In Rome her only work at first was the
writing of her "Reminiscences" for the "Atlantic Monthly." Happily, the
depression was short-lived. Gradually the ancient spell of the Great
Enchantress once more enthralled her, but it was not until she had
founded a club, helped to found a Woman's Council, begun to receive
invitations to lecture and to preach, that the accustomed _joie de
vivre_ pulses through the record. The sower is at work again, the ground
is fertile, the seed quickening.

       *       *       *       *       *

"_December 1._ The first day of this winter, which God help me to live
through! Dearest Maud is all kindness and devotion to me, and so is
Jack, but I have Rome _en grippe_; nothing in it pleases me."

"_December 6._ Something, perhaps it is the bright weather, moves me to
activity so strongly that I hasten to take up my pen, hoping not to
lapse into the mood of passive depression which has possessed me ever
since my arrival in Rome."

"_December 7._ We visited the [William J.] Stillmans--S. and I had not
met in thirty years, not since '67 in Athens. Went to afternoon tea at
Miss Leigh Smith's. She is a cousin of Florence Nightingale, whom she
resembles in appearance. Mme. Helbig was there, overflowing as ever with
geniality and kindness."

       *       *       *       *       *

Mr. Stillman was then the Roman correspondent of the London "Times," a
position only second in importance to that of the British Ambassador.
His tall, lean figure, stooping shoulders,--where a pet squirrel often
perched,--his long grey beard and keen eyes were familiar to the Romans
of that day. His house was a meeting-place for artists and _litterati_.
Mrs. Stillman our mother had formerly known as the beautiful Marie
Spartali, the friend of Rossetti and Du Maurier, the idol of literary
and artistic London. A warm friendship grew up between them. Together
they frequented the antiquaries, gleaning small treasures of ancient
lace and peasant jewels.

"I bought this by the Muse Stillman's advice": this explanation
guaranteed the wisdom of purchasing the small rose diamond ring set in
black enamel.

"_December 9._ Dined with Daisy Chanler. We met there one Brewster and
Hendrik Anderson. After dinner came Palmer [son of Courtland] and his
sister. He is a pianist of real power and charm--made me think of
Paderewski, when I first heard him...."

"_December 10._ Drove past the Trevi Fountain and to the Coliseum, where
we walked awhile. Ladies came to hear me talk about Women's Clubs. This
talk, which I had rather dreaded to give, passed off pleasantly.... Most
of the ladies present expressed the desire to have a small and select
club of women in Rome. Maud volunteered to make the first effort, with
Mme. DesGrange and Jessie Cochrane to help her."

"_December 12._ Bessie Crawford brought her children to see me. Very
fine little creatures, the eldest boy[122] handsome, dark like his
mother, the others blond and a good deal like Marion in his early life."

  [122] Harold Crawford, who was killed in the present war (1915),
  fighting for the Allies.

"_December 14._ In the afternoon drove with Jack to visit Villegas.
Found a splendid house with absolutely no fire--the cold of the studio
was tomb-like. A fire was lighted in a stove and cakes were served, with
some excellent Amontillado wine, which I think saved my life."

"_December 18._ When I lay down to take my nap before dinner, I had a
sudden thought-vision of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. I
seemed to see how the human could in a way reflect the glory of the
divine, giving not a mechanical, but an affectional and spiritual
re-showing of the great unfathomable glory. I need not say that I had no
sleep--I wish the glimpse then given me might remain in my mind."

"_December 21._ Feeling much better in health, I determined to take up
my 'Reminiscences' again. Mme. Rose passed the evening with me. She told
me that Pio Nono had endorsed the Rosminian philosophy, which had had
quite a following in the Church, Cardinal Hohenlohe having been very
prominent in this. When Leo XIII was elected, the Jesuits came to him
and promised that he should have a Jubilee if he would take part against
the Rosminian ideas, and put the books on the Index Expurgatorius, the
which he promptly did. Hohenlohe is supposed to have been the real hero
of the poisoning described in Zola's 'Rome'--his servant died after
having eaten of something which had been sent from the Vatican."

"_December 25._ Blessed Christmas Day! Maud and I went to St. Peter's to
get, as she said, a whiff of the mass. We did not profit much by this,
but met Edward Jackson, of Boston, and Monsignor Stanley, whom I had not
seen in many years. We had a pleasant foregathering with him.

"In St. Peter's my mind became impressed with the immense intellectual
force pledged to the upbuilding and upholding of the Church of Rome. As
this thought almost overpowered me, I remembered our dear Christ
visiting the superb temple at Jerusalem and foretelling its destruction
and the indestructibility of his own doctrine."

On fair days she took her walk on the terrace, feasting her eyes on the
splendid view. In the distance the Alban and the Sabine Hills, Mount
Soracte and the Leonessa; close at hand the Tiber, Rome's towers and
domes, St. Peter's with the colonnade, the Piazza, and the sparkling
fountains. She delighted in the flowers of the terrace, which she called
her "hanging garden"; she had her own little watering-pot, and
faithfully tended the white rose which she claimed as her special
charge. From the terrace she looked across to the windows of the Pope's
private apartment. Opposed as she was to the Pontiff's policy, she still
felt a sympathy with the old man, whose splendid prison she often passed
on her way to St. Peter's, where in bad weather she always took her
walk.

"_December 31._ I am sorry to take leave of this year, which has given
me many good things, some blessings in disguise, as my lameness proved,
compelling me to pass many quiet days, good for study and for my
'Reminiscences,' which I only began in earnest after Wesselhoeft
condemned me to remain on one floor for a month."

"_January 3, 1898._ I feel that my 'Reminiscences' will be disappointing
to the world in general, if it ever troubles itself to read them,--I
feel quite sure that it has neglected some good writing of mine, in
verse and in prose. I cannot help anticipating for this book the same
neglect, and this discourages me somewhat.

"In the afternoon drove to Monte Janiculo and saw the wonderful view of
Rome, and the equestrian statue of Garibaldi crowning the height. We
also drove through the Villa Pamfili Doria, which is very beautiful."

"_January 6._ To visit Countess Catucci at Villino Catucci. She was a
Miss Mary Stearns, of Springfield, Massachusetts. Her husband has been
an officer of the King's bersaglieri. Before the unification of Italy,
he was sent to Perugia to reclaim deserters from among the recruits for
the Italian army. Cardinal Pecci was then living near Perugia. Count
Catucci called to assure him with great politeness that he would take
his word and not search his premises. The Cardinal treated him with
equal politeness, but declined to continue the acquaintance after his
removal to Rome, when he became Pope in 1878."

"_January 12._ The first meeting of our little circle--at Miss Leigh
Smith's, 17 Trinità dei Monti. I presided and introduced Richard Norton,
who gave an interesting account of the American School of Archæology at
Athens, and of the excavations at Athens.... Anderson to dine. He took a
paper outline of my profile, wishing to model a bust of me."

       *       *       *       *       *

The Winthrop Chanlers were passing the winter in Rome; this added much
to her pleasure. The depression gradually disappeared, and she found
herself once more at home there. She met many people who interested her:
Hall Caine, Björnstjerne Björnson, many artists too. Don José Villegas,
the great Spanish painter (now Director of the Prado Museum at Madrid),
who was living in his famous Moorish villa on the Monte Parioli, made a
brilliant, realistic portrait of her, and Hendrik Anderson, the
Norwegian-American sculptor, modelled an interesting terra-cotta bust.
While the sittings for these portraits were going on, her niece said to
her:--

"My aunt, I can expect almost anything of you, but I had hardly expected
a _succès de beauté_."

Among the diplomats who play so prominent a part in Roman society, the
Jonkheer John Loudon, Secretary of the Netherlands Legation, was one of
her favorite visitors; there are frequent mentions of his singing, which
she took pleasure in accompanying.

"_January 15._ We had a pleasant drive to Villa Madama where we bought
fresh eggs from a peasant. Cola cut much greenery for us with which Maud
had our rooms decorated. Attended Mrs. Heywood's reception, where met
some pleasant people--the Scudder party; an English Catholic named
Christmas, who visits the poor, and reports the misery among them as
very great; a young priest from Boston, Monsignor O'Connell;[123] a Mr.
and Mrs. Mulhorn, Irish,--he strong on statistics, she a writer on
Celtic antiquities,--has published a paper on the Celtic origin of the
'Divina Commedia,' and has written one on the discovery of America by
Irish Danes, five hundred years before Columbus."

  [123] Now Cardinal O'Connell.

       *       *       *       *       *

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Heywood lived a few doors from the Rusticucci in the
Palazzo Giraud Torlonia, one of the finest Roman palaces. Mr. Heywood
held an office in the Papal Court, and had a papal title which he was
wise enough not to use in general society. He was an American, a Harvard
graduate of the class of 1855. His chief occupation, outside of his
duties at the Vatican, was the collection of a fine library. His house
was a rendezvous of Black[124] society. He lived in much state and
entertained with brilliant formality. Among the great social events of
that winter was his reception given for Cardinal Satolli, who arrived
dressed in splendid vestments, escorted by his suite. The hostess
courtesied to the ground and kissed the ring on his finger. All the
other Catholic ladies followed suit. Sitting very straight in her chair,
our mother bided her time; finally the Cardinal was brought to her. He
was a genial, courteous man and very soon they were deep in friendly
talk. Though she disliked the Roman hierarchy as an institution, she
counted many friends among the priests of Rome.

  [124] _I.e._, Clerical.

"_January 18._ To St. Peter's. The Festival of St. Peter's Chair.
Vespers in the usual side chapel. Music on the whole good, some sopranos
rather ragged, but parts beautifully sung. Was impressed as usual by the
heterogeneous attendance--tourists with campstools and without,
ecclesiastics of various grades, students, friars; one splendid
working-man in his corduroys stood like a statue, in an attitude of
fixed attention. Lowly fathers and mothers carrying small children. One
lady, seated high at the base of a column, put her feet on the seat of
my stool behind me. Saw the gorgeous ring on the finger of the statue of
St. Peter."

"_January 19._ Have composed a letter to Professor Lanciani, asking for
a talk on the afternoon of February 9, proposing 'Houses and
Housekeeping in Ancient Rome,' and 'The Sibyls of Italy.' Mr. Baddeley
came in, and we had an interesting talk, mostly about the ancient
Cæsars, Mrs. Hollins asking, 'Why did the Romans put up with the bad
Cæsars?' He thought the increase of wealth under Augustus was the
beginning of a great deterioration of the people and the officials."

"_January 21._ Went in the afternoon to call upon Baroness Giacchetti.
Had a pleasant talk with her husband, an enlightened man. He recognizes
the present status of Rome as greatly superior to the ancient order of
things--but laments the ignorance and superstition of the common people
in general, and the peasantry in particular. A sick woman, restored to
health by much trouble taken at his instance, instead of thanking him
for his benefactions, told him that she intended to make a pilgrimage to
the shrine of a certain Madonna, feeling sure that it was to her that
she owed her cure."

"_January 26._ The day of my reading before the Club, at Jessie
Cochrane's rooms. I read my lecture over very carefully in the forenoon
and got into the spirit of it. The gathering was a large one, very
attentive, and mostly very appreciative. The paper was 'Woman in the
Greek Drama.'"

"_January 31._ Have made a special prayer that my mind may be less
occupied with my own shortcomings, and more with all that keeps our best
hope alive. Felt little able to write, but produced a good page on the
principle '_nulla dies sine linea_.'"

"_February 4._ Hard sledding for words to-day--made out something about
Theodore Parker."

"_February 7._ Wrote some pages of introduction for the
Symposium--played a rubber of whist with L. Terry; then to afternoon tea
with Mrs. Thorndike, where I met the first Monsignor [Dennis] O'Connell,
with whom I had a long talk on the woman question, in which he seems
much interested. He tells me of a friend, Zahm by name, now gone to a
place in Indiana, who has biographies of the historical women of
Bologna."

"_February 9._ Club at Mrs. Broadwood's. I read my 'Plea for Humor,'
which seemed to please the audience very much, especially Princess
Talleyrand and Princess Poggia-Suasa."

"_February 11._ Read over my paper on 'Optimism and Pessimism' and have
got into the spirit of it. Maud's friends came at 3 P.M., among them
Christian Ross, the painter, with Björnstjerne Björnson."

"_February 16._ To Mrs. Hurlburt's reception.--Talked with Countess
Blank, an American married to a Pole. She had much to say of the piety
of her Arab servant, who, she says, swallows fire, cuts himself with
sharp things, etc., as acts of devotion!! Met Mr. Trench, son of the
late Archbishop, Rev. Chevenix Trench. He has been Tennyson's publisher.
Did not like T. personally--said he was often rude--read his own poems
aloud constantly and very badly; said, 'No man is a hero to his
publisher.' Told about his sale of Henry George's book, a cheap edition,
one hundred and fifty thousand copies sold in England."

"_February 18._ Have done a good morning's work and read in the
'Nineteenth Century' an article on Nelson, and one on the new astronomy.
St. Thomas Aquinas's advice regarding the election of an abbot from
three candidates:--

"'What manner of man is the first?'

"'_Doctissimus._'

"'_Doceat_,' says St. Thomas. 'And the second?'

"'_Sanctissimus._'

"'_Oret!_ and the third?'

"'_Prudentissimus!_'

"'_Regat!_ Let him rule!' says the Saint."

"_February 20._ To Methodist Church of Rev. Mr. Burt. A sensible short
discourse--seems a very sincere man: has an earlier service for
Italians, well attended. On my way home, stopped at Gargiulo's and
bought a ragged but very good copy of the 'Divina Commedia,' unbound,
with Doré's illustrations."

"_February 26._ To tea at Mrs. Hazeltine's where met William Allen
Butler, author of 'Nothing to Wear'--a bright-eyed, conversable man.
Have a sitting to Anderson. When I returned from Mrs. Hazeltine's I
found Hall Caine.... He told much about Gabriel Rossetti, with whom he
had much to do. Rossetti was a victim of chloral, and Caine was set to
keep him from it, except in discreet doses."

"_March 4._ Went to see the King and Queen, returning from the review of
troops. They were coldly received. She wore crimson velvet--he was on
horseback and in uniform...."

"_March 9._ Club at Jessie Cochrane's; young Loyson, son of Père
Hyacinthe, gave an interesting lecture on the religion of Ancient Rome,
which he traced back to its rude Latin beginning; the Sabines, he
thought, introduced into it one element of spirituality. Its mythology
was borrowed from Greece and from the Etruscans--later from Egypt and
the East. The Primitive Aryan religion was the worship of ancestors.
This also we see in Rome. A belief in immortality appears in the true
Aryan faith. Man, finding himself human, and related to the divine, felt
that he could not die."

"_March 15_.... Mme. Helbig gave us an account of the Russian pilgrimage
which came here lately. Many of the pilgrims were peasants. They
travelled from Russia on foot, wearing bark shoes, which are very
yielding and soft. These Russian ladies deprecated the action of Peter
the Great in building St. Petersburg, and in forcing European
civilization upon his nation, when still unprepared for it."

"_March 18_.... Drove with Maud, to get white thorn from Villa Madama.
Went afterwards to Mrs. Waldo Story's reception, where met Mrs.
McTavish, youngest daughter of General Winfield Scott. I was at school
with one of her older sisters, Virginia, who became a nun."

       *       *       *       *       *

As the winter wore away and the early Roman spring broke, the last
vestige of the discomfort of the first weeks vanished. The daily drives
to the country in search of wild flowers were an endless delight, as
well as the trips to the older quarters of the city. She found that,
while during the first weeks she had lost the habit of looking keenly
about at the sights, the old joy soon came back to her, and now she was
quick to see every picturesque figure in the crowd, every classic
fragment in the architecture. "The power of seeing beautiful things,
like all other powers, must be exercised to be preserved," she once
said.

"_March 19._ I have not dared to work to-day, as I am to read this
afternoon. The reading was well attended and was more than well
received. Hall Caine came afterwards, and talked long about the Bible.
He does not appear to be familiar with the most recent criticism of
either Old or New Testament."

"_March 24._ 'There is a third silent party to all our bargains.'
[Emerson.]

"I find this passage in his essay on 'Compensation' to-day for the first
time, having written my essay on 'Moral Triangulation of the Third
Party' some thirty years ago."

"_March 26._ Dined with Mrs. McCreary--the Duke of San Martino took me
in to dinner--Monsignor Dennis O'Connell sat on the other side of me. I
had an interesting talk with him. Mrs. McCreary sang my 'Battle Hymn.'
They begged me to recite 'The Flag,' which I did. Mrs. Pearse, daughter
of Mario and Grisi, sang delightfully."

"_March 30._ A fine luncheon party given by Mrs. Iddings, wife of the
American Secretary of Embassy at the Grand Hotel. Mme. Ristori was
there; I had some glimpses of reminiscence with her. I met her with 'La
terribil' Medea,' which I so well remember hearing from her. I
presently quoted her toast in 'La Locandiera,' of which she repeated the
last two lines. Maud had arranged to have Mrs. Hurlburt help me home.
Contessa Spinola also offered, but I got off alone, came home in time to
hear most of Professor Pansotti's lecture on the Gregorian music, which,
though technical, was interesting."

"_March 31._ I woke up at one, after vividly dreaming of my father and
Dr. Francis. My father came in, and said to me that he wished to speak
to Miss Julia alone. I trembled, as I so often did, lest I was about to
receive some well-merited rebuke. He said that he wished my sister and
me to stay at home more. I saw the two faces very clearly. My father's I
had not seen for fifty-nine years."

"_April 6._ Went in the afternoon with Mrs. Stillman to the Campo dei
Fiori, where bought two pieces of lace for twenty _lire_ each, and a
little cap-pin for five _lire_. Saw a small ruby and diamond ring which
I very much fancied."

"_April 10._ Easter Sunday, passed quietly at home. Had an early walk on
the terrace.... A good talk with Hamilton Aïdé, who told me of the
Spartali family. In the afternoon to Lady Kenmare's reception and later
to dine with the Lindall Winthrops."

"_April 11._ In the afternoon Harriet Monroe, of Chicago, came and read
her play--a parlor drama, ingenious and well written. The audience were
much pleased with it."

"_April 13_.... In the evening dined with Theodore Davis and Mrs.
Andrews. Davis showed us his treasures gathered on the Nile shore and
gave me a scarab."

"_April 18._... Went to hear Canon Farrar on the 'Inferno' of Dante--the
lecture very scholarly and good."

"_April 22._ With Anderson to the Vatican, to see the Pinturicchio
frescoes, which are very interesting. He designed the tiling for the
floors, which is beautiful in color, matching well with the
frescoes--these represent scenes in the life of the Virgin and of St.
Catherine...."

"_April 24._ To Miss Leigh Smith's, where I read my sermon on the 'Still
Small Voice' to a small company of friends, explaining that it was
written in the first instance for the Concord Prison, and that I read it
there to the convicts. I prefaced the sermon by reading one of the
parables in my 'Later Lyrics,' 'Once, where men of high pretension,'
etc...."

This was one of several occasions when she read a sermon at the house of
Miss Leigh Smith, a stanch Unitarian, who lived at the Trinità de' Monti
in the house near the top of the Spanish Steps, held by generations of
English and American residents the most advantageous dwelling in Rome.
On Sunday mornings, when the bells of Rome thrilled the air with the
call to prayer, a group of exiles from many lands gathered in the
pleasant English-looking drawing-room. From the windows they could look
down upon the flower-decked Piazza di Spagna, hear the song of the
nightingales in the Villa Medici, breathe the perfume of violets and
almond blossoms from the Pincio. This morning, or another, Paul
Sabatier was among the listeners, a grave, gracious man, a Savoyard
pastor, whose "Life of Saint Francis of Assisi" had set all Rome
talking.

"_April 25._ To lunch with the Drapers. Had some good talk with Mr. D.
[the American Ambassador]. He was brought up at Hopedale in the
Community, of which his father was a member, his mother not altogether
acquiescing. He went into our Civil War when only twenty years of age,
having the day before married a wife. He was badly wounded in the battle
of the Wilderness. Mosby [guerilla] met the wounded train, and stripped
them of money and watches, taking also the horses of their conveyances.
A young Irish lad of fourteen saved Draper's life by running to Bull
Plain for aid."

"_April 26._ Lunch at Daisy Chanler's, to meet Mrs. Sanford, of
Hamilton, Canada, who is here in the interests of the International
Council of Women. She seems a nice, whole-souled woman.... I have
promised to preside at a meeting, called at Daisy's rooms for Thursday,
to carry forward such measures as we can and to introduce Mrs. Sanford
and interpret for her."

"_April 27._ Devoted the forenoon to a composition in French, setting
forth the objects of the meeting...."

"_April 28._ Went carefully over my French address. In the afternoon
attended the meeting at Daisy's where I presided."

This was the first time the Italian women had taken part in the
International Council.

"_April 30._ To Contessa di Taverna at Palazzo Gabrielli, where I met
the little knot of newly elected officers of the Council of Italian
Women that is to be. Read them my report of our first meeting--they
chattered a great deal. Mrs. Sanford was present. She seemed grateful
for the help I had tried to give to her plan of a National Council of
Italian Women. I induced the ladies present to subscribe a few _lire_
each, for the purchase of a book for the secretary, for postage and for
the printing of their small circular. Hope to help them more further
on...."

"_May 1._... I gave my 'Rest' sermon at Miss Leigh Smith's....
Afterwards to lunch with the dear Stillman Muse. Lady Airlie and the
Thynne sisters were there. Had a pleasant talk with Lady Beatrice....
Wrote a letter to be read at the Suffrage Festival in Boston on May
17...."

Lady Beatrice and Lady Katherine Thynne; the latter was married later to
Lord Cromer, Viceroy of Egypt. The Ladies Thynne were passing the winter
with their cousin, the Countess of Kenmare, at her pleasant apartment in
the Via Gregoriana. Among the guests one met at Lady Kenmare's was a
dark, handsome Monsignore who spoke English like an Oxford Don, and
looked like a Torquemada. Later he became Papal Secretary of State and
Cardinal Merry del Val.

"_May 2._ Have worked as usual. A pleasant late drive. Dined with
Eleutherio,[125] Daisy Chanler, and Dr. Bull; whist afterwards; news of
an engagement and victory for us off Manila."

  [125] Her brother-in-law, Luther Terry.

"_May 4_.... We dined with Marchese and Marchesa de Viti de Marco at
Palazzo Orsini. Their rooms are very fine, one hung with beautiful
crimson damask. An author, Pascarello, was present, who has written
comic poems in the Romanesque dialect, the principal one a mock
narrative of the discovery of America by Columbus. Our host is a very
intelligent man, much occupied with questions of political economy, of
which science he is professor at the Collegio Romano. His wife, an
American, is altogether pleasing. He spoke of the present Spanish War,
of which foreigners understand but little."

"_May 5._ A visit from Contessa di Taverna to confer with me about the
new departure [the International Council of Women]. She says that the
ladies will not promise to pay the stipulated contribution, five hundred
_lire_ once in five years, to the parent association...."

"_May 8._ An exquisite hour with dear Maud on the terrace--the roses in
their glory, red, white, and yellow; honeysuckle out, brilliant. We sat
in a sheltered spot, talked of things present and to come. Robert
Collyer to lunch. I asked him to say grace, which he did in his lovely
manner. He enjoyed Maud's terrace with views of St. Peter's and the
mountains. In the afternoon took a little drive.

"Several visitors called, among them Louisa Broadwood, from whom I
learned that the little Committee for a Woman's Council is going on. The
ladies have decided not to join the International at present, but to try
and form an Italian Council first. Some good results are already
beginning to appear in the coöperation of two separate charities in some
part of their work."

"_May 9._ I must now give all diligence to my preparation for departure.
Cannot write more on 'Reminiscences' until I reach home. Maud made a
dead set against my going to Countess Resse's where a number of ladies
had been invited to meet me. I most unwillingly gave up this one
opportunity of helping the Woman's Cause; I mean this one remaining
occasion, as I have already spoken twice to women and have given two
sermons and read lectures five times. It is true that there might have
been some exposure in going to Mme. R.'s, especially in coming out after
speaking."

A few years after this, the Association which she did so much to found,
held the first Woman's Congress ever given in Italy, at the Palace of
Justice in Rome. It was an important and admirably conducted convention.
The work for the uplift of the sex is going on steadily and well in
Italy to-day.

"_May 12._ Sat to Villegas all forenoon. Had a little time on the
terrace. Thought I would christen it the 'Praise God.' The flowers seem
to me to hold their silent high mass, swinging their own censers of
sweet incense. Went to Jack's studio and saw his splendid work.[126] In
the afternoon went with my brother-in-law to the cemetery to visit dear
Louisa's grave. Jack had cut for me many fine roses from the terrace.
We dropped many on this dear resting-place of one much and justly
beloved.... Dear old Majesty of Rome, this is my last writing here. I
thank God most earnestly for so much."

  [126] Elliott was at work upon his Triumph of Time, a ceiling decoration
  for the Boston Public Library.




CHAPTER XI

EIGHTY YEARS

1899-1900; _aet._ 80-81


HUMANITY

  Methought a moment that I stood
  Where hung the Christ upon the Cross,
  Just when mankind had writ in blood
  The record of its dearest loss.

  The bitter drink men offered him
  His kingly gesture did decline,
  And my heart sought, in musing dim,
  Some cordial for those lips divine.

  When lo! a cup of purest gold
  My trembling fingers did uphold;
  Within it glowed a wine as red
  As hearts, not grapes, its drops had shed.
  Drink deep, my Christ, I offer thee
  The ransom of Humanity.

                                            J. W. H.

     Though Jesus, alas! is as little understood in doctrine as followed
     in example. For he has hitherto been like a beautiful figure set to
     point out a certain way, and people at large have been so entranced
     with worshipping the figure, that they have neglected to follow the
     direction it indicates.

                                            J. W. H.


The winter of 1898-99 saw the publication of "From Sunset Ridge; Poems
Old and New." This volume contained many of the poems from "Later
Lyrics" (long out of print), and also much of her later work. It met
with a warm recognition which gave her much pleasure.

Late in 1899 appeared the "Reminiscences," on which she had been so long
at work. These were even more warmly received, though many people
thought them too short. Colonel Higginson said the work might have been
"spread out into three or four interesting octavos; but in her hurried
grasp it is squeezed into one volume, where groups of delightful
interviews with heroes at home and abroad are crowded into some single
sentence."

The book was written mostly from memory, with little use of the
Journals, and none of the family letters and papers, which she had
carefully preserved through many years; she needed none of these things.
Her past was always alive, and she went hand in hand with its dear and
gracious figures.

But we have outstripped the Journals and must go back to the beginning
of 1899.

"[_Boston._] _January 1, 1899._ I begin this year with an anxious mind.
I am fighting the Wolf, hand to hand. I am also confused between the
work already done on my 'Reminiscences,' and that still wanting to give
them some completeness. May the All-Father help me!"

"_January 9._ Dined with the Massachusetts Press Club Association. I
made a little speech partly thought out beforehand. The best bit in
it--'Why should we fear to pass from the Old Testament of our own
liberties, to the New Testament of liberty for all the world?'--came to
me on the spur of the moment...."

"_January 16._ ... Dickens Party at the New England Woman's Club. I
despaired of being able to go, but did manage to get up a costume and
take part. Many very comical travesties, those of Pickwick and Captain
Cuttle remarkably good; also Lucia M. Peabody as Martin Chuzzlewit, and
Mrs. Godding in full male dress suit. I played a Virginia reel and
finally danced myself."

The part she herself took on this occasion was that of Mrs. Jellyby, a
character she professed to resemble. At another club party she
impersonated Mrs. Jarley, with a fine collection of celebrities, which
she exhibited proudly. She always put on her best motley for her "dear
Club"; and in those days its fooling was no less notable than its
wisdom. Among other things, she instituted the Poetical Picnics, picnic
suppers to which every member must bring an original poem: some of her
best nonsense was recited at these suppers.

It has been said that she had the gift of the word in season. This was
often shown at the Club; especially when, as sometimes happened, a
question of the hour threatened to become "burning." It is remembered
how one day a zealous sister thundered so loud against corporal
punishment that some mothers and grandames were roused to equally ardent
rejoinder. The President was appealed to.

"_Dear_ Mrs. Howe, I am sure that _you_ never laid a hand on _your_
children!"

"Oh, yes," said dear Mrs. Howe. "I cuffed 'em a bit when I thought they
needed it!"

Even "militancy" could be touched lightly by her. Talk was running high
on the subject one day; eyes began to flash ominously, voices took on "a
wire edge," as she expressed it. Again the appeal was made.

"Can you imagine, Mrs. Howe, under _any_ circumstances--"

The twinkle came into the gray eyes. "Well!" she said. "I am pretty old,
but I _think_ I could manage a broomstick!"

The tension broke in laughter, and the sisters were sisters once more.

"_January 23._ Worked as usual. Attended the meeting in favor of the
Abolition of the Death Penalty, which was interesting.... I spoke on the
ground of hope."

"_February 7._ ... I hope to take life more easily now than for some
time past, and to have rest from the slavery of pen and ink."

"_February 28._ ... Was interviewed by a Miss X, who has persevered in
trying to see me, and at last brought a note from ----. She is part
editor of a magazine named 'Success,' and, having effected an entrance,
proceeded to interview me, taking down my words for her magazine, thus
getting my ideas without payment, a very mean proceeding...."

"_March 21._ Tuskegee benefit, Hollis Street Theatre.

"This meeting scored a triumph, not only for the performers, but for the
race. Bishop Lawrence presided with much good grace and appreciation.
Paul Dunbar was the least distinct. Professor Dubois, of Atlanta
University, read a fine and finished discourse. Booker Washington was
eloquent as usual, and the Hampton quartet was delightful. At the tea
which followed at Mrs. Whitman's studio, I spoke with these men and
with Dunbar's wife, a nearly white woman of refined appearance. I asked
Dubois about the negro vote in the South. He thought it better to have
it legally taken away than legally nullified."

"_April 17._ Kindergarten for the Blind.... I hoped for a good word to
say, but could only think of Shakespeare's 'The evil that men do lives
after them; the good is oft interred with their bones,' intending to say
that this does not commend itself to me as true. Mr. Eels spoke before
me and gave me an occasion to use this with more point than I had hoped.
He made a rather flowery discourse, and eulogized Annie Sullivan and
Helen Keller as a new experience in human society. In order to show how
the good that men do survives them, I referred to Dr. Howe's first
efforts for the blind and to his teaching of Laura Bridgman, upon whom I
dwelt somewhat...."

"_April 23._... Had a sort of dream-vision of the dear Christ going
through Beacon Street in shadow, and then in his glory. It was only a
flash of a moment's thought...."

"_April 25._ To Alliance, the last meeting of the season. Mrs. ----
spoke, laying the greatest emphasis on women acting so as to _express
themselves in freedom_. This ideal of self-expression appears to me
insufficient and dangerous, if taken by itself. I mentioned its
insufficiency, while recognizing its importance. I compared feminine
action under the old limitations to the touching of an electric eel,
which immediately gives one a paralyzing shock. I spoke also of the new
woman world as at present constituted, as like the rising up from the
sea of a new continent. In my own youth women were isolated from each
other by the very intensity of their personal consciousness. I thought
of myself and of other women in this way. We thought that superior women
ought to have been born men. A blessed change is that which we have
witnessed."

       *       *       *       *       *

As her eightieth birthday drew nigh, her friends vied with one another
in loving observance of the time. The festivities began May 17 with a
meeting of the New England Women's Press Association, where she gave a
lecture on "Patriotism in Literature" and received "eighty beautiful
pink roses for my eighty years."

Next came the "annual meeting and lunch of the New England Woman's Club.
This took the character of a pre-celebration of my eightieth birthday,
and was highly honorific. I can only say that I do not think of myself
as the speakers seemed to think of me. Too deeply do I regret my seasons
of rebellion, and my shortcomings in many duties. Yet am I thankful for
so much good-will. I only deserve it because I return it."

Between this and the day itself came a memorial meeting in honor of the
ninety-sixth anniversary of Emerson's birth. Here she spoke "mostly of
the ladies of his family"--Emerson's mother and his wife. Said also,
"Emerson was as great in what he did not say as in what he said.
Second-class talent tells the whole story, reasons everything out;
great genius suggests even more than it says."

She was already what she used to call "Boston's old spoiled child!" All
through the birthday flowers, letters, and telegrams poured into the
house. From among the tokens of love and reverence may be chosen the
quatrain sent by Richard Watson Gilder:--

  "How few have rounded out so full a life!
      Priestess of righteous war and holy peace,
  Poet and sage, friend, sister, mother, wife,
      Long be it ere that noble heart shall cease!"

The "Woman's Journal" issued a special Birthday number. It was a lovely
and heart-warming anniversary, the pleasure of which long remained with
her.

Among the guests was the beloved physician of many years, William P.
Wesselhoeft. Looking round on the thronged and flower-decked rooms, he
said, "This is all very fine, Mrs. Howe; but on your ninetieth birthday
I shall come, and _nobody else_!" Alas! before that day the lion voice
was silent, the cordial presence gone.

Three days later came an occasion which stirred patriotic Boston to its
depths. The veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic had invited
Major-General Joseph Wheeler to deliver the Memorial Day oration in
Boston Theatre. Our mother was the second guest of honor. She has
nothing to say of this occasion beyond the fact that she "had a great
time in the morning," and that in the open carriage with her sat
"General Wheeler's two daughters--_very_ pleasing girls"; but pasted in
the Journal is the following clipping from the "Philadelphia Press":--


BOSTON WARMED UP

The Major has just returned from Boston, where he was present at the
Memorial Day services held in Boston Theatre.

It was the real thing. I never imagined possible such a genuine sweeping
emotion as when that audience began to sing the "Battle Hymn." If Boston
was cold, it was thawed by the demonstration on Tuesday. Myron W.
Whitney started to sing. He bowed to a box, in which we first recognized
Mrs. Howe, sitting with the Misses Wheeler. You should have heard the
yell. We could see the splendid white head trembling; then her voice
joined in, as Whitney sang, "In the beauty of the lilies," and by the
time he had reached the words,--

  "As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,"--

the whole vast audience was on its feet, sobbing and singing at the top
of its thousands of lungs. If volunteers were really needed for the
Philippines, McKinley could have had us all right there.


The same evening she went "to Unitarian meeting in Tremont Temple, where
read my screed about Governor Andrew, which has cost me some work and
more anxiety. Rev. S. A. Eliot, whom I saw for the first time, was
charmingly handsome and friendly. I was introduced as 'Saint Julia' and
the whole audience rose when I came forward to read. Item: I had dropped
my bag with my manuscript in the carriage, but Charles Fox telephoned to
the stable and got it for me."

The spring of this year saw an epidemic of negro-lynching, which roused
deep indignation throughout the country. On May 20 the Journal records
"a wonderful meeting at Chickering Hall, called by the colored women of
Boston, to protest against the lynching of negroes in the South. Mrs.
Butler M. Wilson presided, an octoroon and a woman of education. Her
opening address was excellent in spirit and in execution. A daughter of
Mrs. Ruffin also wrote an excellent address: Mrs. Cheney's was very
earnest and impressive. Alice Freeman Palmer spoke as I have never
before heard her. My rather brief speech was much applauded, as were
indeed all of the others. Mrs. Richard Hallowell was on the platform and
introduced Mrs. Wilson."

This brief speech brought upon her a shower of letters, mostly
anonymous, from persons who saw only the anti-negro side of this matter,
so dreadful in every aspect. These letters were often denunciatory,
sometimes furious in tone, especially one addressed to

                       _Mrs. Howe, Negro Sympathizer,

                                                        Boston._

This grieved her, but she did not cease to lift up her voice against the
evil thing whenever occasion offered.

"_July 7._ _Oak Glen._ ... My son and his wife came over from Bristol to
pass the day. He looks as young as my grandsons do. At fifty, his hair
is blond, without gray, and his forehead unwrinkled."

"_July 16._ ... While in church I had a new thought of the energy and
influence of Christ's teaching. 'Ask and ye shall receive,' etc. These
little series of commands all incite the hearers to action: Ask, seek,
knock. I should love to write a sermon on this, but fear my sermonizing
days are over, alas!"

"_August 7._ Determined to do more literary work daily than I have been
doing lately. Began a screed about dear Bro' Sam, feeling that he
deserved a fuller mention than I have already given him...."

"_September 4._ Discouraged over the confusion of my papers, the failure
of printers to get on with my book, and my many bills. Have almost had
an attack of the moral sickness which the Italians call _Achidia_. I
suppose it to mean indifference and indolence...."


                              _To Laura_

                                    OAK GLEN, September 6, 1899.

... Here's a question. Houghton and Mifflin desire to print[127] the
rough draft of my "Battle Hymn," which they borrowed, with some
difficulty, from Charlotte Whipple, who begged it of me, years ago. I
hesitate to allow it, because it contains a verse which I discarded, as
not up to the rest of the poem. It will undoubtedly be an additional
attraction for the volume....

  [127] In the _Reminiscences_.


"_September 7._ Have attacked my proofs fiercely...."


                           _To Laura_

                                   OAK GLEN, September 16, 1899.

Yours received, _très chère_. Why not consult Hays Gardiner[128] about
printing the original draft of the "Hymn"? Win's[129] opinion would be
worth having, also. I think I shall consult E. E. Hale, albeit the two
just named would be more fastidious.[130]

  [128] The late John Hays Gardiner, author of _The Bible as Literature_,
  _The Forms of Prose Literature_, and _Harvard_.

  [129] Edwin Arlington Robinson, author of _Captain Craig_, etc.

  [130] The facsimile printed in the _Reminiscences_ contains the
  discarded stanza.


"_October 21._ My last moments in this dear place. The past season
appears to me like a gift of perfect jewels. I pray that the winter may
have in store for me some good work and much dear and profitable
companionship. I must remember that this may be my last summer here, or
anywhere on earth, but must bear in mind that it is best to act with a
view to prolonged life, since without this outlook, it is very hard for
us to endeavor or to do our best. Peace be with you, beautiful summer
and autumn. Amen."

She was never ready to leave Oak Glen; the town house always seemed at
first like a prison.

"_October 23_. Boston. A drizzly, dark day. I struggled out twice,
saying to myself: 'It is for your life.'..."

"_October 24._ Have had two days of chaos and discouragement...."

"_October 27._ A delightful and encouraging conference of A.A.W. held in
my parlors. The prevailing feeling was that we should not disband, but
should hold on to our association and lie by, hoping to find new innings
for work. Florida was spoken of as good ground for us. I felt much
cheered and quickened by the renewal of old friendships...."

A Western lecture trip had been planned for this autumn, but certain
untoward symptoms developed and Dr. Wesselhoeft said, "No! no! not even
if you had not had vertigo." She gave it up most reluctantly, confiding
only to the Journal the hope that she might be able to go later.

"_November 9._ Celebration of dear Chev's birthday at the Institution. I
spoke of the New Testament word about the mustard seed, so small but
producing such a stately tree. I compared this little seed to a
benevolent impulse in the mind of S. G. H. and the Institution to a
tree. 'What is smaller than a human heart? What seems weaker than a good
intention? Yet the good intention, followed by the faithful heart, has
produced this great refuge in which many generations have already found
the way to a life of educated usefulness.'..."

"_November 19...._ Before the sermon I had prayed for some good thought
of God. This came to me in the shape of a sudden perception to this
effect: 'I am in the Father's house already.'..."

"_November 30...._ In giving thanks to-day, I made my only personal
petitions, which were first, that some of my dear granddaughters might
find suitable husbands, ... and lastly, that I might _serve_ in some way
until the last breath leaves my body...."

"_December 16._ I had greatly desired to see the 'Barber.' Kind Mrs.
[Alfred] Batcheller made it possible by inviting me to go with her. The
performance was almost if not quite _bouffe_. Sembrich's singing
marvellous, the acting of the other characters excellent, and singing
very good, especially that of De Reszke and Campanari. I heard the
opera in New York more than seventy years ago, when Malibran, then
Signorina Garcia, took the part of Rosina."

"_December 31...._ 'Advertiser' man came with a query: 'What event in
1899 will have the greatest influence in the world's history?' I
replied, 'The Czar's Peace Manifesto, leading to the Conference at The
Hague.'"


November, 1899, saw the birth of another institution from which she was
to derive much pleasure, the Boston Authors' Club. Miss Helen M. Winslow
first evolved the idea of such a club. After talking with Mmes. May
Alden Ward and Mabel Loomis Todd, who urged her to carry out the
project, she went to see the "Queen of Clubs." "Go ahead!" said our
mother. "Call some people together here, at my house, and we will form a
club, and it will be a good one too."

The Journal of November 23 says:--

"Received word from Helen Winslow of a meeting of literary folks called
for to-morrow morning at my house."

This meeting was "very pleasant: Mrs. Ward, Miss Winslow, Jacob Strauss,
and Hezekiah Butterworth attended--later Herbert Ward came in."

It was voted to form the Boston Authors' Club, and at a second meeting
in December the club was duly organized.

In January the Authors' Club made its first public appearance in a
meeting and dinner at Hotel Vendôme, Mrs. Howe presiding, Colonel
Higginson (whom she described as her "chief Vice") beside her.

The brilliant and successful course of the Authors' Club need not be
dwelt on here. Her connection with it was to continue through life, and
its monthly meetings and annual dinners were among her pet pleasures.
She was always ready to "drop into rhyme" in its service, the Muse in
cap and bells being oftenest invoked: _e.g._, the verses written for the
five hundredth anniversary of Chaucer's death:--

  Poet Chaucer had a sister,
  He, the wondrous melodister.
  She didn't write no poems, oh, no!
  Brother Geoffrey trained her so.
  Honored by the poet's crown,
  Her posterity came down.

         *       *       *       *       *

  Ages of ancestral birth
  Went for all that they were worth.
  Hence derives the Wentworth name
  Which heraldic ranks may claim.
  That same herald has contrived
  How the Higginson arrived.

  He was gran-ther to the knight
  In whose honor I indite
  Burning strophes of the soul
  'propriate to the flowing bowl.

  Oft the worth I have defended
  Of the Laureate-descended,
  But while here he sits and winks
  I can tell you what he thinks.

  "Never, whether old or young,
  Will that woman hold her tongue!
  Fifty years in Boston schooled,
  Still I find her rhyme-befooled.

  Oft in earnest, oft in jest,
  We have met and tried our best.
  Nought I dread an open field,
  I can conquer, I can yield,
  Self from foes I can defend,
  But Heav'n preserve us from our friend!"

She and her "chief Vice" were always making merry together; when their
flint and steel struck, the flash was laughter. It may have been at the
Authors' Club that the two, with Edward Everett Hale and Dr. Holmes,
were receiving compliments and tributes one afternoon.

"At least," she cried, "no one can say that Boston drops its _H's_!"

This was in the winter of 1900. It was the time of the Boer War, and all
Christendom was sorrowing over the conflict. On January 3 the Journal
says:--

"This morning before rising, I had a sudden thought of the Christ-Babe
standing between the two armies, Boers and Britons, on Christmas Day. I
have devoted the morning to an effort to overtake the heavenly vision
with but a mediocre result."

These lines are published in "At Sunset."

On the 11th the cap and bells are assumed once more.

"... To reception of the College Club, where I was to preside over the
literary exercises and to introduce the readers. I was rather at a loss
how to do this, but suddenly I thought of Mother Goose's 'When the pie
was opened, the birds began to sing.' So when Edward Everett Hale came
forward with me and introduced me as 'the youngest person in the hall,'
I said, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall prove the truth of what our
reverend friend has just said, by citing a quotation from Mother Goose
['When the pie was opened,' etc.], and the first bird that I shall
introduce will be Rev. E. E. Hale.' Beginning thus, I introduced T. W.
Higginson as the great American Eagle; Judge [Robert] Grant as a
mocking-bird; C. F. Adams as the trained German canary who sings all the
songs of Yawcob Strauss; C. G. Ames said, 'You mustn't call me an owl.'
I brought him forward and said, 'My dear minister says that I must not
call him an owl, and I will not; only the owl is the bird of wisdom and
he is very wise.' I introduced Mrs. Moulton as a nightingale. For
Trowbridge I could think of nothing and said, 'This bird will speak for
himself.' Introduced N. H. Dole as 'a bird rarely seen, the phœnix.'
At the close E. E. H. said, 'You have an admirable power of
introducing.' This little device pleased me foolishly."

"_February 4._ Wrote a careful letter to W. F. Savage. He had written,
asking an explanation of some old manuscript copy of my 'Battle Hymn'
and of the theft perpetrated of three of its verses in 'Pen Pictures of
the War,' only lately brought to my notice. He evidently thought these
matters implied doubt at least of my having composed the 'Hymn.' To this
suspicion I did not allude, but showed him how the verses stolen had
been altered, probably to avoid detection...."

"_March 3._ Count di Campello's lecture, on the religious life in
Italy, was most interesting. His uncle's movement in founding a National
Italian Catholic Church seemed to me to present the first solution I
have met with, of the absolute opposition between Catholic and
Protestant. A Catholicism without spiritual tyranny, without ignorant
superstition, would bridge over the interval between the two opposites
and bring about the unification of the world-church...."

"_March 13...._ Passed the whole morning at State House, with
remonstrants against petition forbidding Sunday evening concerts. T. W.
H. spoke remarkably well...."

"_March 30...._ Had a special good moment this morning before rising.
Felt that God had granted me a good deal of heaven, while yet on earth.
So the veil lifts sometimes, not for long."


April found her in Minneapolis and St. Paul, lecturing and being
"delightfully entertained."

"_May 8. Minneapolis._ Spoke at the University, which I found
delightfully situated and richly endowed. Was received with great
distinction. Spoke, I think, on the fact that it takes the whole of life
to learn the lessons of life. Dwelt a little on the fact that fools are
not necessarily underwitted. Nay, may be people of genius, the trouble
being that they do not learn from experience...."

On leaving she exclaims:--

"Farewell, dear St. Paul. I shall never forget you, nor this delightful
visit, which has renewed (almost) the dreams of youth. In the car a
kind old grandmother, with two fine little boy grands....

"The dear old grandmother and her boys got out at the Soo. Other ladies
in the Pullman were _very_ kind to me, especially a lady from St. Paul,
with her son, who I thought might be a young husband. She laughed much
at this when I mentioned it to her. Had an argument with her, regarding
hypnotism, I insisting that it is demoralizing when used by a strong
will to subdue a weak one."

"_May 25._ [_Boston._] Went in the afternoon to Unitarian meeting at
Tremont Temple. S. A. Eliot made me come up on the platform. He asked if
I would give a word of benediction. I did so, thanking God earnestly in
my heart for granting me this sweet office, which seemed to lift my soul
above much which has disturbed it of late. Why is He so good to me?
Surely not to destroy me at last."

"_June 3...._ Before church had a thought of some sweet spirit asking to
go to hell to preach to the people there. Thought that if he truly
fulfilled his office, he would not leave even that forlorn
pastorate...."

"_June 10...._ Could not find the key to my money bag, which distressed
me much. Promised St. Anthony of Padua that if he would help me, I would
take pains to find out who he was. Found the key immediately...."

"_June 18...._ The little lump in my right breast hurts me a little
to-day. Have written Wesselhoeft about it. 4.50 P.M. He has seen it and
says that it is probably cancerous; forbids me to think of an
operation; thinks he can stop it with medicine. When he told me that it
was in all probability a cancer, I felt at first much unsettled in mind.
I feared that the thought of it would occupy my mind and injure my
health by inducing sleeplessness and nervous excitement. Indeed, I had
some sad and rather vacant hours, but dinner and Julia's[131] company
put my dark thought to flight and I lay down to sleep as tranquilly as
usual."

  [131] Julia Ward Richards.

[Whatever this trouble was, it evidently brought much suffering, but
finally disappeared. We learn of it for the first time in this record;
she never spoke of it to any of her family.]

"_Oak Glen. June 21._ Here I am seated once more at my old table,
beginning another _villeggiatura_, which may easily be my last. Have
read a little Greek and a long article in the 'New World.' I pray the
dear Heavenly Father to help me pass a profitable season here, improving
it as if it were my last, whether it turns out to be so or not."

[She was not in her usual spirits this summer. She felt the heat and the
burden of years. The Journal is mostly in a minor key.]

"_July 16._ Took up a poem at which I have been working for some days,
on the victims in Pekin; a strange theme, but one on which I feel I have
a word to say. Wrote it all over...."

"_July 19._ Was much worn out with the heat. In afternoon my head gave
out and would not serve me for anything but to sit still and observe the
flight of birds and the freaks of yellow butterflies...."

"_July 26._ Have prayed to-day that I may not find life dull. This
prolongation of my days on earth is so precious that I ought not to
cease for one moment to thank God for it. I enjoy my reading as much as
ever, but I do feel very much the narrowing of my personal relations by
death. How rich was I in sisters, brothers, elders! It seems to me now
as if I had not at all appreciated these treasures of affection...."

"_July 31._ Have writ notes of condolence to Mrs. Barthold Schlesinger
and to M. E. Powel. I remember the coming of Mrs. Powel's family to
Newport sixty-five years ago. The elders used to entertain in the simple
ways of those days, and my brother Henry and I used to sing one duet
from the 'Matrimonio Segreto,' at some of their evening parties. In the
afternoon came the ladies of the Papéterie; had our tea in the green
parlor, which was pretty and pleasant...."


                                 _To Laura_

                                       OAK GLEN, August 3, 1900.

... I grieve for the death of King Umberto, as any one must who has
followed the fortunes of Italy and knows the indebtedness of the country
to the House of Savoy. Thus, the horror of this anarchy, thriving among
Italians in our own country. I am so thankful that the better class
among them have come out so strongly against it! I was present when King
Umberto took the oaths of office, after the death of his father. He was
a faithful man, not quite up to the times, perhaps, but his reign was
beset with problems and difficulties. I am sure that the Queen greatly
respected and honored him, although I believe that she was first
betrothed to his brother Amadeo, whom, it is said, she loved. Alas, for
the tyranny of dynastic necessity. Their only child was very delicate,
and has no child, or had not, when I was in Rome. As to the Chinese
horror, it is unspeakably dreadful. Even if the ministers are safe,
hundreds of foreigners and thousands of native Christians have been
cruelly massacred. I cannot help hoping that punishment will be swift
and severe....

A letter from H. M. H. yesterday, in great spirits. At a great public
dinner recently, the president of the association cried: "_Honneur à
Howe!_"

                           Affect.,
                                                         MOTHER.


"_August 17...._ In the evening I was seized with an attack of verse and
at bedtime wrote a rough draft of a _Te Deum_ for the rescue of the
ministers in Pekin."

"_August 20...._ Got my poem smooth at some expense of force, perhaps. I
like the poem. I think that it has been _given_ me."

This _Te Deum_ was printed in the "Christian Herald" in September, 1900.

"_Sunday, September 2...._ I had, before service began, a clear thought
that _self_ is death, and deliverance from its narrow limitations the
truest emancipation. In my heart I gave thanks to God for all measure in
which I have attained, or tried to attain, this liberation. It seems to
me that the one moment of this which we could perfectly attain, would be
an immortal joy."

A week later, she went to New York to attend a reception given to the
Medal of Honor Legion at Brooklyn Academy. She writes:--

"Last evening's occasion was to me eminently worth the trouble I had
taken in coming on. To meet these veterans, face to face, and to receive
their hearty greeting, was a precious boon vouchsafed to me so late in
life. Their reception to me was cordial in the extreme. The audience and
chorus gave me the Chautauqua salute, and as I left the platform, the
girl chorus sang the last verse of my 'Hymn' over again, in a subdued
tone, as if for me alone. The point which I made, and wished to make,
was that, 'our flag should only go forth on errands of justice, mercy,
etc., and that once sent forth, it should not be recalled until the work
whereunto it had been pledged was accomplished.' This with a view to
Pekin...."

"_September 13...._ The Galveston horror[132] was much in my mind
yesterday. I could not help asking why the dear Lord allowed such
dreadful loss of life...."

  [132] A terrible storm and tidal wave which had nearly destroyed the
  city.

"_October 25._ My last writing at this time in this dear place. The
season, a very busy one, has also been a very blessed one. I cannot be
thankful enough for so much calm delight--my children and grandchildren,
my books and my work, although this last has caused me many anxieties. I
cannot but feel as old John Forbes did when he left Naushon for the last
time and went about in his blindness, touching his writing materials,
etc., and saying to himself, 'Never again, perhaps.' If it should turn
out so in my case, God's will be done. He knows best when we should
depart and how long we should stay...."

"On the way home and afterwards, these lines of an old hymn ran in my
mind:--

  'Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not afraid.
  I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid.'

This comforted me much in the forlorn exchange of my lovely surroundings
at Oak Glen for the imprisonment of a town house."

"_November 4. 241 Beacon Street._ The dear minister preached on 'All
Saints and All Souls,' the double festival of last week. At Communion he
said: 'Dear Sister Howe, remember that if you are moved to speak, you
have freedom to do so.' I had not thought of speaking, but presently
rose and spoke of the two consecrated days. I said: 'As I entered this
church to-day, I thought of a beautiful cathedral in which one after
another the saints whom I have known and loved, appeared on either side;
first, the saints of my own happy childhood, then the excellent people
whom I have known all my life long. The picture of one of them hangs on
these walls.[133] His memory is fresh in all our hearts. Surely it is a
divine glory which we have seen in the faces of these friends, and they
seem to lead us up to that dearest and divinest one, whom we call
Master'; and so on. I record this to preserve this vision of the
cathedral of heart saints...."

  [133] James Freeman Clarke.

"_December 25._ I was awake soon after five this morning, and a voice,
felt, not heard, seemed to give me a friendly warning to set my house in
order for my last departure from it. This seems to bring in view my
age, already long past the scriptural limit, suggesting also that I have
some symptoms of an ailment which does not trouble me much, but which
would naturally tend to shorten my life. In my mind I promised that I
would heed the warning given. I only prayed God to make the parting easy
for me and my dear ones, of whom dear Maud would be the most to be
pitied, as she has been most with me and has no child to draw her
thoughts to the future. After this, I fell asleep.

"We had a merry time at breakfast, examining the Christmas gifts, which
were numerous and gratifying...."

"_December 31...._ Here ends a year of mercies, of more than my usual
health, of power to speak and to write. It has been a year of work. God
be thanked for it."




CHAPTER XII

STEPPING WESTWARD

1901-1902; _aet._ 82-83

     But here the device of the spiral can save us. We must make the
     round, but we may make it with an upward inclination. "Let there be
     light!" is sometimes said in accents so emphatic, that the universe
     remembers and cannot forget it. We carry our problems slowly
     forward. With all the ups and downs of every age, humanity
     constantly rises. Individuals may preserve all its early delusions,
     commit all its primitive crimes; but to the body of civilized
     mankind, the return to barbarism is impossible.

                                                        J. W. H.


"_January 7._ I have had a morning of visioning, lying in bed. 'Be still
and know that I am God,' seemed to be my sentence. I thought of the
Magdalen's box of spikenard, whose odor, when the box was broken, filled
the house. The separate religious convictions of the sects seemed to me
like so many boxes of ointment, exceedingly precious while shut up, but
I thought also that the dear Lord would one day break these separate
boxes, and that then their fragrance would fill the whole earth, which
is His house.

"This is my first writing in this book. From this thought and the 'Be
still,' I may try to make two sermons.

"In afternoon came William Wesselhoeft, Sr., and prescribed entire quiet
and rest for some days to come. Oh! I do long to be at work."

"_January 9._ To-day for the first time since January 3, I have opened a
Greek book. I read in my Æschylus ["Eumenides"] how Apollo orders the
Furies to leave his shrine, to go where deeds of barbarity, tortures,
and mutilations are practised."

At this time she heard of her son's receiving from the Czar the cross of
the Order of St. Stanislas. She writes to him:--

"Goodness gracious me!

"Are you sure it isn't by mistake? Do you remember that you are my
naughty little imp?... Well, well, it takes away my breath! Dearest Boy,
my heart is lifted up with gratitude. If your father were only here, to
share our great rejoicing! Joy! joy!..."

She had always taken a deep interest in Queen Victoria, whose age was
within three days of her own. Many people fancied a resemblance between
the two; indeed, when in England as a bride, she was told more than
once: "You look like our young Queen!" It is remembered how one of her
daughters, knocking at the door of a Maine farmhouse to inquire the way,
was met by a smiling, "I know who you are! You are the daughter of the
Queen of America!"

The Queen's death, coming as it did during her own illness, gave her a
painful shock.

"_January 23._ The news of Queen Victoria's death quite overcame me for
a moment this morning. Instead of settling to my work, I wrote a very
tiny 'bust of feeling' about her, which I carried to the 'Woman's
Journal' office, where I found a suffrage meeting in progress. I could
only show myself and say that I was not well enough to remain...."

"Bust of feeling" was a favorite expression of hers. Old Bostonians
will recall its origin. "A certain rich man," seeing a poor girl injured
in a street accident, offered to pay her doctor's bill. This being
presented in due time, he disclaimed all responsibility in the affair;
and when reminded of his offer, exclaimed, "Oh, that was a bust of
feeling!"

On January 31, she was "in distress of mind all day lest Maud should
absolutely refuse to let me give my lecture at Phillips Church this
evening." Later she writes: "Maud was very kind and did nothing to
hinder my going to South Boston." She went and enjoyed the evening, but
was not so well after it.

"_February 10._ A Sunday at home; unable to venture out. Wesselhoeft,
Jr., called, left medicine, and forbade my going out before the cough
has ceased. Have read in Cheyne's 'Jewish Religious Life after the
Exile,' finding the places of reference in the Bible. Afterwards read in
'L'Aiglon,' which is very interesting but not praiseworthy, as it
endeavors to recall the false glory of Napoleon."

"_February 18._ Have been out, first time since February 3, when I went
to church and was physically the worse for it.... Last night had a time
of lying awake with a sort of calm comfort. Woke in the morning full of
invalid melancholy, intending to keep my bed. Felt much better when in
motion. Must make a vigorous effort now to get entirely well."


These days of seclusion were hard for her, and every effort was made to
bring the "mountains" to her, since she could not go to them.

A club was formed among her friends in Boston for the study and speaking
of Italian: this became one of her great pleasures, and she looked
forward eagerly to the meetings, delighted to hear and to use the
beautiful speech she had loved since childhood.

"_February 22._ The new club, _Il Circolo Italiano_, met at our house.
Count Campello had asked me to say a few words, so I prepared a very
little screed in Italian, not daring to trust myself to speak
_extempore_ in this language. We had a large attendance; I thought one
hundred were present. My bit was well received, and the lecture by
Professor Speranza, of New York, was very interesting, though rather
difficult to follow. The theme was D'Annunzio's dramas, from which he
gave some quotations and many characterizations. He relegates D'Annunzio
to the Renaissance when _Virtù_ had no real _moral significance_.
Compared him with Ibsen. The occasion was exceedingly pleasant."


                               _To Laura_

I had hoped to go to church to-day, but my Maud and your Julia decided
against it, and so I am having the day at home. It is just noon by my
dial, and Maud is stretched in my Gardiner chair, comfortably shawled,
and reading Lombroso's book on "The Man of Genius," with steadfast
attention. Lombroso's theory seems to be that genius, almost equally
with insanity, is a result of degeneration....


"_March 1._ The first day of spring, though in this climate this is a
_wintry_ month. I am thankful to have got on so far in this, my
eighty-second year. My greatest trouble is that I use so poorly the
precious time spared to me. Latterly I have been saying to myself, 'Can
you not see that the drama is played out?' This partly because my
children wish me to give up public speaking."

"_March 4...._ To New England Woman's Club; first time this year, to my
great regret and loss. I was cordially welcomed.... A thought suddenly
came to me, namely, that the liberal education of women would give the
death-blow to superstition. I said, 'We women have been the depositaries
of religious sensibility, but we have also furnished the impregnable
storehouse of superstition, sometimes gracious, sometimes desperately
cruel and hurtful to our race.' No one noticed this, but I hold fast to
it...."

"_March 8...._ To Symphony Concert in afternoon, which I enjoyed but
little, the music being of the multi-muddle order so much in vogue just
now. An air of Haydn's sounded like a sentence of revelation in a
chatter...."

It may have been after this concert that she wrote these lines, found in
one of her notebooks:--

  Such ugly noises never in my life
  My ears endured, such hideous fiddle-strife.
  A dozen street bands playing different tunes,
  A choir of chimney sweeps with various runes,
  The horn that doth to farmer's dinner call,
  The Chinese gong that serves in wealthier hall,
  The hammer, scrub brush, and beseeching broom,
  While here and there the guns of freedom boom,
  "Tzing! bang! this soul is saved!" "Clang! clang! it isn't!"
  And _mich_ and _dich_ and _ich_ and _sich_ and _sisn't_!
  Five dollar bills the nauseous treat secured,
  But what can pay the public that endured?

"_March 17._ Before lying down for a needed rest, I must record the
wonderful reception given to-day to Jack Elliott's ceiling.[134] The day
was fine, clear sunlight. Many friends congratulated me, and some
strangers. Vinton, the artist, Annie Blake, Ellen Dixey were
enthusiastic in their commendation of the work, as were many others. I
saw my old friend, Lizzie Agassiz, my cousin Mary Robeson and her
daughter, and others too numerous to mention.... This I consider a day
of great honor for my family.... _Deo gratias_ for this as well as for
my son's decoration."

  [134] The Triumph of Time, at the Public Library.

"_March 31...._ Had a sort of vision in church of Moses and Christ, the
mighty breath of the prophets reaching over many and dark ages to our
own time, with power growing instead of diminishing. When I say a
vision, I mean a vivid thought and mind picture."

"_April 3._ Have writ to Larz Anderson, telling him where to find the
quotation from Horace which I gave him for a motto to his automobile,
'Ocior Euro.' Sanborn found it for me and sent it by postal. It must
have been more than thirty years since dear Brother Sam showed it to
me...."

"_April 7._ A really inspired sermon from C. G. A., 'The power of an
unending life.' ... The Communion which followed was to me almost
miraculous. Mr. Ames called it a festival of commemoration, and it
brought me a mind vision of the many departed dear ones. One after
another the dear forms seemed to paint themselves on my inner vision:
first, the nearer in point of time, last my brother Henry and Samuel
Eliot. I felt that this experience ought to pledge me to new and more
active efforts to help others. In my mind I said, the obstacle to this
is my natural inertia, my indolence; then the thought, God can overcome
this indolence and give me increased power of service and zeal for it.
Those present, I think, all considered the sermon and Communion as of
special power and interest. It almost made me fear lest it should prove
a swan song from the dear minister. Perhaps it is I, not he, who may
soon depart."

Later in April she was able to fulfil some lecture engagements in New
York State with much enjoyment, but also much fatigue. After her return
she felt for a little while "as if it was about time for her to go," but
her mind soon recovered its tone.

Being gently reproved for giving a lecture and holding a reception on
the same day, she said, "That is perfectly proper: I gave and I
received: I was scriptural and I was blessed."

Asked on another occasion if it did not tire her to lecture,--"Why, no!
it is they [the audience] who are tired, not I!"

On April 27 she writes:--

"I have had a great gratification to-day. Mrs. Fiske Warren had invited
us to afternoon tea and to hear Coquelin deliver some monologues. I
bethought me of my poem entitled 'After Hearing Coquelin.' Maud wrote to
ask Mrs. Warren whether she would like to have me read it and she
assented. I procured a fresh copy of the volume in which it is
published, and took it with me to this party, which was large and _very_
representative of Boston's most recognized people. Miss Shedlock first
made a charming recitation in French, which she speaks perfectly. Then
Coquelin gave three delightful monologues. The company then broke up for
tea and I thought my chance was lost, but after a while order was
restored. M. Coquelin was placed where I could see him, and I read the
poem as well as I could. He seemed much touched with the homage, and I
gave him the book. People in general were pleased with the poem and I
was very glad and thankful for so pleasant an experience. Learned with
joy of the birth of a son to my dear niece, Elizabeth Chapman."

Another happy birthday came and passed. After recording its friendly
festivities, she writes:--

"I am _very_ grateful for all this loving kindness. Solemn thoughts must
come to me of the long past and of the dim, uncertain future. I trust
God for His grace. My life has been poor in merit, in comparison to what
it should have been, but I am thankful that to some it has brought
comfort and encouragement, and that I have been permitted to champion
some good causes and to see a goodly number of my descendants, all well
endowed physically and mentally, and starting in life with good
principles and intentions; my children all esteemed and honored for
honorable service in their day and generation."

"_May 30. Decoration Day...._ In the afternoon Maud and I drove out to
Mount Auburn to visit the dear graves. We took with us the best of the
birthday flowers, beautiful roses and lilies. I could not have much
sense of the presence of our dear ones. Indeed, they are not there, but
where they are, God only knows."

"_May 31._ Free Religious meeting.... The fears which the bold programme
had naturally aroused in me, fears lest the dear Christ should be spoken
of in a manner to wound those who love him--these fears were at once
dissipated by the reverent tone of the several speakers...."

"_June 1...._ To the Free Religious festival.... I found something to
say about the beautiful morning meeting and specially of the truth which
comes down to us, mixed with so much rubbish of tradition. I spoke of
the power of truth 'which burns all this accumulation of superstition
and shines out firm and clear, so we may say that "the myth crumbles but
the majesty remains."'..."

She managed to do a good deal of writing this summer: wrote a number of
"screeds," some to order, some from inward leading: _e.g._, a paper on
"Girlhood Seventy Years Ago," a poem on the death of President McKinley.

"_October 5._ A package came to-day from McClure's Syndicate. I thought
it was my manuscript returned and rejected, and said, 'God give me
strength not to cry.' I opened it and found a typewritten copy of my
paper on 'Girlhood,' sent to me for correction in lieu of printer's
proof. Wrote a little on my screed about 'Anarchy.' Had a sudden
thought that the sense and spirit of government is responsibility."

"_October 6...._ Wrote a poem on 'The Dead Century,' which has in it
some good lines, I hope."

"_October 8._ The cook ill with rheumatism. I made my bed, turning the
mattress, and put my room generally to rights. When I lay down to take
my usual _obligato_ rest, a fit of verse came upon me, and I had to
abbreviate my lie-down to write out my _inspiration_."

The "_obligato_ rest"! How she did detest it! She recognized the
necessity of relaxing the tired nerves and muscles; she yielded, but
never willingly. The noon hour would find her bending over her desk,
writing "for dear life," or plunged fathoms deep in Grote's "Greece," or
some other light and playful work. Daughter or granddaughter would
appear, watch in hand, countenance steeled against persuasion. "Time for
your rest, dearest!"

The rapt face looks up, breaks into sunshine, melts into entreaty. "Let
me finish this note, this page; then I will go!" Or it may be the sprite
that looks out of the gray eyes. "Get out!" she says. "Leave the room! I
never saw you before!"

Finally she submits to the indignity of being tucked in for her nap; but
even then her watch is beside her on the bed, ticking away the minutes
till the half-hour is over, and she springs to her task.

"_November 3. 241 Beacon Street._ My room here has been nicely cleaned,
but I bring into it a great heap of books and papers. I am going to try
_hard_ to be less disorderly than in the past."

How hard she did try, we well remember. The book trunk was a necessity
of the summer flitting. It carried a full load from one book-ridden
house to the other, and there were certain books--the four-volume Oxford
Bible, the big-print Horace, the Greek classics, shabby of dress,
splendid of type and margin--which could surely have found their way to
and from Newport unaided.

One book she never asked for--the English dictionary! Once Maud,
recently returned from Europe, apologized for having inadvertently taken
the dictionary from 241 Beacon Street.

"How dreadful it was of me to take your dictionary! What have you done?
Did you buy a new one?"

"I did not know you had taken it!"

"But--how did you get along without a dictionary?"

The elder looked her surprise.

"I never use a word whose meaning I do not know!"

"But the spelling?"

There was no answer to this, save a whimsical shrug of the shoulders.

"_November 11._ The day of the celebration of dear Chev's one hundredth
birthday. Before starting for the Temple I received three beautiful
gifts of flowers, a great bunch of white roses from Lizzie Agassiz, a
lovely bouquet of violets from Mrs. Frank Batcheller, and some superb
chrysanthemums from Mrs. George H. Perkins. The occasion was to me one
of solemn joy and thankfulness. Senator Hoar presided with beautiful
grace, preluding with some lovely reminiscences of Dr. Howe's visit to
his office in Worcester, Massachusetts, when he, Hoar, was a young
lawyer. Sanborn and Manatt excelled themselves, Humphreys did very well.
Hoar requested me to stand up and say a few words, which I did, he
introducing me in a very felicitous manner. I was glad to say my word,
for my heart was deeply touched. With me on the platform were my dear
children and Jack Hall and Julia Richards; Anagnos, of course; the music
very good."

Senator Hoar's words come back to us to-day, and we see his radiant
smile as he led her forward.

"It is only the older ones among us," he said, "who have seen Dr. Howe,
but there are hundreds here who will want to tell their children that
they have seen the author of the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.'"

Part of her "word" was as follows:--

"We have listened to-day to very heroic memories; it almost took away
our breath to think that such things were done in the last century. I
feel very grateful to the pupils and graduates of the Perkins
Institution for the Blind who have planned this service in honor of my
husband. It is a story that should be told from age to age to show what
one good resolute believer in humanity was able to accomplish for the
benefit of his race.... The path by which he led Laura Bridgman to the
light has become one of the highways of education, and a number of
children similarly afflicted are following it, to their endless
enlargement and comfort. What an encouragement does this story give to
the undertaking of good deeds!

"I thank those who are with us to-day for their sympathy and attention.
I do this, not in the name of a handful of dust, dear and reverend as it
is, that now rests in Mount Auburn, but in the name of a great heart
which is with us to-day and which will still abide with those who work
in its spirit."

"_November 26. Thursday._ A day of pleasant agitation from beginning to
end. I tried to recognize in thought the many mercies of the year. My
fortunate recoveries from illness, the great pleasures of study,
friendly intercourse, thought and life generally. Our Thanksgiving
dinner was at about 1.30 P.M., and was embellished by the traditional
turkey, a fine one, to which David, Flossy, Maud, and I did justice. The
Richards girls, Julia and Betty, and Chug[135] and Jack Hall, flitted in
and out, full of preparation for the evening event, the marriage of my
dear Harry Hall to Alice Haskell. I found time to go over my screed for
Maynard very carefully, rewriting a little of it and mailing it in the
afternoon.

  [135] Dr. Lawrence J. Henderson.

"In the late afternoon came Harry Hall and his best man, Tom McCready,
to dine here and dress for the ceremony. Maud improvised a pleasant
supper: we were eight at table. Went to the church in two carriages.
Bride looked very pretty, simple white satin dress and tulle veil. Six
bridesmaids in pink, carrying white chrysanthemums. H. M. H.[136] seemed
very boyish, but looked charmingly...."

  [136] The bridegroom, Henry Marion Hall.

"_December 31._ The last day of a blessed year in which I have
experienced some physical suffering, but also many comforts and
satisfactions. I have had grippe and bronchitis in the winter and bad
malarial jaundice in the summer, but I have been constantly employed in
writing on themes of great interest and have had much of the society of
children and grandchildren. Of these last, two are happily married,
_i.e._, in great affection. My dear Maud and her husband have been with
me constantly, and I have had little or no sense of loneliness...."


The beginning of 1902 found her in better health than the previous year.

She records a luncheon with a distinguished company, at which all agreed
that "the 'Atlantic' to-day would not accept Milton's 'L' Allegro,' nor
would any other magazine."

At the Symphony Concert "the Tschaikowsky Symphony seemed to me to have
in it more noise than music. Felt that I am too old to enjoy new music."

"_January 24._ Suffrage and Anti-Suffrage at the State House. I went
there with all of my old interest in the Cause. The Antis were there in
force: Mrs. Charles Guild as their leader; Lawyer Russell as their
manager. I had to open. I felt so warm in my faith that for once I
thought I might convert our opponents. I said much less than I had
intended, as is usually the case with me when I speak _extempore_."

"_February 7...._ I went to see Leoni's wonderful illuminated
representation of leading events in our history; a very remarkable work,
and one which ought to remain in this country."

"_February 11._ Dreamed of an interview with a female pope. I had to go
to Alliance Meeting to speak about Wordsworth. I hunted up some verses
written about him in my early enthusiasm, probably in 1840 or 1841. This
I read and then told of my visit to him with Dr. Howe and the
unpleasantness of the experience. Spoke also of the reaction in England
against the morbid discontent which is so prominent and powerful in much
of Byron's poetry...."

"_February 12...._ In my dream of yesterday morning the woman pope and I
were on very friendly terms. I asked on leaving whether I might kiss her
hand. She said, 'You may kiss my hand.' I found it fat and far from
beautiful. As I left her, methought that her countenance relaxed and she
looked like a tired old woman. In my dream I thought, 'How like this is
to what Pope Leo would do.'"

"_February 13...._ Felt greatly discouraged at first waking. It seemed
impossible for me to make a first move under so many responsibilities. A
sudden light came into my soul at the thought that God will help me in
any good undertaking, and with this there came an inkling of first steps
to be taken with regard to Sig. Leoni's parchment.[137] I went to work
again on my prize poem, with better success than hitherto...."

  [137] That is, to have it bought by some public society.

"_February 14._ Philosophy at Mrs. Bullard's.... Sent off my prize poem
with scarcely any hope of its obtaining or indeed deserving the prize,
but Mar[138] has promised to pay me something for it in any case, and I
was bound to try for the object, namely, a good civic poem...."

  [138] An editor.

"_February 15...._ A day of great pleasure, profit and fatigue....
Griggs's lecture.... The address on 'Erasmus and Luther' was very
inspiring. Griggs is in the full tide of youthful inspiration and gives
himself to his audience without stint. He did not quite do justice to
the wonderful emancipation of thought which Protestantism has brought to
the world, but his illustration of the two characters was masterly. I
said afterwards to Fanny Ames: 'He will burn himself out.' She thinks
that he is wisely conservative of his physical strength. I said, 'He
bleeds at every pore.' I used to say this of myself with regard to
ordinary social life. Went to the Club, where was made to preside. Todd
and Todkinee[139] both spoke excellently. Then to Symphony Concert to
hear Kreisler and the 'Pastoral Symphony.'"

  [139] Professor Todd, of Amherst, and his wife, Mabel Loomis Todd.

"_February 16...._ The Philosophy meeting and Griggs's lecture revived
in me the remembrance of my philosophic studies and attempts of
thirty-five years ago, and I determined to endeavor to revise them and
to publish them in some shape. Have thought a good deal this morning of
this cream of genius in which the fervent heat of youth fuses conviction
and imagination and gives the world its great masters and masterpieces.
It cannot outlast the length of human life of which it is the poetry.
Age follows it with slow philosophy, but can only strengthen the
outposts which youth has gained with daring flight. Both are divinely
ordained and most blessed. Of the dear Christ the world had only this
transcendent efflorescence. I said to Ames yesterday, 'I find in the
Hebrew prophets all the doctrine which I find in Christ's teaching.' He
said, 'Yes, it is there seminally.' We agreed that it was the life which
made the difference."

"_February 21_.... My dearest Maud left by 1 P.M. train to sail for
Europe to-morrow. I could not go to the hearing. Was on hand to think of
small details which might have been overlooked. Gave them my fountain
pen, to Jack's great pleasure. Julia Richards came to take care of me. I
suffered extreme depression in coming back to the empty house, every
corner of which is so identified with Maud's sweet and powerful
presence. The pain of losing her, even for a short time, seemed
intolerable. I was better in the evening. Chug amused me with a game of
picquet."

Her spirits soon rallied, and the granddaughters did their best to fill
the great void. She writes to Laura about this time:--

  Not a sign was made, not a note was wrote,
  Not a telegram was wired,
  Not a rooster sent up his warning note,
  When the eggs from your larder were fired.

  We swallow them darkly at break of fast,
  Each one to the other winking,
  And "woe is me if this be the last"
  Is what we are sadly thinking.

  The egg on missile errand sent
  Some time has been maturing,
  And, with whate'er endearment blent,
  Is rarely reassuring.

  But yours, which in their freshness came
  Just when they might be wanted,
  A message brought without a name,
  "Love," we will take for granted.    [_Copyrighted._]

Julia is rather strict with me, but very good, considering whose
grandchild she is.

                                Affect.,
                                                        MOTHER.

"_March 25._ I received in one day three notes asking me regarding the
'Life of Margaret Shepard,' and 'Secret Confessions of a Priest.' One
writer had seen in some paper that she could have the books by applying
to me; Miss ---- wrote to the same intent; Miss ---- wrote and enclosed
forty cents' worth of stamps for one of the books. I have replied to all
that I know nothing of the books in question, and that I am neither
agent nor bookseller."

"_March 30._ Lunch with Mrs. Fields after church. Heard a very inspiring
sermon from Samuel A. Eliot. This young man has a very noble bearing and
a stringent way of presenting truth. He has that vital religious power
which is rare and most precious. Before he had spoken I had been asking
in my mind, how can we make the _past present to us_? The Easter service
and Lent also seem intended to do this, but our imaginations droop and
lag behind our desires...."

"_April 2._... Went in the evening to see 'Ben-Hur' with kind Sarah
Jewett--her treat, as was my attendance at the opera. The play was
altogether spectacular, but very good in that line...."

"_April 3._... Went to the celebration of E. E. Hale's eightieth
birthday, in which the community largely participated. Senator Hoar was
the orator and spoke finely.... Hale's response was manly, cheery, and
devout. He has certainly done much good work, and has suggested many
good things."

"_April 12._ Lunch with Mrs. Wheelwright. I found Agnes Repplier very
agreeable. She had known the wife of Green, the historian, 'very, almost
too brilliant.' Told me something about his life. I enjoyed meeting
her."


                           _To Laura_

Yes, I likes my chilluns better 'n other folkses' chilluns. P'raps 'tis
as well sometimes to let them know that I do....

What you write about my little Memoir of your dear Papa touches me a
good deal. I did my best to make it as satisfactory as the limits
imposed upon me would allow. I don't think that I ever had a word of
commendation for it. Michael killed it as a book by printing it entire
in his Report for the year. Now I am much gratified by your notice of
it. You are most welcome to use it in connection with the letters.[140]

  [140] Letters and Journals of Samuel Gridley Howe.


"_May 16._ In the evening the Italian supper at the Hotel Piscopo, North
End. I recited Goldoni's toast from the 'Locandiera,' and also made a
little speech at the end of the banquet. Padre Roberto, a Venetian
priest, young and handsome, sat near me...."

"_May 18_.... I had prayed that this might be a real Whitsunday to me
and I felt that it was. Notice was given of a meeting at which Catholic,
Jew, Episcopalian, and Unitarian are to speak regarding the Filipinos.
This seemed like the Millennium. It is the enlargement of religious
sympathy; not, as some may think, the progress of critical
indifferentism.

"During this morning's service my desire to speak to prisoners
reasserted itself strongly; also my thought of one of my sermons which I
wish to write. One should be to the text: 'The glory of God in the face
of Jesus Christ,' the reflection of divine glory in God's saints, like
the reflection of the sun's light in the planets. Another about Adam
being placed in Eden to tend the flowers and water them. This should
concern our office in the land of our birth, into which we are born to
love and serve our country. Will speak of the self-banished Americans,
Hale's 'Man without a Country,' etc. This day has been so full of
thought and suggestion that I hardly know how to let it go. I pray that
it may bear some fruit in my life, what is left of it."

"_May 24._ The annual Club luncheon in honor of my birthday. I felt
almost overwhelmed by the great attention shown me and by the constant
talk of speakers with reference to myself.... I don't find in myself
this charm, this goodness, attributed to me by such speakers, but I know
that I love the Club and love the world of my own time, so far as I know
it. They called me Queen and kissed my hand. When I came home I fell in
spirit before the feet of the dear God, thanking Him for the regard
shown me, and praying that it might not for one moment make me vain. I
read my translation of Horace's ode, 'Quis Desiderio,' and it really
seemed to suit the mention made by Mrs. Cheney of our departed members,
_praecipuë_, Dr. Zack; Dr. Hoder [?] of England was there, and
ex-Governor Long and T. W. Higginson, also Agnes Irwin. It was a great
time."

"_July 5_.... I wrote to Ethel V. Partridge, Omaha, a high-school
student: 'Get all the education that you can. Cultivate habits of
studious thought with all that books can teach. The fulfilment of the
nearest duty gives the best education.' I fear that I have come to know
this by doing the exact opposite, _i.e._, neglecting much of the nearest
duty in the pursuit of an intellectual wisdom which I have not
attained...."


Maud and Florence were both away in the early part of this summer, and
various grandchildren kept her company at Oak Glen. There were other
visitors, among them Count Salome di Campello, a cheery guest who cooked
spaghetti for her, and helped the granddaughter to set off the Fourth of
July fireworks, to her equal pleasure and terror. During his visit she
invited the Italian Ambassador[141] to spend a couple of days at Oak
Glen. On July 14 she writes:--

  [141] Count Mayer des Planches.

"Not having heard from the Italian Ambassador, the Count and I supposed
that he was not coming. In the late afternoon came a letter saying that
he would arrive to-morrow. We were troubled at this late intelligence,
which gave me no time to invite people to meet the guest. I lay down for
my afternoon rest with a very uneasy mind. Remembering St. Paul's words
about 'Angels unawares,' I felt comforted, thinking that the Angel of
Hospitality would certainly visit me, whether the guest proved congenial
or not."

"_July 15_.... The Ambassador arrived as previously announced. He proved
a most genial and charming person; a man still in the prime of life,
with exquisite manners, as much at home in our simplicity as he
doubtless is in scenes of luxury and magnificence. Daisy Chanler drove
out for afternoon tea, at my request, and made herself charming. After
her came Emily Ladenberg, who also made a pleasing impression. Our guest
played on the piano and joined in our evening whist. We were all
delighted with him."

After the Ambassador's departure she writes:--

"He gave me an interesting account of King Charles Albert of Savoia. He
is a man of powerful temperament, which we all felt; has had to do with
Bismarck and Salisbury and all the great European politicians of his
time. We were all sorry to see him depart."


The Journal tells of many pleasures, among them "a delightful morning in
the green parlor with Margaret Deland and dear Maud."

On August 24 she writes:--

"This day has been devoted to a family function of great interest,
namely, the christening of Daisy and Wintie's boy baby, Theodore Ward,
the President[142] himself standing godfather. Jack Elliott and I were
on hand in good time, both of us in our best attire. We found a very
chosen company, the Sydney Websters, Owen Wister, Senator Lodge and
wife, the latter standing as godmother. Mr. Diman, of the School,[143]
officiated, Parson Stone being ill. The President made his response
quite audibly. The Chanler children looked lovely, and the baby as dear
as a baby can look. His godfather gave him a beautiful silver bowl lined
with gold. I gave a silver porringer, Maud a rattle with silver bells;
lunch followed. President Roosevelt took me in to the table and seated
me on his right. This was a very distinguished honor. The conversation
was rather literary. The President admires Emerson's poems, and also
Longfellow and Sienkiewicz. He paid me the compliment of saying that
Kipling alone had understood the meaning of my 'Battle Hymn,' and that
he admired him therefor. Wister proposed the baby's health, and I
recited a quatrain which came to me early this morning. Here it is:--

  "Roses are the gift of God,
  Laurels are the gift of fame;
  Add the beauty of thy life
  To the glory of thy name."

  [142] Theodore Roosevelt.

  [143] St. George's, Newport.

"I said, 'Two lines for the President and two for the baby'; the two
first naturally for the President. As I sat waiting for the ceremony, I
called the dear roll of memory, Uncle Sam and so on back to Grandpa
Ward. I was very thankful to participate in this beautiful occasion. But
the service and talk about the baby's being born in sin, etc., etc.,
seemed to me very inconsistent with Christ's saying that he who would
enter into the Kingdom of Heaven must become 'as a little child.' He
also said, 'of such is the kingdom of heaven.'"

She had a high admiration for Colonel Roosevelt, and a regard so warm
that she would never allow any adverse criticism of him in her presence.
The following verses express this feeling:--

  Here's to Teddy,
  Blythe and ready,
  Fit for each occasion!
  Who as he
  Acceptably
  Can represent the Nation?

  Neither ocean
  Binds his motion,
  Undismayed explorer;
  Challenge dares him,
  Pullman bears him
  Swifter than Aurora.

  Here's to Teddy!
  Let no eddy
  Block the onward current.
  Him we trust,
  And guard we must
  From schemes to sight abhorrent.

  When the tuba
  Called to Cuba
  Where the fight was raging,
  Rough and ready
  Riders led he,
  Valorous warfare waging.

  Here's to Teddy!
  Safe and steady,
  Loved by every section!
  South and North
  Will hurry forth
  To hasten his election.

                                   1904.

On September 12, a notice of the death of William Allen Butler is pasted
in the Diary. Below it she writes:--

"A pleasant man. I met him at the Hazeltines' in Rome in 1898 and 1899.
His poem ["Nothing to Wear"] was claimed by one or two people. I met his
father [a Cabinet Minister] at a dinner at the Bancrofts' in New York,
at which ex-President Van Buren was also present, and W. M. Thackeray,
who said to me across the table that Browning's 'How They Brought the
Good News' was a 'good jingle.'"

On the 29th she spoke at a meeting of the New England Woman's Club in
memory of Dr. Zakrzewska, and records her final words:--

"I pray God earnestly that we women may never go back from the ground
which has been gained for us by our noble pioneers and leaders. I pray
that these bright stars of merit, set in our human firmament, may shine
upon us and lead us to better and better love and service for God and
man."

"In the afternoon, to hear reports of delegates to Biennial at Los
Angeles. These were very interesting, but the activity shown made me
feel my age, and its one great infirmity, loss of power of locomotion. I
felt somehow the truth of the line which Mr. Robert C. Winthrop once
quoted to me:--

  "'Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage.'"

Yet a few days later she writes:--

"I had this morning so strong a feeling of the goodness of the divine
Parent in the experience of my life, especially of its most trying
period, that I had to cry out, 'What shall I, who have received so much,
give in return?' I felt that I must only show that forbearance and
forgiveness to others which the ever blessed One has shown to me. My own
family does not call for this. I am cherished by its members with great
tenderness and regard. I thought later in the day of a sermon to
prisoners which would brighten their thoughts of the love of God. Text
from St. John's Epistle, 'Behold what manner of love is this that we
should be called the sons of God.'"

       *       *       *       *       *

This was the year of the coal strike in Pennsylvania, which made much
trouble in Boston. She notes one Sunday that service at the Church of
the Disciples was held in the church parlors "on account of the shortage
of coal." This recalls vivid pictures of the time; distracted coal
merchants dealing out promises, with nothing else to deal; portly
magnates and stately dames driving down Beacon Street in triumph with
coals in a paper bag to replenish the parlor fire: darker pictures, too,
of poverty and suffering.

At 241 Beacon Street the supply was running low, and the coal dealer was
summoned by telephone. "A load of coal? Impossible, madam! We have no--I
beg your pardon! Mrs. Julia Ward Howe? _Mrs. Howe's house is cold?_ You
shall have some within the hour!"




CHAPTER XIII

LOOKING TOWARD SUNSET

1903-1905; _aet._ 84-86

IN MUSIC HALL

_Looking down upon the white heads of my contemporaries_

  Beneath what mound of snow
  Are hid my springtime roses?
  How shall Remembrance know
  Where buried Hope reposes?

  In what forgetful heart
  As in a cañon darkling,
  Slumbers the blissful art
  That set my heaven sparkling?

  What sense shall never know,
  Soul shall remember;
  Roses beneath the snow,
  June in November.

                                         J. W. H.


The year 1903 began with the celebration at Faneuil Hall of the fortieth
anniversary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. She was one of the
speakers. "I felt much the spirit of the occasion, and spoke, I thought,
better than usual, going back to the heroic times before and during the
war, and to the first celebration forty years ago, at which I was
present."

Work of all kinds poured in, the usual steady stream.

"_January 6._ Wrote a new circular for Countess."

Who the Countess was, or what the circular was about, is not known. By
this time it had become the custom (or so it seemed to exasperated
daughters and granddaughters) for any one who wanted anything in the
literary line, from a proverb to a pamphlet, to ask her for it.

It is remembered how on a certain evening, when she was resting after a
weary day, a "special delivery" note was received from a person whom she
scarcely knew, asking for "her thoughts on the personality of God, by
return mail." This was one of the few requests she ever denied. People
asked her to give them material for their club papers (sometimes to
write them!), to put them through college, to read their manuscripts, to
pay the funeral expenses of their relatives. A volume of the letters
conveying these requests would be curious reading.

The petition for a "little verse" was rarely refused. Her notebooks are
full of occasional poems, only a small proportion of which ever appeared
in print. Many of them are "autographs." She always meant to honor every
request of this kind; the country must be full of volumes inscribed by
her. Here are a few of them.

_For Francis C. Stokes, Westtown School, Pennsylvania_

  Auspicious be the rule
  Of love at Westtown School,
  And happy, mid his youthful folks
  The daily task of Master Stokes!

[When this gentleman's note came, she was "tired to death." The
granddaughter said, "You _can't_ do it. Let me write a friendly note,
and you shall sign it!"

"You're right," she said, "I can't: I am too tired to think!" But when
she saw the note taken away, "No, no!" she cried, "I can! He is probably
a most hard-working man, and a little word may cheer him. Here, I have
a line already!"]

     Wealth is good, health is better, character is best.

  Citizens of the new world,
  Children of the promise,
  So let us live!

  Love to learn, and learn to love.

     Remember to forget your troubles, but don't forget to remember your
     blessings.

For Mr. Charles Gallup, who had written to her several times without
receiving a reply, she wrote--

  If one by name Gallup
  Desires to wallop
  A friend who too slowly responds,
  She will plead that her age
  Has attained such a stage
  She is held hand and foot in its bonds.

Here, again, are a few sentences, gathered from various calendars.

     The little girls on the school bench, using or misusing their
     weekly allowance, are learning to build their future house, or
     pluck it down.

     No gift can make rich those who are poor in wisdom.

     In whatever you may undertake, never sacrifice quality for
     quantity, even when quantity pays and quality does not.

     For so long, the body can perform its functions and hold together,
     but what term is set for the soul? Nothing in its make-up
     foretokens a limited existence. Its sentence would seem to be,
     "Once and always."

The verses in the notebooks are by no means all "by request." The
rhyming fit might seize her anywhere, at any time. She wrote the rough
draft on whatever was at hand, often on the back of note, circular, or
newspaper wrapper. She could never forget the war-time days when paper
cost half a dollar a pound.

Nor were people content with writing: they came singly, in pairs, in
groups, to proffer requests, to pay respects, to ask counsel. The only
people she met unwillingly were those who came to bewail their lot and
demand her sympathy.

No one will ever know the number of her benefactions. They were mostly,
of necessity, small, yet we must think they went a long way. At the New
England Woman's Club, whenever a good new cause came up, she would say,
"I will start the subscription with a dollar!" Many noble and enduring
things began with the "President's dollar." If she had had a hundred
dollars to give, it would have been joyfully given: if she had had but
ten cents, it would not have been withheld. She had none of the false
pride which shrinks from giving a small sum.

Beggars and tramps were tenderly dealt with. A discharged criminal in
particular must never be refused help. Work must be found for him if
possible; if not, it is to be feared that he got a dollar, "to help him
find work"!

"_January 10._ At 11.30 received message from 'New York World' that it
would pay for an article sent at once on 'Gambling among Society
People.' Wrote this in a little more than an hour."

"_January 20...._ Some little agitation about my appearance at the
Artists' Festival to-night, as one of the patronesses. I had already a
white woollen dress quite suitable for the prescribed costume. Some
benevolent person or persons ordered for me and sent a cloak of fine
white cloth, beautiful to look at but heavy to wear. A headdress was
improvised out of one of my Breton caps, with a long veil of lawn. Jack
Elliott made me a lovely coronet out of a bit of gold braid with one
jewel of dear Maud's. Arriving, to my surprise, I found the Queen's
chair waiting for me. I sat thereon very still, the other patronesses
being most kind and cordial, and saw the motley throng and the curious
pageants. Costumes most beautiful, but the hall too small for much
individual effect. Adèle Thayer wore the famous Thayer diamonds."

"_January 27._ Woke early and began to worry about the hearing....
Dressed with more care than usual and went betimes to State House. Had a
good deliverance of my paper. The opposition harped upon our bill as an
effort to obtain class legislation, saying also that they knew it to be
an entering wedge to obtain suffrage for all women; the two positions
being evidently irreconcilable. When our turn for rebuttal came, I said:
'Many years ago John Quincy Adams presented in Congress a petition for
the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, but none of the
Southerners imagined that this petition was intended to keep the other
negroes of the South in slavery! Are we, who, for thirty years past, and
more, have been coming here to ask for full suffrage for all women, to
be accused of coming here now with a view to the exclusion of our former
clients from suffrage? How can we be said to contemplate this and at the
same time to be putting in an entering wedge for universal suffrage?'

"I thank God for what I did say at the hearing and for what I did not
say. Two of the opposing speakers were rude in their remarks; all were
absurd, hunting an issue which they knew to be false, namely, our
seeking for class legislation."

"_January 28._ Although very tired after yesterday's meeting, I went in
the evening to see 'Julius Cæsar' in Richard Mansfield's interpretation.
The play was beautifully staged; Mansfield very good in the tent scene;
parts generally well filled...."

"_March 3._ My dear Maud returned this evening from New York. She has
been asked to speak at to-morrow's suffrage hearing. I advised her to
reflect before embarking upon this new voyage.... When she told me what
she had in mind to say, I felt that a real word had been given her. I
said: 'Go and say that!'..."

"_April 1...._ A telegram announced the birth of my first
great-grandchild, Harry Hall's infant daughter.[144]..."

  [144] Julia Ward Howe Hall.

"_April 11._ To Mrs. Bigelow Lawrence's, Parker House, to hear music.
Mrs. [Henry] Whitman called for me.

"Delightful music; two quartettes of Beethoven's, a quintette of
Mozart's, which I heard at Joseph Coolidge's some thirty or more years
ago. I recognized it by the first movement, which Bellini borrowed in a
sextette which I studied in my youth from 'La Straniera,' an opera never
given in these days...."

"_April 17._ Winchendon lecture.... A day of anguish for me. I was
about to start for Winchendon when my dearest Maud so earnestly besought
me not to go, the weather being very threatening, that I _could not_
deny her. Words can hardly say how I suffered in giving up the trip and
disappointing so many people.... As I lay taking my afternoon rest, my
heart said to God, 'You cannot help me in this'; but He did help me, for
I was able soon after this to interest myself in things at hand. I heard
Mabilleau's lecture on French art in its recent departure. It was
brilliant and forcibly stated, but disappointing. He quoted with
admiration Baudelaire's hideous poem, 'Un Carogne.'..."

"_April 21._ In the afternoon attended anniversary of the Blind
Kindergarten, where I made, as usual, a brief address, beginning with
'God said, Let there be light,' a sentence which makes itself felt
throughout the human domain, where great-hearted men are stirred by it
to combat the spirits of darkness. Spoke also of the culture of the
blind as vindicating the dignity of the human mind, which can become a
value and a power despite the loss of outward sense. Alluded to dear
Chev's sense of this and his resolve that the blind, from being simply a
burden, should become of value to the community. The care of them draws
forth tender sympathy in those whose office it is to cherish and
instruct them. Spoke of the nursery as one of the dearest of human
institutions. Commended the little blind nursery to the affectionate
regard of seeing people. The children did exceedingly well, especially
the orchestra. The little blind 'cellist was remarkable."

"_May 2._ Dreamed last night that I was dead and kept saying, 'I found
it out immediately,' to those around me...."

"_May 28._ My prayer for the new year of my life beginning to-day is,
that in some work that I shall undertake I may help to make clear the
goodness of God to some who need to know more of it than they do...."

"_June 22._ Mabel Loomis Todd wrote asking me for a word to enclose in
the corner-stone of the new observatory building at Amherst
[Massachusetts]. I have just sent her the following:--

  "The stars against the tyrant fought
  In famous days of old;
  The stars in freedom's banner wrought
  Shall the wide earth enfold."

"_June 23._ Kept within doors by the damp weather. Read in William
James's book, 'Varieties of Religious Experience.'... Had a strange
fatigue--a restlessness in my brain."

"_June 25...._ The James book which I finished yesterday left in my mind
a painful impression of doubt; a God who should be only my better self,
or an impersonal pervading influence. These were suggestions which left
me very lonely and forlorn. To-day, as I thought it all over, the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob seemed to come back to me; the God of Christ,
and his saints and martyrs. I said to myself: 'Let me be steeped in the
devotion of the Psalms, and of Paul's Epistles!' I took up Coquerel's
sermons on the Lord's Prayer, simple, beautiful, positive...."

"_July 30._ _Oak Glen._ Rose at 6.15 A.M. and had good luck in dressing
quickly. With dear Flossy took 9 A.M. train for Boston. At Middletown
station found the teachers from the West [Denver and Iowa], who started
the 'Battle Hymn' when they saw me approaching. This seemed to me
charming. My man Michael, recognizing the tune, said: 'Mrs. Howe, this
is a send-off for you!'..."

She was going to keep a lecture engagement in Concord, Massachusetts;
her theme, "A Century from the Birth of Emerson." She was anxious about
this paper, and told Mr. Sanborn (the inevitable reporter calling to
borrow her manuscript) that she thought the less said about the address
the better. "I have tried very hard to say the right thing, but doubt
whether I have succeeded." Spite of these doubts, the lecture was
received with enthusiasm.

"_September 6._ I was very dull at waking and dreaded the drive to
church and the stay to Communion. The drive partly dissipated my
'megrims'; every bright object seemed to me to praise God.... The
Communion service was very comforting. Especially did Christ's words
come to me, 'Abide in me,' etc. I felt that if I would abide in Him, old
as I am, I could still do some good work. 'Yes! my strong friend,' my
heart said, 'I will abide in thee,' and a bit of the old Easter anthem
came back to me, 'He sitteth at the right hand of God, in the glory of
the Father.' No, it is a verse of the _Te Deum_."

In October a lecture in South Berwick gave her the opportunity, always
greatly enjoyed, of a visit to Sarah Orne Jewett and her sister Mary.

"_November 1._ _South Berwick._ A delightful drive. Mary Jewett, Annie
Fields, and I to visit Mrs. Tyson in the Hamilton House described by
Sarah in her 'Tory Lover.'... Most interesting. Mrs. Tyson very cordial
and delightful.... She came over later to dinner and we had such a
pleasant time! In afternoon copied most of my screed for the 'Boston
Globe.'"

It surely was not on this occasion that she described dinner as "a thing
of courses and remorses!"

"_November 2._ Took reluctant leave of the Jewett house and the trio,
Sarah, Mary, and Annie Fields. We had a wonderful dish of pigeons for
lunch...."

It was delightful to see our mother and Miss Jewett together. They were
the best of playmates, having a lovely intimacy of understanding. Their
talk rippled with light and laughter. Such stories as they told! such
songs as they sang! who that heard will ever forget our mother's story
of Edward Everett in his youth? He was to take three young ladies to
drive, and had but the one horse; he wished to please them all equally.
To the first he said, "The horse is perfectly fresh now; you have him in
his best condition." To the second he said, "The horse was a little
antic at first, so you will have the safer drive." To the third he said,
"Now that the other two have had their turn, we need not hasten back.
You can have the longest drive."

It is recalled that during this visit, when Laura felt bound to
remonstrate in the matter of fruitcake, "Sarah" took sides with ardor.
"You shall have all you want, Mrs. Howe, and a good big piece to take
home besides! Put it somewhere where the girls can't find it!"

She nodded. "There is a corner in my closet, which even Maud dare not
explore!"

The fruitcake was duly packed, transported, and eaten--we are bound to
say without ill effect.

This recalls the day when, leaving Gardiner, she was presented with a
packet of sandwiches, and charged to have the Pullman porter bring her a
cup of bouillon. The next day Laura received a postal card.

"Lunched at Portland on mince pie, which agreed with me excellently,
thank you!"

Her postal cards were better than most people's letters. You could
almost see them sparkle. The signature would be "Town Pump" or something
equally luminous. In fact, she so rarely signed her own name in writing
to us that when asked for autographs we were posed. "Town Pump" was no
autograph for the author of the "Battle Hymn"!

There was another mince pie, a little, pretty one, which she saw at a
Papéterie meeting, the last summer of her life; saw, coveted, secreted,
with her hostess's aid, and smuggled home. Always a moderate eater, she
never could be made to see that age demanded a careful diet. "I have
eaten sausages all my life," she would say. "They have always agreed
with me perfectly!" Indeed, till the very latest years, her digestion
had never failed her. It was in the eighties that she said to one of us,
"I have a singular sensation that I have never felt before. Do you think
it might possibly be indigestion?" She described it, and it _was_
indigestion. We are reminded of a contemporary of hers who, being
gently rebuked for giving rich food to a delicate grandchild, replied
with lofty scorn, "Stuff and nonsense! _Teach his stomach!_"

"_November 8...._ In late afternoon some visioning, _i.e._, lying down
to rest and asking and answering questions in my mind:--

"Question: Can anything exceed the delight of the first mutual
understanding of two lovers?

"Answer: This has its sacredness and its place, but even better is the
large affection which embraces things human and divine, God and man.

"Question: Are Saviour and Saints alive now?

"Answer: If you believe that God is just, they must be. They gave all
for His truth: He owes them immortality."

"_November 16._ Dear Auntie Francis's wedding day. I think it was in
1828. My sisters and I were bridesmaids, my brothers groomsmen. Dear
father, very lame, walked up with a cane to give her away. Grandma
Cutler looked much discontented with the match. Father sent the pair off
in his own carriage, with four horses, their manes and tails braided
with white ribbons. They drove part of the way to Philadelphia."

"_November 28...._ To Wellesley College.... William Butler Yeats
lectured on the revival of letters in Ireland. We dined with him
afterwards at Miss Hazard's house. He is a man of fiery temperament,
with a slight, boyish figure: has deep-set blue eyes and dark hair;
reminds me of John O'Sullivan[145] in his temperament; is certainly, as
Grandpa Ward said of the Red Revolutionists, with whom he dined in the
days of the French Revolution, 'very warm.'"

  [145] Hawthorne's friend of the _Democratic Review_.

"_November 29...._ This came into my mind, apropos of reformers
generally: 'Dost thou so carry thy light as to throw it upon _thyself_,
or upon thy _theme_?' This appears to me a legitimate question...."

"_December 21._ Put the last touches to my verses for Colonel
Higginson's eightieth birthday. Maud went with me to the celebration
held by the Boston Authors' Club at the Colonial Club, Cambridge. T. W.
H. seemed in excellent condition; I presided as usual. Bliss Perry,
first speaker, came rather late, but made a very good address. Crothers
and Dean Hodges followed, also Clement. Judge Grant read a simple,
strong poem, _very good_, I thought. Then came my jingle, intended to
relieve the strain of the occasion, which I think it did. Maud says that
I hit the bull's eye; perhaps I did. Then came a pretty invasion of
mummers, bearing the gifts of the Club, a fine gold watch and a handsome
bronze lamp. I presented these without much talk, having said my say in
the verses, to which, by the bye, Colonel H. responded with some comic
personal couplets, addressed to myself."

Here is the "jingle."

          Friends! I would not ask to mingle
          This, my very foolish jingle,
  With the tributes more decorous of the feast we hold to-day;
          But the rhymes came, thick and swarming
          Just like bees when honey's forming,
  And I could not find a countersign to order them away.

          For around this sixteenth lustre
          Of our friend's, such memories cluster
  Of the days that lie behind it, full of glories and regrets,
          Days that brought their toils and troubles,
          Lit by some irradiant bubbles
  Which became prismatic opals in the sun that never sets.

          Picnics have we held together
          Sailing in the summer weather,
  Sitting low to taste the chowder on the sands of Newport Bay,
          And that wonderful charade, sir,
          You know well, sir, that you made, sir,
  When so many years of earnest did invite an hour of play.

         *       *       *       *       *

          He shall rank now with the sages
          Who survive in classic pages,
  English, German, French and Latin, Greek, so weary to construe;
          Did he con his Epictetus
          Ere he came to-night to greet us?
  He, _àoristos_ in reverence, among the learned few.

          He may climb no more the mountain,
          But he still employs the fountain
  Pen from whose incisive point pure Helicon may flow,
          And his "Yesterdays" so cheerful
          Charm the world so wild and tearful,
  And the Devil calls for copy, and he never answers "No."

          Do I speak for everybody,
          When I utter this rhapsòdy,
  To induce our friend to keep his pace in following Life's incline;
          Never slacken, but come on, sir,
          Eighty-four years I have won, sir;
  Still the olive branch shall bless you, still the laurel wreath entwine!

          So, you scribbling youths and lasses,
          Elders, too, fill high your glasses!
  Let the toast be Wentworth Higginson, of fourscore years possest;
          If the Man was good at twenty,
          He is four times that now, ain't he?
  We declare him four times excellent, and better than his best.

The early days of 1904 brought "a very severe blizzard. Sent tea to the
hackmen on Dartmouth Street corner."

She never forgot the hackmen in severe weather.

"They _must_ have something hot!" and tea or coffee would be despatched
to the shivering men. They were all her friends; the Journal has many
allusions to "Mr. Dan" Herlihy, the owner of the cab stand, her faithful
helper through many a season.

"_January 27, 1904._ I was so anxious to attend to-day's [suffrage]
meeting, and so afraid of Maud's opposition to my going, that my one
prayer this morning was, 'Help me.' To my utter surprise she did not
oppose, but went with me and remained until our part of the hearing was
finished, when she carried me off. I read my little screed, written
yesterday. When I said, 'Intelligence has no sex, no, gentlemen, nor
folly either!' laughter resounded, as I meant it should...."

"_March 6._ In the evening to hear 'Elijah' finely given. Some of the
music brought back to me the desolate scenery of Palestine. It is a very
beautiful composition.... The alto was frightened at first, coming out
stronger in 'Woe unto them,' and better still in 'Oh, rest in the Lord.'
The audience seemed to me sleepy and cold. I really led the applause for
the alto."

"_March 13._... Wrote to John A. Beal, of Beal's Island, offering to
send instructive literature to that benighted region, where three
mountebanks, pretending to teach religion, robbed the simple people and
excited them to acts of frenzy."

"_March 17._ Mrs. Allen's funeral.... I had a momentary mental vision
of myself in the Valley of the Shadow, with a splendid champion in full
armor walking beside me, a champion sent by God to make the dread
passage easy and safe...."

"_April 2...._ Learned the deaths of X. and Abby Morton Diaz. Poor X.,
her conduct made her impossible, but I always thought she would send
flowers to my funeral. Mrs. Diaz is a loss--a high-strung,
public-spirited woman with an heroic history."

"_April 4._ To the carriage-drivers' ball. They sent a carriage for me
and I took Mary, the maid.... Mr. Dan was waiting outside for me, as was
another of the committee who troubled me much, pulling and hauling me by
one arm, very superfluous. My entrance was greeted with applause, and I
was led to the high seats, where were two aides of the Governor, Dewey
and White, the latter of whom remembers Governor Andrew. The opening
march was very good. I was taken in to supper, as were the two officers
just mentioned. We had a cozy little talk. I came away at about 10.30."

"_April 14._ Mr. Butcher came to breakfast at nine o'clock. He told me
about the man Toynbee, whom he had known well. He talked also about
Greeks and Hebrews, the animosity of race which kept them apart until
the flourishing of the Alexandrian school, when the Jews greedily
absorbed the philosophy of the Greeks."

This was Mr. S. H. Butcher, the well-known Greek scholar. She enjoyed
his visit greatly, and they talked "high and disposedly" of things
classical and modern.

"_May 28._ My meeting of Women Ministers. They gathered very slowly and
I feared that it would prove a failure, but soon we had a good number.
Mary Graves helped me very much.... Afterwards I felt a _malignant_
fatigue and depression, not caring to do anything."

In June she received the first of her collegiate honors, the degree of
Doctor of Laws, conferred by Tufts College. This gratified her deeply,
and she describes the occasion at length, noting that she was "favored
with the Tufts yell twice."

"Lawrence Evans came, and Harry Hall.... I read the part of my speech
about which I had hesitated, about our trying to put an end to the
Turkish horrors. It was the best of the speech. Seeking divine aid
before I made my remarks, I suddenly said to myself, 'Christ, _my
brother_!' I never _felt_ it before."

"_June 16._ Maud would not allow me to attend Quincy Mansion School
Commencement, to my sincere regret. The fatigue of yesterday was
excessive, and my dear child knew that another such occasion would be
likely to make me ill. Charles G. Ames came, from whom I first learned
the death of Mrs. Cheney's sister, Mary Frank Littlehale; the funeral
set for to-day.... Dear E. D. C. seemed gratified at seeing me and asked
me to say a few words.... She thanked me very earnestly for what I had
said, and I at last understood why I had not been allowed to go to
Quincy. It was more important that I should comfort for a moment the
bruised heart of my dear friend than that I should be a guest at the
Quincy Commencement."

"_June 29._ Heard to my sorrow of the death of delightful Sarah Whitman.
Wrote a little screed for 'Woman's Journal' which I sent...."

In early July, she went to Concord for a memorial meeting in honor of
Nathaniel Hawthorne.

"_July 11...._ Alice Blackwell, some days ago, wrote beseeching me to
write to President Roosevelt, begging him to do something for the
Armenians. I said to myself, 'No, I won't; I am too tired and have done
enough.' Yesterday's sermon gave me a spur, and this morning I have writ
the President a long letter, to the effect desired. God grant that it
may have some result!"

"_July 17._ I despaired of being able to write a poem as requested for
the Kansas semi-centennial celebration in October, but one line came to
me: 'Sing us a song of the grand old time!' and the rest followed...."

This poem is printed in "At Sunset."

"_July 21._ Writ ... to Mrs. Martha J. Hosmer, of Rock Point, Oregon,
who wrote me a kindly meant letter, exhorting me to 'seek the truth and
live,' and to write to a Mrs. Helen Wilman, eighty-five years old and
the possessor of some wonderful knowledge which will help me to renew my
youth...."

"_September 25._ I could not go to church to-day, fearing to increase my
cold, and not wishing to leave my dear family, so rarely united now.
Have been reading Abbé Loisy's 'Autour d'un petit Livre,' which is an
apologetic vindication of his work 'L'Évangile et l'Église,' which has
been put upon the Index [Expurgatorius]. I feel sensibly all differences
between his apologetic _wobbly_ vindication of the Church of Rome, and
the sound and firm faith of Thomas Hill."

"_October 2._ Mr. Fitzhugh Whitehouse, having left here a copy of my
'From Sunset Ridge' for me to furnish with a 'sentiment,' I indited the
following:--

  From Sunset Ridge we view the evening sky,
  Blood red and gold, defeat and victory;
  If in the contest we have failed or won,
  'Twas ours to live, to strive and so pass on."

"_October 5...._ To Peace Congress, where Albert Smiley was presiding. A
wonderful feature came in the person of a Hindu religionist, who came to
plead the cause of the Thibetan Llama. He said that the Thibetans are
not fighting people: are devoted to religious contemplation, prayer, and
spiritual life. He spoke valorously of the religions in the East as by
far the most ancient. 'You call us heathen, but we don't call you
heathen'; a good point. He concluded by giving to the assemblage a
benediction in the fashion of his own religion. It was chanted in a
sweet, slightly musical strain, ending with the repetition of a word
which he said meant 'peace.' So much was said about peace that I had to
ask leave for a word, and spoke of justice as that without which peace
cannot be had.... I said:--

'Mr. President and dear friends, assembled in the blessed cause of
Peace, let me remind you that there is one word even more holy than
peace, namely, justice. It is anterior in our intellectual perceptions.
The impulse which causes men to contend against _in_justice is a divine
one, deeply implanted in the human breast. It would be wrong to attempt
to thwart it. I hope that The Hague Tribunal will bear in mind that it
is sacredly pledged to maintain justice. The brightest intellects, the
most profound study, should be devoted to the promotion of this end.'
The Greek bishop met me in the ante-room and said, 'We always pray for
you.'..."

"_October 9._ I have felt more strongly than ever of late that God is
the only comforter.... These great serious things were always present to
work for in days in which I exerted myself to amuse others and myself
too. It is quite true that I have never given up serious thought and
study, but I have not made the serious use of my powers which I ought to
have made. The Peace Congress has left upon my mind a strong impression
of what the lovers of humanity could accomplish if they were all and
always in earnest. I seem to hope for a fresh consecration, for
opportunities truly to serve, and for the continuance of that gift of
the word which is sometimes granted me."

"_November 12._ I to attend meeting of Council of Jewish Women; say
something regarding education....

"I was warmly received and welcomed, and recited my 'Battle Hymn' by
special request. This last gave me an unexpected thrill of satisfaction.
The president said: 'Dear Mrs. Howe, there is nothing in it to wound
us.' I had feared that the last verse might trouble them, but it did
not."

"_November 19._ Was busy trying to arrange bills and papers so as to go
to Gardiner to-morrow with my Richards son-in-law, when in the late
afternoon Rosalind told me that dear noble Ednah Cheney had died. This
caused me much distress. My first word was: 'The house of God is closed!
Such a friend is indeed a sanctuary to which one might retire for refuge
from all mean and unworthy things.'

"A luminous intellect, unusual powers of judgment and of sympathy as
well. She has been a tower of strength to me. I sent word by telephone
to Charles G. Ames, begging that _her_ hymn might be sung at church
to-morrow...."

"_November 21._ Dear E. D. C.'s funeral.... I spoke of her faith in
immortality, which I remember as unwavering. I said: 'No, that lustrous
soul is not gone down into darkness. It has ascended to a higher light,
to which our best affections and inspirations may aspire.'"

"_December 25...._ Got out my dearest little Sammy's picture and placed
it on my mantelshelf. [He was a Christmas child.] Maud and I went to the
Oratorio, which we enjoyed.... I wondered whether the heavenly ones
could not enjoy the beautiful music."

"_December 31._ A little festivity.... At supper I was called upon for a
toast, and after a moment's thought, responded thus:--

  "God grant us all to thrive,
  And for a twelvemonth to be alive,
  And every bachelor to wive;
  And many blessings on the head
  Of our dear Presidential Ted.

"We saw the year out; a year of grace to me, if ever I had one."

The new year (1905) found her in full health and activity. On its first
day she writes:--

"I begin this book by thanking God most deeply that He has permitted me
to see the dawn of this New Year, and by praying that I may not wilfully
waste one of its precious days. I am now about half through my
eighty-sixth year and must feel no surprise if the mandate to remove
should come suddenly or at any time. But while I live, dear Lord, let me
truly live in energetic thought and rational action. Bless, I pray Thee,
my own dear family, my blessed country, Christendom, and all mankind.
This is my daily prayer and I record it here. Is it amiss that in this
prayer my own people come first? No! for family affection is the
foundation of all normal human relations. We begin with the Heavenly
Father and open out to the whole human brotherhood."

"_January 2._ Had an anxious time hunting after my Hawthorne screed to
read this afternoon before the New England Woman's Club. In my
perplexity I said: 'Lord, I do not deserve to have You help me find it';
but the answer seemed to come thus: 'My help is of grace and not
according to desert'; and I found it at once where I ought to have
looked for it at first...."

"_January 20...._ You can't do good with a bad action." [Apropos of the
shot fired at the Czar.]

"The reason why a little knowledge is dangerous is that your conceit of
it may make you refuse to learn more."

She was writing a paper on Mrs. Stowe and "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and
worked hard over it. The pace began to tell.

She spoke for the friends of Russian freedom, "a warm speech, almost
without preparation. I knew that I should find my inspiration in the
occasion itself. I had almost a spasm of thankfulness to Almighty God
for the opportunity to speak for such a cause at such a time."

At the suffrage hearing soon after, she "spoke of the force of inertia
as divinely ordained and necessary, but ordained, too, to be overcome by
the onward impulse which creates worlds, life, and civilization. Said it
was this inertia which opposed suffrage, the _dread_ of change inherent
in masses, material or moral, etc., etc."

Among her winter delights were the "Longy" concerts of instrumental
music. She writes of one:--

"Was carried away by the delight of the music--all wind instruments. A
trio of Handel for bassoon and two oboes was most solid and
beautiful.... I could think of nothing but Shakespeare's 'Tempest' and
'Midsummer Night's Dream.' The thought that God had set all human life
and work to music overpowered me, and coming home I had a rhapsody of
thanksgiving for the wonderful gift...."

The next day came an entertainment in aid of Atlanta University and
Calhoun School; she "enjoyed this exceedingly, especially the plantation
songs, which are of profoundest pathos, mixed with overpowering humor.
It was pleasant, too, to see the audience in which descendants of the
old anti-slavery folk formed quite a feature. I had worked hard at the
screed which was, I think, good. Heard interesting reports of mission
work in our entire South."

At the Authors' Club she met Israel Zangwill, who was "rather
indifferent" when introduced to her. She thought he probably knew
nothing about her, and adds,--

"It is good perhaps to be taken down, now and then."

In March she attended a hearing in connection with the School Board.
"The chair most courteously invited me to speak, saying, 'There is here
a venerable lady who will hardly be likely to come here again for the
present discussion, so I shall give her the remaining time.' Whereupon I
leaped into the arena and said my say."

She had been for some time toiling over a paper on the "Noble Women of
the Civil War," finding it hard and fatiguing work. On April 5 she
writes:--

"At 12 M. I had finished my screed on the 'Noble Women of the Civil War'
which has been my nightmare ever since March 24, when I began it, almost
despairing of getting it done.... I have written very carefully and have
had some things to say which may, I hope, do good. I can now take up
many small tasks which have had to give way to this one...."

"_April 9._ The Greek celebration. The Greek Papa, in full costume,
intoned the Doxology and the assembly all sang solemn anthems. Michael
introduced me first. My speech was short, but had been carefully
prepared. At the request of the Papa I said at the end: '_Zeto ton
Ellenikon ethnos._' My speech and Greek sentence were much applauded. A
young Greek lady presented me with a fine bouquet of white carnations
with blue and white ribbons, the colors of Greece. Sanborn read from
dear Chev's letters of 1825. Michael spoke at great length, with great
vehemence and gesticulation. I understood many words, but could only
guess at the general drift. I imagine that it was very eloquent, as he
was much applauded."

"_April 30._ Lorin Deland called to talk about the verses which I am to
write and read at his theatre. The thought of Cassandra seized me. She,
coming to the house of the Atridæ, had a vision of its horrors; I,
coming to this good theatre, have a vision of the good things which have
been enjoyed there and which shall still be enjoyed. Wrote down some
five or six lines, 'lest I forget.'"

Mr. and Mrs. Deland were among her best friends of the second
generation. Indeed, there was such a sympathy and comprehension between
her and "Margaret" that the latter playfully declared herself a daughter
abandoned in infancy, and was wont to sign herself, "Your doorstep
Brat"!

"_May 5...._ 'Without religion you will never know the real beauty and
glory of life; you will perceive the discords, but miss the harmony;
will see the defects, but miss the good in all things.'"


In these years an added burden was laid upon her, in the general and
affectionate desire for her presence on all manner of occasions. The
firemen must have her at their ball, the Shoe and Leather Trade at their
banquet, the Paint and Oils Association at their dinner. Their
festivities would not be complete without her; she loved them, went to
their parties, had the right word to say, and came home happy, her arms
full of flowers.

It was all beautiful and heart-warming, but it had to be paid for. May
10 brought the punishment for this season.

"Annual Woman Suffrage supper. I was to have spoken at this occasion and
to have recited the poem which I wrote for Castle Square Theatre, but it
was otherwise ordained. I rose as usual, my head a little misty. A
mighty blow of vertigo seized me.... The elder Wesselhoeft pronounced it
a 'brain fag,' not likely to have serious results, but emphatically a
_warning_ not to abuse further my nervous strength. Got up in afternoon
and finished 'Villa Claudia'; was bitterly sad at disappointing the
suffragists and Deland."

Dr. Wesselhoeft was asked on this occasion why, at her age, so severe an
attack as this had not resulted in paralysis. "Because," he replied,
"she brought to receive it the strength of forty years of age!"

Sure enough, the next day she felt as if her "nervous balance was very
well restored," and in a week she was at work again.

"_May 18...._ In the evening had word of a Decoration Day poem needed.
At once tried some lines."

"_May 19._ Doubted much of my poem, but wrote it, spending most of the
working hours over it; wrote and rewrote, corrected again and again.
Julia Richards mailed it at about 4 P.M.... Just as I went to bed I
remembered that in the third verse of my poem I had used the words
'tasks' and 'erect' as if they rhymed. This troubled me a good deal. My
prayer was, 'God help the fool.'"

"_May 20._ My trouble of mind about the deficient verse woke me at 6.30
A.M. I tossed about and wondered how I could lie still until 7.30, my
usual time for rising. The time passed somehow. I could not think of any
correction to make in my verse. Hoped that I should find that I had not
written it as I feared. When I came to look at it, there it was.
Instantly a line with a proper rhyme presented itself to my mind. To add
to my trouble I had lost the address to which I had sent the poem. My
granddaughter, Julia Richards, undertook to interview the Syndicate by
long-distance telephone, and, failing this, to telegraph the new line
for me. So I left all in her hands. When I returned, she met me with a
smile and said, 'It is all right, Grandmother.' She had gone out, found
a New York directory, guessed at the Syndicate, got the correspondent,
and put her in possession of the new line. I was greatly relieved. I
have been living lately with work running after me all the time. Must
now have a breathing spell. Have still my 'Simplicity' screed to
complete."


The Authors' Club celebrated her eighty-sixth birthday by a charming
festival, modelled on the Welsh Eistedfodd, "at which every bard of that
nation brought four lines of verse--a sort of four-leaved clover--to his
chief."[146] Sixty quatrains made what she calls "an astonishing
testimonial of regard." Colonel Higginson, who presided most charmingly,
read many of these tributes aloud, and the Birthday Queen responded in a
rhyme scribbled hastily the day before. Here are a few of the tributes,
together with her "reply":--

EISTEDFODD

  Each bard of Wales, who roams the kingdom o'er
  Each year salutes his chief with stanzas four;
  Behold us here, each bearing verse in hand
  To greet the four-leaved clover of our band.

                                     THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON.

  [146] T. W. Higginson, _The Outlook_, January 26, 1907.


FIVE O'CLOCK WITH THE IMMORTALS

  The Sisters Three who spin our fate
  Greet Julia Ward, who comes quite late;
  How Greek wit flies! They scream with glee,
  Drop thread and shears, and make the tea.

                                                  E. H. CLEMENT.


  If man could change the universe
  By force of epigrams in verse,
  He'd smash some idols, I allow,
  But who would alter Mrs. Howe?

                                                   ROBERT GRANT.


  Dot oldt Fader Time must be cutting some dricks,
  Vhen he calls our goot Bresident's age eighty-six.
  An octogeranium! Who would suppose?
  My dear Mrs. Julia Ward Howe der time goes!

                          YAWCOB STRAUSS (CHARLES FOLLEN ADAMS).


  You, who are of the spring,
  To whom Youth's joys must cling.
  May all that Love can give
  Beguile you long to live--
        Our Queen of Hearts.

                                        LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON.


MRS. HOWE'S REPLY

  Why, bless you, I ain't nothing, nor nobody, nor much,
  If you look in your Directory, you'll find a thousand such;
  I walk upon the level ground, I breathe upon the air,
  I study at a table, and reflect upon a chair.

  I know a casual mixture of the Latin and the Greek,
  I know the Frenchman's _parlez-vous_, and how the Germans speak;
  Well can I add, and well subtract, and say twice two is four,
  But of those direful sums and proofs remember nothing more.

  I wrote a pretty book one time, and then I wrote a play,
  And a friend who went to see it said she fainted right away.
  Then I got up high to speculate upon the Universe,
  And folks who heard me found themselves no better and no worse.

  Yes, I've had a lot of birthdays and I'm growing very old,
  That's why they make so much of me, if once the truth were told.
  And I love the shade in summer, and in winter love the sun,
  And I'm just learning how to live, my wisdom's just begun.

  Don't trouble more to celebrate this natal day of mine,
  But keep the grasp of fellowship which warms us more than wine.
  Let us thank the lavish hand that gives world beauty to our eyes,
  And bless the days that saw us young, and years that make us wise.


"_May 27._ My eighty-sixth birthday. I slept rather late, yesterday
having been eminently a 'boot-and-saddle' day.... The Greeks, mostly
working-people, sent me a superb leash of roses with a satin ribbon
bearing a Greek inscription. My visitors were numerous, many of them the
best friends that time has left me. T. W. H. was very dear. My dear ones
of the household bestirred themselves to send flowers, according to my
wishes, to the Children's Hospital and to Charles Street Jail."

"_May 28._... A great box of my birthday flowers ornamented the pulpit
of the church. They were to be distributed afterwards to the
Sunday-School children, some to the Primary Teachers' Association; a
bunch of lilies of the valley to Reverend Hayward's funeral to-morrow. I
suddenly bethought me of Padre Roberto, and with dear Laura's help sent
him a box of flowers for his afternoon service, with a few lines of
explanation, to which I added the motto: '_Unus deus, una fides, unum
baptisma._' This filled full the cup of my satisfaction regarding the
disposal of the flowers. They seemed to me such sacred gifts that I
could not bear merely to enjoy them and see them fade. Now they will not
fade for me."


Among the many "screeds" written this season was one on "The Value of
Simplicity," which gave her much trouble. She takes it to pieces and
rewrites it, and afterwards is "much depressed; no color in anything."
From Gardiner she "writes to Sanborn" for the Horatian lines she wishes
to quote. ("Whenever," she said once to Colonel Higginson, "I want to
find out about anything difficult, I always write to Sanborn!" "Of
course!" replied Higginson. "We all do!" At this writing the same course
is pursued, there is reason to believe, by many persons in many
countries.)

It is remembered that in these days when she was leaving Gardiner at the
last moment she handed Laura a note. It read, "Be sure to rub the knee
thoroughly night and morning!"

"Why," she was asked, "did I not have this a week ago?"

"I hate to be rubbed!" she said.

"_July 1. Oak Glen_.... Found a typed copy of my 'Rest' sermon,
delivered in our own church, twelve years ago. Surely preaching has been
my greatest privilege and in it I have done some of my best work."

"_July 2_. Unusually depressed at waking. Feared that I might be visited
by 'senile melancholia' against which I shall pray with all my might....
Began Plato's 'Laws.'"

Plato seems to have acted as a tonic, for on the same day she writes to
her daughter-in-law, expressing her joy in "Harry's" latest honor, the
degree of Doctor of Laws conferred by Harvard College:--

                     _To Mrs. Henry Marion Howe_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 2, 1905.

Thanks very much for your good letter, giving me such a gratifying
account of the doings at Harvard on Commencement Day. I feel quite moved
at the thought of my dear son's receiving this well-merited honor from
his _alma mater_. It shows, among other things, how amply he has
retrieved his days of boyish mischief. This is just what his dear father
did. I think you must both have had a delightful time. How did our H. M.
H. look sitting up in such grave company? I hope he has not lost his old
twinkle. I am very proud and glad....


She was indeed proud of all her son's honors; of any success of child or
grandchild; yet she would pretend to furious jealousy. "I see your book
is praised, Sir!" (or, "Madam!") "It probably does not deserve it. H'm!
nobody praises _my_ books!" etc., etc. And all the time her face so
shining with pleasure and tenderness under the sternly bended brows that
the happy child needed no other praise from any one.

"_July 23_.... I feel to-day the isolation consequent upon my long
survival of the threescore and ten apportioned as the term of human
life. Brothers and sisters, friends and fellow-workers, many are now in
the silent land. I am praying for some good work, paying work, so that I
may efficiently help relatives who need help, and good causes whose
demand for aid is constant...."

"_July 24_. To-day Harry and Alice Hall have left me with their two dear
children. I have had much delight with baby Frances, four months old....
I pray that I may be able to help these children. I looked forward to
their visit as a kindness to them and their parents, but it has been a
great kindness to me...."

"_September 5_. Some bright moments to-day. At my prayer a thought of
the divine hand reaching down over the abyss of evil to rescue
despairing souls!..."

"_September 19_. Dear Flossy and Harry left. I shall miss them
dreadfully. She has taken care of me these many weeks and has been most
companionable and affectionate. My dear boy was as ever very sweet and
kind...."

"_September 22_. Have puzzled much about my promised screed for the
'Cosmopolitan' on 'What would be the Best Gift to the People of the
Country?' As I got out of bed it suddenly occurred to me as 'the glory
of having promoted recognition of human brotherhood.' This must include
'Justice to Women.' I meant to tackle the theme at once, but after
breakfast a poem came to me in the almost vulgar question, 'Does your
Mother know you're out?' I had to write this, also a verse or two in
commemoration of Frederic L. Knowles, a member of our Authors' Club, who
has just passed away."

"_September 25_.... I must have got badly chilled this morning, for my
right hand almost refuses to guide the pen. I tried several times to
begin a short note to David Hall, but could not make distinct letters.
Then I forced myself to pen some rough draft and now the pen goes
better, but not yet quite right. I had the same experience last winter
once. I suppose that I have overtired my brain; it is a warning...."

"_October 5_.... I had a moment of visioning, in which I seemed to see
Christ on the cross refusing to drink the vinegar and gall, and myself
to reach up a golden cup containing 'the love pledge of humanity.'
Coming home I scrawled the verses before lying down to rest."[147]

  [147] These verses are printed in At Sunset, under the title of
  "Humanity," and at the head of chapter XI of this volume.

"_October 9_. After a week of painful anxiety I learn to-day that my
screed for the 'Cosmopolitan' is accepted. I felt so persuaded to the
contrary that I delayed to open the envelope until I had read all my
other letters...."

"_October 25_. Meeting of Boston Authors' Club.... Worked all the
morning at sorting my letters and papers.... Laura, Maud, and I drove
out to Cambridge. I had worked hard all the morning, but had managed to
put together a scrap of rhyme in welcome of Mark Twain. A candle was lit
for me to read by, and afterwards M. T. jumped upon a chair and made
fun, some good, some middling, for some three quarters of an hour. The
effect of my one candle lighting up his curly hair was good and my rhyme
was well received.

  "_Mark_ the gracious, welcome guest,
  Master of heroic jest;
  He who cheers man's dull abodes
  With the laughter of the gods;
  To the joyless ones of earth
  Sounds the reveille of mirth.

  "Well we meet, to part with pain,
  But ne'er shall _he_ and _we_ be Twain."

"_December 5. Gardiner, Maine._ On coming to breakfast found a note from
dearest Maud, saying that she would sail this day for Spain. Was much
overcome by this intelligence, yet felt that it was on the whole best.
The day passed rather heavily, the relish seemed gone from everything."

"_December 6. Boston_.... Reaching home I lay down to rest, but the
feeling of Maud's departure so overpowered me that I got up and went
about, crying out: 'I can't stand it!' I soon quieted down, being
comforted by my dear Laura, Julia, and Betty, but could not sleep until
bedtime, when I slept soundly."




CHAPTER XIV

"THE SUNDOWN SPLENDID AND SERENE"

1906-1907; _aet._ 87-88

HYMN FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF RELIGIOUS LIBERALS

_Held in Boston, 1907_

  Hail! Mount of God, whereon with reverent feet
  The messengers of many nations meet;
  Diverse in feature, argument, and creed,
  One in their errand, brothers in their need.

  Not in unwisdom are the limits drawn
  That give far lands opposing dusk and dawn;
  One sun makes bright the all-pervading air,
  One fostering spirit hovers everywhere.

  So with one breath may fervent souls aspire,
  With one high purpose wait the answering fire.
  Be this the prayer that other prayers controls,--
  That light divine may visit human souls.

  The worm that clothes the monarch spins no flaw,
  The coral builder works by heavenly law;
  Who would to Conscience rear a temple pure
  Must prove each stone and seal it, sound and sure.

  Upon one steadfast base of truth we stand,
  Love lifts her sheltering walls on either hand;
  Arched o'er our head is Hope's transcendent dome,
  And in the Father's heart of hearts our home.

                                                   J. W. H.


"I pray for many things this year. For myself, I ask continued health of
mind and body, work, useful, honorable, remunerative, as it shall please
God to send; for my dear family, work of the same description with
comfortable wages, faith in God, and love to each other; for my
country, that she may keep her high promise to mankind; for Christendom,
that it may become more Christ-like; for the struggling nationalities,
that they may attain to peace and justice."

"Such a wonderful dream in the early morning. I was in some rural region
alone; the clear blue sky was over my head. I looked up and said, 'I am
fed from God's table. I am sheltered under His roof.' While I still felt
this joy, a lone man, passing by, broke into a complaint on the hardness
of things. I wanted in my dream to call him back, but he passed too
rapidly. I still see in my 'mind's eye' that blue sky and the lone man
passing by, I still recall the thrill of that meditation, literally in
Dreamland, as I was quite asleep when it visited me...."

       *       *       *       *       *

The great event of this winter was a trip to Baltimore for a Woman
Suffrage Convention.

"_February 4._ I had not been able to think of anything to say in
Baltimore, but this morning it seemed to come to me. I have just written
out my screed, ... taking a point of view which I do not think I have
presented before, viz.: that inferior education and restricted activity
made women the inferiors of men, as naturally as training, education,
and free agency make civilized men the superior of the savage. I think
that the dear Lord gave me this screed, which is short and simple
enough, but, I think, convincing...."

This Convention came near being her last. Tonsillitis was epidemic in
the city; the halls were draughty; at one meeting a woman with a severe
cold, a stranger, kissed her effusively. She took the infection, was
prostrated for some days, and made the return journey while still too
weak to travel. Florence, who was with her, protested in vain. "I would
go," she said, "_if the hearse was at the door!_" A serious illness
followed on her return. A month and more passed before she began to
regain strength and spirits.[148]

  [148] It may be noted that this epidemic of tonsillitis was actually
  fatal to Miss Susan B. Anthony, who never recovered from the illness
  contracted in Baltimore.

"_March 31._ Had a happy lighting up when I lay down for afternoon rest.
Felt the immensity of God's goodness and took heart for the future."

In April she records "a delightful visit from Robert Collyer,
accompanied by Annie Fields. I asked him: 'Robert, what is religion?' He
replied, 'To love God with all one's heart, Christ helping us.' He began
his prayer last Sunday thus: 'Our Father who art in heaven, on earth,
and in hell!'"

On April 13, she was "out for the first time since February 14, when I
returned sick from Baltimore...."

Another week and she was at her church, for the first time since January
18.

It had been a long and weary time, yet one remembers not so much the
suffering and confinement as the gayety of it. There was a sigh for the
Journal, but for the family, and the faithful nurse,--

  "Quips and cranks, and wanton wiles,
  Nods and becks, and wreathéd smiles."

This nurse was known to others as Lucy Voshell, but her patient promptly
named her "Wollapuk." She was as merry as she was skillful, and the two
made much fun together. Even when the patient could not speak, she could
twinkle. As strength gradually returned, the ministrations of Wollapuk
became positively scenes of revelry; and the anxious guardian below,
warding off would-be interviewers or suppliants, might be embarrassed to
hear peals of laughter ringing down the stair.

Early in May she has "young J. W. Hurlburt to dine; a pleasant young
playwright, grandson to General Hurlburt of the Civil War...."

"I had lent my play of 'Hippolytus' to young Hurlburt to read. He
brought it back yesterday with so much praise of parts of it as to
revive the pang which I felt when, Charlotte Cushman and Edwin Booth
having promised to fill the principal parts, the manager's wife suddenly
refused to fill her part, and the whole fell through. This with much
other of my best literary work has remained a dead letter on my own
shelves. I am glad as well as sad to feel that it deserved better
treatment."

She had a wheel-chair, and on pleasant days it was her delight to be
wheeled through the Public Garden, now in full May beauty, to see the
flowers and the children. She was able to attend several meetings, and
to write several papers.

"_May 18._ Have read part of the recital of Anna Ticknor's achievement
in her society to encourage studies at home. Her work is really heroic.
I wish that I had better understood it. Still I did admire it a great
deal, but had little idea of the great benevolence and sympathy
developed in her work, which was a godsend to thousands of women."

"_May 26._ My dear son arrived in the evening to celebrate my birthday.
He seems well and happy. I was thankful to see him. Flowers kept
arriving all day."

"_May 27._ Attended church and carried some of my birthday flowers for
the pulpit.... In the afternoon a beautiful reception which the rain
kept from being the over-crowd which I had rather feared. Colonel
Higginson came and gave me some lovely verses written for the occasion.
William R. Thayer did likewise. Arthur Upson had already sent me some. I
enjoyed it all very much; dined downstairs with my dear family, who
drank my health standing. H. M. H., being called upon for a word, said,
'The dear old girl!' and could not have said better. I thanked and
blessed them all. We passed the evening together. The Greeks of Boston
sent splendid red roses and ribbons with motto. The Italians sent
flowers."

After this she wrote an essay on "How to Keep Young," in which she
says:--

"Try to keep in touch with the best spirits of your time, with those who
are raising instead of lowering the tone of the atmosphere in which they
live.

"Avoid the companionship of those who deride sacred things and are
inclined to ignore the limits of refinement and good taste.

"Remember that ignoble amusements react upon character.

"Never forget that we grow like to that we contemplate.

"Keep it always in mind that it must be through our own efforts that our
progress through life shall bring with it the fulfilment of the best
promise of our youth."

       *       *       *       *       *

"_July 2. Oak Glen._ Nurse Voshell, nicknamed by me Wollapuk, left this
morning. I have become so dependent upon her that I shall miss her very
much. I have been impatient of having her so long, but now see how very
helpful she has been to me.

"I began to write a retrospect of my essay on 'Distinctions between
Philosophy and Religion,' but feel that this will be of little value.
Oh! that I had taken Dr. Hedge's advice and published these papers soon
after they were written. As it is I have lost two of the best of them,
viz.: this one just mentioned and 'Moral Triangulation of the Third
Party,' in obligations and contrasts."

In these days she met with a grave loss in the death of Michael Anagnos.

"I am deeply grieved at his death, which is a real loss to me and my
family, and almost irreparable to the Institution which he has served
nobly with entire devotion and disinterest and has enriched by his great
and constant efforts. He built three Kindergartens for the blind. God
rest his soul!

"I pray that my great pain at the death of my son-in-law may inspire me
to help the blind as I never have helped them!"

"My strength has failed so much of late that my strong love of life
begins to waver. I should be glad to live to print some of my studies in
Philosophy, and to have some of my musical compositions taken down by
dictation."

"_August 31...._ The last day of a summer which brought a serious grief
in the death of Michael Anagnos, who, ever since my visit to Greece in
1867, has been an important factor in my life. I am much troubled in the
effort to compose a poem to be read at the memorial services to be held
for him in late October...."

A photograph taken at this time shows her sitting in her hooded chair on
the piazza, her Greek books and her canary beside her, a serene and
lovely picture. It was so she used to sit every morning. First she read
her Testament, and a prayer of James Martineau, or some other good
saint; this she called "taking the altitude"; then she turned to her
Æschylus or Aristotle.

Before thus settling down, there would be a walk on the piazza, or along
the highway. Sheltered by a broad hat, the friend of many years, wrapped
in the "passionate pilgrim," as she named a certain ancient purple
cloak, leaning on her ebony stick--who that passed that way has not seen
her? Bits of her talk, as we strolled together, come back to us; as when
the clouds parted suddenly at the close of a gray day, then shutting in
again. "Oh!" she cried, "it is like being engaged to the man you love,
for five minutes!"

"_September 16...._ I had had much hesitation about undertaking to
speak at Shiloh Baptist Church [colored] this afternoon; but it came to
me as something which I ought to do, and so I gave the promise, and,
with some studying, wrote the sermon. The result fully justified the
effort. I spoke to a large and very attentive congregation, in which a
number of white outsiders were mingled in with the people of the
church.... Mrs. Jeter sang my 'Battle Hymn,' the congregation joining in
the 'Glory Hallelujah.' I then read my screed, which was heard with
profound attention, one and another crying out at intervals, 'Amen!' and
'Glory be to God!'... I was very thankful for the good issue of what had
seemed an almost wild undertaking at eighty-seven years of age."

"_October 23._ Have prayed and worked over the poem for Michael's
memorial services--think that I have made it as good as I can, but not
good enough. Alas! I am too old."

She went up to Boston for this meeting in Tremont Temple, which was a
most impressive one, Greeks and Americans uniting to do honor to a good
man.

"_October 24...._ I read my verse, my voice serving me very well. Bishop
Lawrence helped me both to rise and to return to my seat. He made a most
touching allusion to my dearest dear Julia's devotion to the blind, and
said where a man was engaged in a noble work there usually rose up a
noble woman to help him."

"_October 26._ Had a sudden blessed thought this morning, viz.: that the
'Tabernacle eternal in the heavens' is the eternity of truth and right.
I naturally desire life after death, but if it is not granted me, I
have yet a part in the eternal glory of this tabernacle."

"_October 29._ Dear H. M. H. left us this morning, after a short but
very pleasant visit. He brought here his decorations of his Russian
order to show us; they are quite splendid. He is the same dear old
simple music- and mischief-loving fellow, very sensitive for others,
very modest for himself, and very dear."

"_November 7...._ Prayed _hard_ this morning that my strength fail not."

During this summer, an electric elevator had been put into the Boston
house, and life was made much easier for her. From this time we became
familiar with the vision of her that still abides, flitting up or down
in her gilded car. Watching her ascent, clad in white, a smile on her
lips, her hand waving farewell, one could only think of "The chariot of
Israel and the horsemen thereof."

Another good gift was a Victor machine. When the after-dinner reading
was over, she would say, "Now bring my opera-box!"

The white armchair was wheeled into the passage between the two parlors.
Here she sat in state, while the great singers poured out their
treasures before her, while violinist and pianist gave her their best.
She listened with keen and critical enjoyment, recalling how Malibran
gave this note, how Grisi and Mario sang that duet. Then she would go to
the piano and play from memory airs from "Tancredi," "Il Pirata,"
"Richard Cœur de Lion," and other operas known to us only through
her. Or she would--always without notes--play the "Barber of Seville"
almost from beginning to end, with fingers still deft and nimble.

She loved the older operas best. After an air from "Don Giovanni," she
would say, "Mozart must be in heaven: they could never get on without
him!" She thought Handel's "Messiah" the most divine point reached by
earthly music. Beethoven awed and swayed her deeply, and she often
quoted his utterance while composing, "_Ich trat in der Nähe Gottes!_"
She thrilled with tender pleasure over Verdi's "_Non ti scordar_," or
"_Ai nostri monti_," and over "Martha." She enjoyed Chopin "almost too
much." "He is exquisite," she would say, "but somehow--rotten!"

Among the pleasures of this winter was a visit to New York. She writes
after it:--

"My last day in my dear son's house. He and Fannie have been devotedly
kind to me. They made me occupy their room, much to my bodily comfort,
but to the great disquiet of my mind, as I hated much to inconvenience
them. My son has now a very eminent position.... God bless the house and
all in it."

"_December 17._ The Old South Chapter of D.A.R.'s met in the real Old
South Church; there was much good speaking. I recited my 'Battle Hymn'
and boasted my descent from General Marion, the Swamp Fox, saying also,
'When, eluding the vigilance of children and grandchildren, I come to
such a meeting as this, without a previous promise not to open my lips,
I think that I show some of the dexterity of my illustrious relative.' I
also had to spring up and tell them that my grandmother, niece to
General Marion, gave her flannel petticoat to make cartridges for the
soldiers of the Revolution."

The path of the guardian (or jailer, as she sometimes put it) was not
always plain. The wayfaring woman might easily err therein.

After some severe fatigue, convention or banquet, she might say, "This
is the last time. Never let me do this again!"

Thereupon a promise would be exacted and made. The fatigue would pass
and be forgotten, and the next occasion be joyously prepared for.

"You told me not to let you go!" the poor jailer would say.

"Oh, I didn't mean it!"

"But you promised!"

"That was two weeks ago. Two weeks is a long time for me to keep a
promise!"

If the jailer still persisted, she played her last card and took the
trick.

"I can't talk about it. You tire my head!"

Now and then Greek met Greek. One snowy afternoon she encountered the
resident granddaughter, cloaked and hooded, preparing to brave the
storm.

"Dear child," said the grandmother, "I do not often use authority with
you young people, but this time I must. I cannot allow you to go out in
this blizzard!"

"Dearest grandmother," replied the maiden, "_where are you going
yourself_?"

There was no reply. The two generations dissolved in laughter, and
started out together.

She bids farewell to 1906 as "dear Year that hast brought me so many
comforts and pleasures!" and thus hails the New Year:--

"I earnestly pray for God's blessing on this year!... I might possibly
like one more European journey to see the Gallery at Madrid, and the
châteaux of Touraine, but I do not ask it, as I may have more important
occupation for my time and money.... _Du reste_, the dear Father has
done so much better for me, in many ways, than I have ingenuity to wish,
that I can only say, 'Thy will be done, only desert me not.'"

She determines "at last to be more prompt in response to letters and
bills. I am now apt to lose sight of them, to my great inconvenience and
that of other people."

It was pain to her to destroy even a scrap of paper that bore writing:
the drifts of notes and letters grew higher and higher among the piles
of books, new and old. The books were not all her own choice. Many a
firstling of verse found its way to her, inscribed with reverent or
loving words by the author. Would Mrs. Howe send a few lines of
appreciation or criticism? She would; mostly she did. She wrote in the
autograph albums, and on the pieces of silk and cotton for "autograph
quilts": she signed the photographs: she tried to do everything they
asked.

"_January 11._ Having hammered at some verses for General Lee, when I
lay down to rest a perfect flood of rhymes seized me. Nonsense verses
for to-morrow's festival; there seemed to be no end to them. I scrawled
some of them down as it was late and dark. Sanborn to dine--unexpected,
but always welcome."

"_January 12._ Copied and completed my lines for the evening. Found a
large assemblage of members and invited guests [of the Authors' Club]; a
dais and chair prepared for me, Colonel Higginson standing on my right.
Many presentations--Gilder and Clyde Fitch, Owen Wister, Norman Hapgood.
Aldrich [T. B.] took me in to dinner and sat on my right, Hon. John D.
Long on my left; next beyond A. sat Homans Womans.[149] I despaired of
making my jingle tell in so large and unfamiliar a company. At last I
took courage and read it, bad as I thought it. To my surprise, it told,
and created the merriment which had been my object so far as I had any.
My 'Battle Hymn' was sung finely by a male quartette. Colonel Higginson
and I were praised almost out of our senses. A calendar, got up with
much labor, was presented to each of us."

  [149] Mrs. Charles Homans.

"_January 13._ To church, to take down my vanity after last evening's
laudations...."

"_January 15._ Made a final copy of my lines on Robert E. Lee,--read
them to Rosalind--the last line drew a tear from each of us, so I
concluded that it would do and sent it.

"To Tuesday Club, where the effort which I made to hear speakers tired
my head badly. Themes: 'Whether and how to teach Ethics in Public
Schools'; also, 'The English Education Bill.' Socrates having been
mentioned as an exemplar, I suddenly cried out that I thought he did
wrong to stay and suffer by unjust laws and popular superstition. A
first-class American would have got away and would have fought those
people to the bitter death. This fiery little episode provoked laughter,
and several privately told me they were glad of it."

"_January 25...._ Read Colonel Higginson's account of me in the
'Outlook.' Wrote him a note of thanks, saying that he has written
beautifully, with much tact and kindness. It remains true that he has
not much acquaintance with the serious side of my life and character, my
studies of philosophy, etc. He has described what he has seen of me and
has certainly done it with skill and with a most kind intention."

She said of the Colonel's paper, "He does not realize that my _life_ has
been here, the four walls of my room."

"_February 5...._ Began a sermon on the text, 'I saw Satan like
lightning fall from heaven.'..."

"_February 6._ Wrote a good bit on the sermon begun yesterday--the theme
attracts me much. If I give it, I will have Whittier's hymn sung: 'Oh!
sometimes gleams upon our sight--'

"Wrote to thank Higginson for sending me word that I am the first woman
member of the society of American Authors...."

"_February 14._ Luncheon at 3 Joy Street.... My seat was between T. W.
H. and President Eliot, with whom I had not spoken in many years. He
spoke to me at once and we shook hands and conversed very cordially. I
had known his father quite well--a lover of music, who had much to do
with the early productions of Beethoven's Symphonies in Boston,
collecting money in aid of the undertaking. President Eliot made a good
speech for Berea; others followed.... When my name was called, I had
already a good thought to express."

"_February 18._ To N.E.W.C., where Colonel Higginson and I spoke of
Longfellow; I from long and intimate acquaintance, he from a literary
point of view. He said, I thought rightly, that we are too near him to
be able to judge his merits as a poet; time must test them."

"_February 27...._ In evening went with the Jewett sisters to the
celebration of Longfellow's Centennial. I had copied my verses written
for the first Authors' Reading _in re_ Longfellow, rather hoping that I
might be invited to read them. This did not happen. I had had no reason
to suppose that it would, not having been thereunto invited. Had a seat
on the platform among the poet's friends, myself one of the oldest of
them. It seemed as if I could hardly hold my tongue, which, however, I
did. I remembered that God has given me many opportunities of speaking
my thoughts. If He withheld this one I am bound to suppose it was for
the best. I sat on the platform, where Sarah Jewett and I were the only
women in the charmed circle.

"Item. The audience rose and greeted me as I ascended to the platform at
Sanders Theatre."

She could not bear to be "left out"; indeed, she rarely was. In this one
respect she was, perhaps, the "spoiled child" that she sometimes called
herself.

March brought a new pleasure, in seeing and meeting Novelli, the great
Italian actor.

"_March 14._ The banquet of the Circolo at Lombardy Inn.... My seat was
at the head of the table with Novelli on my right and Tosti, the consul,
on my left. Had some pleasant talk with each. Then I had a good
inspiration for part of my speech, in which I mentioned the egg used by
Columbus, and made to stand, to show that things held to be impossible
often proved possible. I said that out of this egg 'was hatched the
American Eagle.' Madame Novelli shed tears at this, and Novelli kissed
my hand. The Italian servants listened eagerly to all the speaking, and
participated in the applause. President Geddes, Secretary Jocelyn, and
others spoke well and rather briefly. Dear Padre Roberto was really
eloquent."

"_March 16...._ In the evening to see Novelli in 'Morte Civile'; his
personation wonderfully fine, surpassing even Salvini in the part...."

"_March 17...._ Went to South Boston to say a word at the presentation
of dear Michael's portrait to the Perkins Institution by the Howe
Memorial Club.... Also had a wonderful fit of verse--wrote two sonnets
to Dante and a versification of my conceit about the hatching of the
American Eagle from the egg of Columbus."

"_March 23._ A 'boot-and-saddle' day.... I found that my Authors' Club
will meet to-day in Cambridge. Higginson telephoned, asking me to speak
of Aldrich; I asked permission to leave the College Club after the
speaking. Ordered a carriage at 4.30, sprang into it, and reached the
Authors' meeting in good time to say something about Aldrich.... Found a
man who has studied the Berber races in Africa. Had a good talk with
him. Came home dreadfully tired. To bed by 9.30. At the College Club I
said that to give women the vote in this State would not double the
illiterate vote--proposed a census of comparative illiteracy of the
sexes in Massachusetts at least."

       *       *       *       *       *

We had long besought her to have her musical compositions written down,
and now this was done in part. Once or twice a week Mr. John M. Loud
came to the house and took down her melodies, she singing and playing
them to him. She always enjoyed the hour with the young composer. A
number of the melodies thus preserved were published in a "Song Album"
by G. Schirmer some months later.

"_April 8._ Great trouble of mind about attending the Peace Convention
in New York, which I have promised to do. Laura dead against it,
reinforced by Wesselhoeft, Sr., who pronounces it dangerous for me. I at
last wrote to ask my dear minister about it."

"_April 9...._ A violent snowstorm keeps me at home. Minister and wife
write, 'Don't go to Peace Convention.' I asked God in my prayer this
morning to make going possible or impossible for me. I took C. G. A.'s
letter as making it impossible, as I had decided to abide by his
decision. Wrote a letter of explanation to Anna Garlin Spencer. I am
much disappointed, but it is a relief not to cause Laura such painful
anxiety as she would have felt if I had decided to go. She wept with
joy when I gave it up. We had a very pleasant dinner party for the
Barrett Wendells with their friends, Professor Ames, of Berkeley
University, California, 'Waddy' Longfellow, Charles Gibson, Laura,
Betty, and I."

She sent a letter to the Convention, which was read by Florence. In
this, after recalling her Peace Crusade of 1872, she said:--

"Here and there, a sisterly voice responded to my appeal, but the
greater number said: 'We have neither time nor money that we can call
our own. We cannot travel, we cannot meet together.' And so my intended
Peace Congress of Women melted away like a dream, and my final meeting,
held in the world's great metropolis, did not promise to lead to any
important result.

"What has made the difference between that time and this? New things, so
far as women are concerned, viz.: the higher education conceded to them,
and the discipline of associated action, with which later years have
made them familiar. Who shall say how great an element of progress has
existed in this last clause? Who shall say what fretting of personal
ambition has become merged in the higher ideal of service to the State
and to the world? The noble army of women which I saw as a dream, and to
which I made my appeal, has now come into being. On the wide field where
the world's great citizens band together to uphold the highest interests
of society, women of the same type employ their gifts and graces to the
same end. Oh, happy change! Oh, glorious metamorphosis! In less than
half a century the conscience of mankind has made its greatest stride
toward the control of human affairs. The women's colleges and the
women's clubs have had everything to do with the great advance which we
see in the moral efficiency of our sex. These two agencies have been
derided and decried, but they have done their work.

"If a word of elderly counsel may become me at this moment, let me say
to the women here assembled: Do not let us go back from what we have
gained. Let us, on the contrary, press ever forward in the light of the
new knowledge, of the new experience. If we have rocked the cradle, if
we have soothed the slumbers of mankind, let us be on hand at their
great awakening to make steadfast the peace of the world!"

She was glad afterward that she had not gone; but a significant
corollary to the matter appears on April 25:--

"Providence--a pleasant trip, made possible by dear Laura's departure."

(That is, "dear Laura" knew nothing about it till afterward. How often
we recalled the old Quaker's saying to her, "It was borne in upon me at
an early period that if I told no one what I intended to do, I should be
enabled to do it!")

In the last week of April ("dear Laura" being still absent) she spoke
four times in public, on four successive days. These addresses were at
the Kindergarten for the Blind ("I missed the snap which Michael's
presence was wont to give; I spoke praise of him to the children, as one
to be held in dear remembrance; to the visitors, as having left the
public a sacred legacy in these schools, which he created with so much
labor"), at Faneuil Hall, a meeting about Old Home Week, at the West
Newton High School, and at Providence. On the fifth day she was at the
Wintergreen Club, answering the question, "What is the Greatest Evil of
the Present Day?"--"False estimates of values, vehement striving for
what hinders rather than helps our spiritual development."

After this bout she was glad to rest a day or two, but in another week
was ready for the Woman Suffrage Festival. "I to open it, evening,
Faneuil Hall. A day of rushing. Lady Mary and Professor Gilbert Murray
to breakfast 9 A.M., which I much enjoyed. Then my little music man, who
took three tunes; then a snatch at preparation for the evening's
exercises. Jack and Elizabeth Chapman in the afternoon. At 4.45 got a
little rest and sleep. At 5.40 drove to Faneuil Hall, which I found not
so full as sometimes. Thought miserably of my speech. Light to read it
very dim. I called to order, introduced Mr. White and the ladies'
quartette, then read my poor little scribble.... I was thankful to get
through my part, and my speech in print wasn't bad at all."

In May she preached at the Church of the Disciples.

"A culmination of anxiety for this day, desired and yet dreaded. My head
growled a little at waking, but not badly. My voice seemed all right,
but how about the matter of my sermon? Was it all worth while, and on
Whitsunday too? I wore my white cashmere dress. Laura went with me to
church. C. G. A. was there. As he led me to the pulpit, the
congregation rose. The service was very congenial and calming to my
anxiety. I read the sermon quite audibly from beginning to end. It was
listened to with profound attention, if I may say so."

"_May 20...._ Marion Crawford arrived soon after three for a little
visit. He looks greatly improved in health since I last saw him. He must
have passed through some crisis and come out conqueror. He has all his
old charm...."

She was lamenting the death of her cousin and childhood playfellow, Dr.
Valentine Mott Francis, when "a much greater affliction" fell upon her
in the death of her son-in-law, David Prescott Hall. "This hurts me,"
she writes, "like a physical pain."


                          _To Florence_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 3, 1907.

MY DEAREST DEAR FLOSSY,--

You are quite right in saying that we greatly need the consoling belief
in a future life to help us bear the painful separation which death
brings. Surely, the dear Christ believed in immortality, and promised it
to faithful souls. I have myself derived great comfort from this belief,
although I must confess that I know nothing about it. You may remember
what [Downer] said to your dear father: "I don't know anything about it,
but Jesus Christ certainly believed in immortality, and I pin my faith
on him, and _run for luck_."... Alice and her trio of babes came safe to
hand this morning. Frances at once began to spread the gravel from
outdoors on the best staircase, but desisted when forbidden to do
so.... Farewell, dearest child. You have had a grievous loss, and will
feel it more and more. We must trust in God, and take our sorrows
believing in the loving fatherhood. Maud writes me that she suffers an
_irreparable_ loss in dear David's death....

                                                Your loving
                                                         MOTHER.

Much work was on hand this summer: a poem for Old Home Week in Boston,
another for the Cooperstown Centennial, a paper on the "Elegant
Literature of Fifty Years Since," one for the "Delineator" on "The Three
Greatest Men I Have Known." These were Ralph Waldo Emerson, Theodore
Parker, and Dr. Howe. She spent much time and pains on this article. She
read Elliot Cabot's "Life of Emerson," which she thought "certainly a
good piece of work, but deficient, it seems to me, in the romantic
sympathy which is the true interpretation of Emerson and of all his
kind."

She "hammered" hard on the two poems, with good results.

"_July 14._ I can hardly believe it, but my miserable verses, re-read
to-day, seemed quite possible, if I can have grace to fill out their
sketchiness. Last word ton-ight: I think I have got a poem. _Nil
desperandum!_"

"_July 24._ Difficult to exaggerate the record of my worry this morning.
I feel a painful uncertainty about going to Boston to read my poem for
Old Home Week. Worse than this is my trouble about two poems sent me
while in Boston, with original music, to be presented to the committee
for Home Week, which I have entirely forgotten and neglected. To do this
was far from my intention, but my old head fairly gave out in the
confusion of the various occasions in which I was obliged to take an
active part."

She yielded to entreaty and stayed at home, and was rewarded by "a most
gratifying letter from Edward Everett Hale, telling me that Josiah
Quincy read my poem with real feeling, and that it was warmly received."

"My prayer is answered. I have lived to see my dear girl again.... I
give thanks earnestly and heartily, but seem for a time paralyzed by her
presence."

With the early autumn came a great pleasure in a visit to the new "Green
Peace," the house which her son had built at Bedford Hills, New York.
She was delighted with the house and garden; the Journal tells of all
manner of pleasant gayeties.

"_September 12._ Fannie had a luncheon party even pleasanter than
yesterday's. Rev. Mr. Luquer is a grandson of Dominick Lynch, who used
to come to my father's house in my childhood and break my heart by
singing 'Lord Ullin's Daughter.' I remember creeping under the piano
once to hide my tears. He sang all the Moore melodies with great
expression.... This, his descendant, looks a good deal like him. Was
bred a lawyer. My good Uncle Cutler twice asked him whether he would
study for the ministry. He said, 'No.' My uncle said the second time,
'What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own
soul?' This word, he told me, came back to him. ... Worked a good deal
on my poem. At least thought and thought much, and altered a little."

This was the poem which prefaces this chapter and which was written for
the forthcoming Unitarian Convention in Boston. She had been at work on
it for some time, first "_trying to try for it_," and later "hammering"
and polishing with great care. "It came to me like a flash," she says,
"but had to be much thought over and corrected." And again, "It was
given to me something as was my 'Battle Hymn.'..."

"_October 25._ Wrote to a very bumptious child, thirteen years old, who
proffers me her friendship and correspondence, claiming to have written
poems and magazine contributions praised by 'noted authors.' I sent her
back her letter, with three or four corrections and a little advice,
kindly meant, but which may not be so taken.... She will probably turn
and rend me, but I really felt it might do her good."

"_November 14. Gardiner._ A good meditation. The sense of God in the
universe seems to be an attribute of normal humanity. We cannot think of
our own personal identity without at the same time imagining a greater
self from which we derive. This idea may be crude and barbarous, great
minds have done much to make it otherwise; Christ most of all with His
doctrine of divine love, providence, and forgiveness. The idea of a life
beyond this one seems also to appertain to normal humanity. We had best
accept this great endowment which philosophy seeks to analyze much as a
boy will take a watch to pieces, but cannot put it together again so
that it will work."

"_November 15._ Another long sitting and meditation. What have
individual philosophers done for religion? As I recall what I could
learn of the Kantian philosophy, I think that it principally taught the
limitations of human knowledge, correcting thereby the assumptions of
systems of thought and belief to _absolute_ authority over the thinker
and believer. He calls conscience 'the categorical imperative'; but that
term in no wise explains either the origin or authority of the moral
law. His rule of testing the rectitude of the act by the way in which,
if it were made universal, it would affect the well-being of society, is
useful, but simply pragmatic, not in William James's sense. The German
idealism, the theory by which we evolve or create all that occupies our
senses and our mind, appears to me a monstrous expanse of egotism. No
doubt, dialectics serve as mental athletics, and speculative thought may
be useful as an exercise of the mental powers; but processes which may
be useful in this way might be very unfit to be held as permanent
possessions of persuasion. It occurs to me that it might be more blessed
to help the souls in hell than to luxuriate with saints in heaven."

"_November 20. Boston._ Began my screed on the 'Joys of Motherhood' for
the 'Delineator.' Wrote _currente calamo_...."

"_November 23._ Rather an off day. Found T. W. Higginson's little volume
of verses, presented to me on my seventieth birthday, and read a good
deal in it. When the Colonel gave it to me, he read a little poem,
'Sixty and Six,' very charmingly. Seems to me that I ought to have read
this little book through long before this time. One of the sweetest
poems in it is about the blue-eyed baby that they lost after some six
weeks' happy possession. I sent a pretty little baby wreath for it,
feeling very sorry for them both."

"_November 28._ Much troubled about my Whittier poem."

"_December 3._ Thanks be to God! I have written my Whittier rhyme. It
has cost me much labor, for I have felt that I could not treat a memory
so reverend with cheap and easy verses. I have tried to take his
measure, and to present a picture of him which shall deserve to
live."[150]

  [150] This poem appears in _At Sunset_.

       *       *       *       *       *

Mr. and Mrs. Cobden-Sanderson, the English suffragists, were in Boston
this winter. They dined with her, and proved "very agreeable. Mrs.
Sanderson's visit ought to help suffrage mightily, she is in such dead
earnest for it. After dinner I proposed that each one should name his
favorite Browning poem. I named 'Pippa,' Mrs. Sanderson 'Paracelsus,'
Mr. S., 'The Grammarian's Funeral,' etc., etc. The talk was so good that
we could not stop it to hear the Victor, which I regretted."

Another delightful dinner of this winter was one given in her honor by
her niece, Mrs. Richard Aldrich (Margaret Chanler), in New York. Among
the guests were Kneisel, the violinist, and Schelling, the pianist. Mrs.
Aldrich demanded "Flibbertigibbet," and our mother played and recited it
in such a manner that the two musicians were inspired to play, as the
people in the story were to dance. Kneisel flew home for his violin,
Schelling sat down at the piano, and the two played Bach for her and to
her delight.

"The occasion was memorable!" she says.

Returning from New York, she was able to attend the Whittier Centennial
at Haverhill.

"_December 17._ ... Sanborn came to take me.... I have been praying to
be well for this occasion, my last public engagement for some weeks. I
am thankful to have been able, at my advanced age, to read this poem at
the Whittier Celebration and to be assured by one present that I had
never been in better voice, and by others that I was generally heard
without difficulty by the large audience."

"_December 31._ Oh, blessed year 1907! It has been granted me to write
four poems for public occasions, all of which have proved acceptable;
also three fatiguing magazine articles, which have for the time bettered
my finances. I have lived in peace and goodwill with all men, and in
great contentment with my own family, to which this year added a
promising little great-grandson, taking away, alas! my dear son-in-law,
David Prescott Hall. I found a very competent and friendly young
musician who has taken down nearly all my songs.... A word was given me
to speak, namely, 'Thanks for the blessed, wonderful year just past.'"




CHAPTER XV

"MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD"

1908-1910; _aet._ 89-91

  I have made a voyage upon a golden river,
    'Neath clouds of opal and of amethyst.
  Along its banks bright shapes were moving ever,
    And threatening shadows melted into mist.

  The eye, unpractised, sometimes lost the current,
    When some wild rapid of the tide did whirl,
  While yet a master hand beyond the torrent
    Freed my frail shallop from the perilous swirl.

  Music went with me, fairy flute and viol,
    The utterance of fancies half expressed,
  And with these, steadfast, beyond pause or trial,
    The deep, majestic throb of Nature's breast.

  My journey nears its close--in some still haven
    My bark shall find its anchorage of rest,
  When the kind hand, which ever good has given,
    Opening with wider grace, shall give the best.

                                                   J. W. H.


The grandchildren were her chief playmates when Maud was in Europe. To
them, the grave tone of the Journal, the tale of her public work, is
almost unbelievable, recalling, as they do, the household life, so warm,
so rich, so intimate, it seemed enough in itself to fill the cup to
overflowing. She had said of herself that in social activities she "bled
at every pore": but in these later years it was light and warmth that
she shed around her, kindling whatever she touched. At her fire, as at
Uncle Sam's, we warmed our hands and our hearts. When she entered a
room, all faces lighted up, as if she carried a lamp in her hand.

Day in, day out, she was the _Guter Camerad_. The desire _not to
irritate_ had become so much a second nature that she was the easiest
person in the world to live with. If the domestic calm were disturbed,
"_Don't say anything!_" was her word. "_Wait a little!_"

She might wake with the deep depression so often mentioned in the
Journal. Pausing at her door to listen, one might hear a deep sigh, a
plaintive ejaculation; but all this was put out of sight before she left
her room, and she came down, as one of the grandchildren put it,
"bubbling like a silver tea-kettle."

Then came the daily festival of breakfast, never to be hurried or
"scamped." The talk, the letters, some of which we might read to her,
together with the newspaper. We see her pressing some tidbit on a child,
watching intently the eating of it, then, as the last mouthful
disappeared, exclaiming with tragic emphasis, "_I wanted it!_" Then, at
the startled face, would come peals of laughter; she would throw herself
back in her chair, cover her face with her hands, and tap the floor with
her feet.

"Look at her!" cried Maud. "_Rippling with sin!_"

How she loved to laugh!

"One day," says a granddaughter, "the house was overflowing with guests,
and she asked me to take my nap on her sofa, while she took hers on the
bed. We both lay down in peace and tranquillity, but after a while, when
she thought I was asleep, I heard her laughing, until she almost wept.
Presently she fell asleep, and slept her usual twenty minutes, to wake
in the same gales of mirth. She laughed until the bed shook, but softly,
trying to choke her laughter, lest I should wake.

"'What is it about?' I asked. 'What is so wonderful and funny?'

"'Oh, my dear,' she said, breaking again into laughter, 'it is nothing!
It is the most ridiculous thing! I was only trying to translate
"fiddle-de-dee" into Greek!'"

This was in her ninety-second year.

But we are still at the breakfast table. Sometimes there were guests at
breakfast, a famous actor, a travelling scholar, caught between other
engagements for this one leisure hour.

It was a good deal, perhaps, to ask people to leave a warm hotel on a
January morning; but it was warm enough by the soft-coal blaze of the
dining-room fire. Over the coffee and rolls, sausages and buckwheat
cakes, leisure reigned supreme; not the poet's "retired leisure," but a
friendly and laughter-loving deity. Everybody was full of engagements,
harried with work, pursued by business and pleasure: no matter! the talk
ranged high and far, and the morning was half gone before they
separated.

Soon after breakfast came the game of ball, played _à deux_ with
daughter or grandchild; the ball was tossed back and forth, the players
counting meanwhile up to ten in various languages. She delighted in
adding to her vocabulary of numerals, and it was a good day when she
mastered those of the Kutch-Kutch Esquimaux.

Then came the walk, gallantly taken in every weather save the very
worst. She battled with the west wind, getting the matter over as
quickly as might be. "_It is for my life!_" she would say. But on quiet,
sunny days she loved to linger along Commonwealth Avenue, watching the
parade of babies and little children, stopping to admire this one or
chat with that.

This function accomplished, she went straight to her desk, and "P. T."
reigned till noon. It was a less rigorous "P. T." than that of our
childhood. She could break off in a moment now, give herself entirely,
joyously, to the question of dinner for the expected guest, of dress for
the afternoon reception, then drop back into Aristotle or Æschylus with
a happy sigh. It was less easy to break off when she was writing; we
might be begged for "half a moment," as if our time were fully as
precious as her own; but there was none of the distress that
interruption brought in earlier years. Perhaps she took her writing less
seriously. She often said, "Oh, my dear, I am beginning to realize at
last that I shall never write my book now, my Magnum Opus, that was to
be so great!"

She practised her scales faithfully every day, through the later years.
Then she would play snatches of forgotten operas, and the granddaughter
would hear her--if she thought no one was near--singing the brilliant
_arias_ in "a sweet thread of a voice."

After her practising, if she were alone, she would sit at the window and
play her Twilight Game: counting the "passing," one for a biped, two for
a quadruped, ten for a white horse, and so on.

In the evening, before the "Victor" concert, came the reading aloud:
this was one of her great pleasures. No history or philosophy for the
evening reading; she must have a novel (not a "problem novel"; these she
detested!)--a good stirring tale, with plenty of action in it. She
thrilled over "With Fire and Sword," "Kim," "The Master of Ballantrae."
She could not bear to hear of financial anxieties or of physical
suffering. "It gives me a pain in my knee!"

We see her now, sitting a little forward in her straight-backed chair,
holding the hand of the reading granddaughter, alert and tense. When a
catastrophe appears imminent, "Stop a minute!" she cries. "I cannot bear
it!"--and the reader must pause while she gathers courage to face
disaster with the hero, or dash with him through peril to safety.

She would almost be sorry when the doorbell announced a visitor; almost,
not quite, for flesh and blood were better than fiction. If the caller
were a familiar friend, how her face lighted up!

"Oh! now we can have whist!"

The table is brought out, the mother-of-pearl counters (a Cutler relic:
we remember that Mr. Ward did not allow cards in his house!), and the
order for the rest of the evening is "A clear fire, a clean hearth, and
the rigor of the game!"--

It was a happy day when, as chanced once or twice, Mr. Ernest Schelling,
coming on from New York to play with the Boston Symphony Orchestra,
offered to come and play to her, "all by herself, whatever she wanted,
and for as long as she liked." She never forgot this pleasure, nor the
warm kindness of the giver.

One day Mr. Abel Lefranc, the French lecturer of the year at Harvard,
came to lunch with her. He apologized for only being able to stay for
the luncheon hour, owing to a press of engagements and work that had
grown overpowering. He stayed for two hours and a half after luncheon
was over, and during all that time the flow of poignant, brilliant talk,
_à deux_, held the third in the little company absorbed. She was
entirely at home in French, and the Frenchman talked over the problems
of his country as if to a compatriot.

A few days afterwards a Baptist minister from Texas, a powerfully built
and handsome man, came to wait on her. He also stayed two hours: and we
heard his "Amen!" and "Bless the Lord for that!" and her gentler "Bless
the Lord, indeed, my brother!" as their voices, fervent and grave,
mingled in talk.

She never tried to be interested in people. She _was_ interested, with
every fibre of her being. Little household doings: the economies and
efforts of brave young people, she thrilled to them all. Indeed, all
_human facts_ roused in her the same absorbed and reverent interest.

These are Boston memories, but those of Oak Glen are no less tender and
vivid. There, too, the meals were festivals, the midday dinner being now
the chief one, with its following hour on the piazza; "Grandmother" in
her hooded chair, with her cross-stitch embroidery or "hooked" rug,
daughters and grandchildren gathered round her. Horace and Xenophon
were on the little table beside her, but they must wait till she had
mixed and enjoyed her "social salad."

At Oak Glen, too, she had her novel and her whist, bézique or dominoes,
as the family was larger or smaller. She never stooped to solitaire; a
game must be an affair of companionship, of the "social tie" in defence
of which "Bro' Sam," in his youth, had professed himself ready to die.
Instead of the "Victor" concert, she now made music herself, playing
four-hand pieces with Florence, the "music daughter," trained in
childhood by Otto Dresel. This was another great pleasure. (Did any one,
we wonder, ever _enjoy_ pleasures as she did?) These duets were for the
afternoon; she almost never used her eyes in the evening. They were
perfectly good, strong eyes; in the latter years she rarely used
glasses; but the habit dated back to the early fifties, and might not be
shaken.

We see her, therefore, in the summer afternoons, sitting at the piano
with Florence, playing, "Galatea, dry thy tears!" "Handel's old tie-wig
music," as she called his operas. Or, if her son were there, she would
play accompaniments from the "Messiah" or "Elijah"; rippling through the
difficult music, transposing it, if necessary to suit the singer's
voice, with ease and accuracy. Musicians said that she was the ideal
accompanist, never asserting herself, but giving perfect sympathy and
support to the singer.

We return to the Journal.

"_January, 1908._ I had prayed the dear Father to give me this one more
poem, a verse for this year's Decoration Day, asked for by Amos Wells,
of Christian Endeavor belonging. I took my pen and the poem came quite
spontaneously. It seemed an answer to my prayer, but I hold fast the
thought that the great Christ asked _no sign_ from God and needed none,
so deeply did he enter into life divine. I also thought, regarding
Christ and Moses, that we must be content that a certain mystery should
envelop these heroic figures of human history. Our small measuring tape
or rod is not for them. If they were not exactly in fact what we take
them to be, let us deeply reverence the human mind which has conceived
and built up such splendid and immortal ideals. Was not Christ thinking
of something like this when he made the sin against the Holy Ghost and
its manifestations the only unpardonable error? He surely did not mean
to say that it was beyond the repentance which is the earnest of
forgiveness to every sin."

A day or two after this she met at luncheon "a young Reverend Mr.
Fitch.... He is earnest and clear-minded, and should do much good. I
spoke of the cup [of life], but advised him to use the spoon for
stirring up his congregation."

She was asked for a "long and exhaustive paper on Marion Crawford in
about a week. I wrote, saying that I could furnish an interesting paper
on the elder and younger Crawford, but without any literary estimate of
Marion's work, saying that family praise was too much akin to
self-praise; also the time allotted much too short."

One night she woke "suddenly and something seemed to say, 'They are on
the right tack now.' This microscopic and detailed study of the causes
of evil on society will be much forwarded by the direct agency of women.
They too will supply that inexhaustible element of hopefulness, without
which reforms are a mere working back and forth of machinery. These two
things will overcome the evil of the world by prevention first, and then
by the optimistic anticipation of good. This is a great work given to
Woman now to do. Then I caught at various couplets of a possible
millennial poem, but feared I should not write it. Have scrawled these
on a large pad. This line kept coming back to me, 'Living, not dying,
Christ redeemed mankind.'... This my first day at my desk since
Saturday, March 28. I may try some prose about the present patient
analysis of the evil of society, the patient intelligent women
associated in all this work. To reclaim waste earth is a glory. Why not
a greater to reclaim the moral wastes of humanity?"

This midnight vision impressed her deeply, and through the succeeding
days she wrote it out in full, bit by bit. On the envelope containing it
is written, "An account of my vision of the world regenerated by the
combined labor and love of Men and Women." In it she saw "men and women
of every clime working like bees to unwrap the evils of society and to
discover the whole web of vice and misery and to apply the remedies, and
also to find the influences that should best counteract the evil and its
attendant suffering.

"There seemed to be a new, a wondrous, ever-permeating light, the glory
of which I cannot attempt to put into human words--the light of the
newborn hope and sympathy--blazing. The source of this light was born of
human endeavor...."

She saw "the men and the women, standing side by side, shoulder to
shoulder, a common lofty and indomitable purpose lighting every face
with a glory not of this earth. All were advancing with one end in view,
one foe to trample, one everlasting goal to gain....

"And then I saw the victory. All of evil was gone from the earth. Misery
was blotted out. Mankind was emancipated and ready to march forward in a
new Era of human understanding, all-encompassing sympathy and
ever-present help, the Era of perfect love, of peace passing
understanding."

       *       *       *       *       *

Mrs. Humphry Ward was in Boston this spring, and there were many
pleasant festivities in her honor.

A "luncheon with Mrs. Humphry Ward at Annie Fields'; very pleasant.
Edward Emerson there, easy and delightful...."

A fine reception at the Vendôme, where she and Mrs. Ward stood under "a
beautiful arch of roses" and exchanged greetings.

"A delightful call from Mrs. Humphry Ward. We had much talk of persons
admired in England and America. She has great personal attraction, is
not handsome, but very '_simpatica_' and is evidently whole-souled and
sincere, with much 'good-fellowship.' We embraced at parting."

In strong contrast to this is her comment on a writer whose work did not
appeal to her. "But she has merit; yes, she certainly has merit. In
fact--" with a flash--"she is meret-ricious!"

May brought the Free Religious Banquet, at which she "compared the
difference of sect to the rainbow which divides into its beauty the
white light of truth"; and the State Federation of Women's Clubs, where
another apt comparison occurred to her.

"I compared the old order among women to the juxtaposition of squares
set cornerwise to each other; the intensity of personal feeling and
interest infusing an insensible antagonism into our relations with each
other. 'Now,' I said, 'the comparison being removed, we no longer stand
cornerwise to each other, but so that we can fit into line, and stand
and act in concert.'..."

"_Newport._ I begin to feel something of the 'labor and sorrow' of
living so long. I don't even enjoy my books as I used to. My efforts to
find a fit word for the Biennial [of the General Federation of Women's
Clubs, to meet in Boston, June 22 and 23] are not successful...."

She soon revived under her green trees, and enjoyed her books as much as
ever: "got hold of" her screed, wrote it, went up to Boston to deliver
it, came back to meet an excursion party of "Biennial" ladies visiting
Newport. (N.B. She was late for the reception, and her neighbor,
Bradford Norman, drove her into Newport in his automobile "at a terrific
clip." On alighting, "Braddie," she said, "if I were ten years younger,
I would set up one of these hell-wagons myself!")

She enjoyed all this hugely, but the fatigue was followed by distress so
great that the next morning she "thought she should die with her door
locked." (She _would_ lock her door: no prayers of ours availed against
this. In Boston, an elaborate arrangement of keys made it possible for
her room to be entered; at Oak Glen there was but the one stout door. On
this occasion, after lying helpless and despairing for some time, she
managed to unlock the door and call the faithful maid.)

On June 30 she writes:--

"Oh, beautiful last day of June! Perhaps my last June on earth.... I
shall be thankful to live as long as I can be of comfort or help to any
one...."

"_July 12...._ Sherman to Corse [Civil War], 'Can you hold out till I
arrive?' Corse to Sherman, 'I have lost an arm, my cheekbone, and am
minus one ear, but I can lick _all hell_ yet.'"

"_July 30._ Have felt so much energy to-day that thought I must begin
upon my old philosophizing essays.... Could find only 'Duality of
Character.' What is the lesson of this two-foldness? This, that the most
excellent person should remember the dual member of his or her firm, the
evil possibility; and the most persistent offender should also remember
the better personality which is bound up with its opposite, and which
can come into activity, if invited to do so."

"_August 28._ Wrote an immediate reply to a Mrs. ----, who had written
to ask leave to use a part of my 'Battle Hymn' with some verses of her
own. I replied, refusing this permission, but saying that she should
rewrite her own part sufficiently to leave mine out, and should not call
it the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' The metre and tune, of course, she
might use, as they are not mine in any special sense, but my phrases
_not_."

After writing an article for the "Delineator," on "What I should like to
give my Country for a Christmas Gift," she dreads a failure of her
productive power, but is reassured by Maud's verdict. "I took much pains
with it, but think she overpraises it a little to raise my spirits." The
gift she would choose was "a more vigilant national conscience." The
little essay counts but seventy lines, but every word tells.

In early September she performed a "very small public service,"
unveiling in Newport a bronze tablet in honor of Count de Rochambeau.
She would have been glad to speak, but an anxious daughter had demurred,
and at the moment she "only thought of pulling the string the right
way."

"_September 21. Green Peace, New York._ A delightful drive with Mr. Seth
Low in his auto. A good talk with him about the multi-millionnaires and
the Hague Conferences which he has attended. We reached Green Peace in
time for Mr. Frank Potter to sing about half of my songs. He has a fine
tenor voice, well cultivated, and is very kind about my small
compositions. I had not counted upon this pleasure. I dreaded this
visit, for the troublesome journey, but it has been delightful. I am
charmed to see my son so handsomely and comfortably established, and
with a very devoted wife. Potter brought me some flowers and a curious
orchid from Panama."

"_November 3. Oak Glen._ Yesterday and to-day have had most exquisite
sittings in front of my house in the warm sunshine; very closely wrapped
up by the dear care of my daughters."

These sittings were on what she called her boulevard, a grassy space in
front of the house, bordering on the road, and taking the full strength
of the morning sun. Here, with the tall screen of cedars behind her, and
a nut tree spreading its golden canopy over her head, she would sit for
hours, drinking in the sweet air that was like no other to her.

A companion picture to this is that of the twilight hour, when she would
sit alone in the long parlor, looking out on the sunset. Black against
the glowing sky rose the pines of the tiny forgotten graveyard, where
long-ago neighbors slept, with the white rose tree drooping over the
little child's grave; a spot of tender and melancholy beauty. All about
were the fields she loved, fragrant with clover and wormwood, vocal with
time-keeping crickets. Here she would sit for an hour, meditating, or
repeating to herself the Odes of Horace, or some familiar hymn. Horace
was one of her best friends, all her life long. She knew many of the
Odes by heart, and was constantly memorizing new ones. They filled and
brightened many a sleepless or weary hour. Here, when the children came
back from their walk, they would find her, quiet and serene, but ready
instantly to break into laughter with them, to give herself, as always,
entirely and joyously. Now and then she wrote down a meditation; here is
one:--

"A thought comes to me to-day which gives me great comfort. This is
that, while the transitory incidentals of our life, important for the
moment, pass out of it, the steadfast divine life which is in our
earthly experience, perseveres, and can never die nor diminish. I feel
content that much of me should die. I interpret for myself Christ's
parable of the tares sown in the wheat field. As regards the individual,
these tares are our personal and selfish traits and limitations. We must
restrain and often resist them, but we cannot and must not seek to
eradicate them, for they are important agents not only in preserving,
but also in energizing our bodily life. Yet they are, compared with our
higher life, as the tares compared with the wheat, and we must be well
content to feel that, when the death harvest comes, these tares will
fall from us and perish, while the wheat will be gathered into the
granary of God.

"I do not desire ecstatic, disembodied sainthood, because I do not wish
to abdicate any one of the attributes of my humanity. I cherish even the
infirmities that bind me to my kind. I would be human, and American, and
a woman. Paul of Tarsus had one or two ecstasies, but I feel sure that
he lived in his humanity, strenuously and energetically. Indeed, the
list he gives us of his trials and persecutions may show us how much he
lived as a man among men, even though he did once cry out for
deliverance from the body of death, whose wants and pains were a sore
hindrance to him in his unceasing labors. That deliverance he found
daily in the service of Truth, and finally once for all, when God took
him.

"Another thought upholds me. With the recurrence of the cycle, I feel
the steady tramp and tread of the world's progress. This Spring is not
identical with last Spring, this year is not last year. The predominant
fact of the Universe is not the mechanical round and working of its
forces, but their advance as moral life develops out of and above
material life. Mysterious as the chain of causation is, we know one
thing about it, viz.: that we cannot reverse its sequence. Whatever may
change or pass away, my father remains my father, my child, my child.
The way before us is open--the way behind us is blocked with solid
building which cannot be removed. And in this great onward order, life
turns not back to death, but goes forward to other life, which we may
call immortality. If I would turn backward, I stand still in paralyzed
opposition to the mighty sweep of heavenly law. It must go on, and if I
could resist and refuse to go with it, I should die a moral death,
having isolated myself from the movement which is life. But, do what I
will, I cannot resist it. I am carried on perforce, as inanimate rocks
and trees are swept away in the course of a resistless torrent. Shall I
then abdicate my human privilege which makes the forces of nature Angels
to help and minister to me? Let me, instead, take hold of the guiding
cords of life with resolute hands and press onward, following the
illustrious army whose crowned chiefs have gone before. They too had
their weakness, their sorrow, their sin. But they are set as stars in
the firmament of God, and their torches flash heavenly light upon our
doubtful way, ay, even upon the mysterious bridge whose toll is silence.
Beyond that silence reigns the perfect harmony."

"_November 6._ Expecting to leave this dear place to-morrow before noon,
I write one last record in this diary to say that I am very thankful for
the season just at end, which has been busy and yet restful. I have seen
old friends and new ones, all with pleasure, and mostly with profit of a
social and spiritual kind. I have seen dear little Eleanor Hall, the
sweetest of babies. Have had all of my dear children with me, some of my
grandchildren, and four of my great-grands.

"Our Papéterie has had pleasant meetings.... I am full of hope for the
winter. Have had a long season of fresh air, delightful and very
invigorating.... _Utinam! Gott in Himmel sei Dank!_"

"_November 28. Boston._ Have been much troubled of late by uncertainties
about life beyond the present. Quite suddenly, very recently, it
occurred to me to consider that Christ understood that spiritual life
would not end with death, and that His expressed certainty as to the
future life was founded upon His discernment of spiritual things. So, in
so far as I am a Christian, I must believe in the immortality of the
soul, as our Master surely did. I cannot understand why I have not
thought of that before. I think now that I shall nevermore lose sight of
it.... Had a very fine call from Mr. Locke, author of the 'Beloved
Vagabond,' a book which I have enjoyed."

"_December 5...._ I learned to-day that my dear friend of many years
[the Reverend Mary H. Graves] passed away last night very peacefully....
This is a heart sorrow for me. She has been a most faithful,
affectionate and helpful friend. I scarcely know whether any one,
outside of my family, would have pained me more by their departure...."

This was indeed a loss. "Saint Mouse," as we called her, was a familiar
friend of the household: a little gray figure, with the face of a plain
angel. For many years she had been the only person who was allowed to
touch our mother's papers. She often came for a day or two and
straightened out the tangle. She was the only approach to a secretary
ever tolerated.

We used to grieve because our mother had no first-rate "Crutch"; it
seemed a waste of power. Now, we see that it was partly the instinct of
self-preservation,--keeping the "doing" muscles tense and strong,
because action was vital and necessary to her--partly the still deeper
instinct of giving her _self_, body and mind. She seldom failed in any
important thing she undertook; the "chores" of life she often left for
others to attend to or neglect.

The Christmas services, the Christmas oratorio, brought her the usual
serene joy and comfort. She insists that Handel wrote parts of the
"Messiah" in heaven itself. "Where else could he have got 'Comfort ye,'
'Thy rebuke,' 'Thou shalt break them,' and much besides?"

Late in December, 1908, came the horror of the Sicilian earthquake. She
felt at first that it was impossible to reconcile omnipotence and
perfect benevolence with this catastrophe.

"We must hold judgment in suspense and say, 'We don't and we can't
understand.'"

She had several tasks on hand this winter, among them a poem for the
Centenary of Lincoln's birth. On February 7 she writes:--

"After a time of despair about the poem for the Lincoln Centenary some
lines came to me in the early morning. I arose, wrapped myself warmly,
and wrote what I could, making quite a beginning."

She finished the poem next day, and on the 12th she went "with three
handsome grandchildren" to deliver it at Symphony Hall before the Grand
Army of the Republic and their friends.

"The police had to make an entrance for us. I was presently conducted to
my seat on the platform. The hall was crammed to its utmost capacity. I
had felt doubts of the power of my voice to reach so large a company,
but strength seemed to be given to me at once, and I believe that I was
heard very well. T. W. H. [Colonel Higginson] came to me soon after my
reading and said, 'You have been a good girl and behaved yourself
well.'"

The next task was an essay on "Immortality," which cost her much labor
and anxious thought.

"_March 3...._ Got at last some solid ground for my screed on
'Immortality.' Our experience of the goodness of God in our daily life
assures us of His mercy hereafter, and seeing God everywhere, we shall
dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

"_March 27._ I am succeeding better with my 'Immortality' paper. Had
to-day a little bit of visioning with which I think that I would
willingly depart, when my time comes. The dreadful fear of being buried
alive disappeared for a time, and I saw only the goodness of God, to
which it seemed that I could trust all question of the future life. I
said to myself--'The best will be for thee and me.'"

It was in this mood that she wrote:--

"I, for one, feel that my indebtedness grows with my years. And it
occurred to me the other day that when I should depart from this earthly
scene, 'God's poor Debtor' might be the fittest inscription for my
gravestone, if I should have one. So much have I received from the great
Giver, so little have I been able to return."

"_April 5...._ Heard May Alden Ward, N.E.W.C., on 'Current Events.'
_Praecipuë_ tariff reform. Proposed a small group to study the question
from the point of view of the consumer. What to protect and how?
American goods cheaper in Europe than here. Blank tells me of pencils
made here for a foreign market and sold in Germany and England at a
price impossible here. I said that the real bottomless pit is the depth
of infamous slander with which people will assail our public servants,
especially when they are faithful and incorruptible, apropos of
aspersions cast on Roosevelt and Taft. Mrs. Ward read a very violent
attack upon some public man of a hundred or more years ago. He was
quoted as a monster of tyranny and injustice. His name was George
Washington."

"_April 8...._ My prayer for this Easter is that I may not waste the
inspiration of spring...."

In these days came another real sorrow to her.

"_April 10._ To-day brings the sad news of Marion Crawford's death at
Sorrento. His departure seems to have been a peaceful one. He comforted
his family and had his daughter Eleanor read Plato's 'Dialogues' to him.
Was unconscious at the last. Poor dear Marion! The end, in his case,
comes early. His father was, I think, in the early forties when he died
of a cancer behind the eye which caused blindness. He, Thomas Crawford,
had a long and very distressing illness."

Crawford had been very dear to her, ever since the days when, a radiant
schoolboy, he came and went in his vacations. There was a complete
sympathy and understanding between them, and there were few people whom
she enjoyed more.

"I wrote a letter to be read, if approved, to-morrow evening at the
Faneuil Hall meeting held to advocate the revision of our extradition
treaty with the Russian Government, which at present seems to allow that
government too much latitude of incrimination, whereby political and
civil offences can too easily be confused and a revolutionist
surrendered as a criminal, which he may or may not be."

Later in the month she writes:--

"In the early morning I began to feel that I must attempt some sort of
tribute to my dear friend of many years, Dr. Holmes, the centenary of
whose birth is to be celebrated on Tuesday next. I stayed at home from
church to follow some random rhymes which came to me in connection with
my remembrance of my ever affectionate friend. I love to think of his
beautiful service to his age and to future ages. I fear that my rhymes
will fail to crystallize, but sometimes a bad beginning leads to
something better...."

The poem was finished, more or less to her satisfaction, but she was
weary with working over it, and with "reading heavy books, Max Müller on
metaphysics, Blanqui on political economy."

"_May 10._ I began this day the screed of 'Values' which I mentioned the
other day. I have great hopes of accomplishing something useful,
remembering, as I do, with sore indignation, my own mistakes, and
desiring to help young people to avoid similar ones."

The ninetieth birthday was a festival, indeed. Letters and telegrams
poured in, rose in toppling piles which almost--not quite--daunted her;
she would hear every one, would answer as many as flesh and blood could
compass. Here is one of them:--


Most hearty congratulations on your ninetieth birthday from the boy you
picked up somewhere in New York and placed in the New York Orphan Asylum
on April 6th, 1841. Sorry I have never been able to meet you in all that
time. You [were] one of the Board of Trustees at that time.

                             Respectfully and Thankfully,
                                                   WM. DAVIDSON.

I was then about five years old, now seventy-three.

Writing to her friend of many years, Mrs. Ellen Mitchell, she says:--

"Your birthday letter was and is much valued by me. Its tone of earnest
affection is an element in the new inspiration recently given me by such
a wonderful testimony of public and private esteem and goodwill as has
been granted me in connection with my attainment of ninety years. It all
points to the future. I must work to deserve what I have received. My
dearest wish would be to take up some thread of our A.A.W. work, and
continue it. I rather hope that I may find the way to do this in the
study of Economics which I am just starting with a small group...."


                _To Mrs. Harriet Prescott Spofford_

DEAR MRS. SPOFFORD,--

You wrote me a lovely letter on my ninetieth birthday. I cannot help
feeling as if the impression expressed by you and so many other kind
friends of my personal merits must refer to some good work which I have
yet to do. What I have done looks small to me, but I have tried a good
deal for the best I have known. This is all I can say. I am much touched
by your letter, and encouraged to go on trying. Don't you think that the
best things are already in view? The opportunities for women, the
growing toleration and sympathy in religion, the sacred cause of peace?
I have lived, like Moses, to see the entrance into the Promised Land.
How much is this to be thankful for! My crabbed hand shows how Time
abridges my working powers, but I march to the brave music still, as
you and many of the juniors do.

Wishing that I might sometimes see you, believe me

                         Yours with affectionate regard,
                                                JULIA WARD HOWE.


Close upon the Birthday came another occasion of the kind which we--in
these later years--at once welcomed and deplored. She enjoyed nothing so
much as a "function," and nothing tired her so much.

On June 16, Brown University, her husband's _alma mater_ and her
grandfather's, conferred upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws. She went
to Providence to receive it in person, and thus describes the
commencement exercises to Mrs. Mitchell:--

"The ordeal of the Doctorate was rather trying, but was made as easy as
possible for me. The venerable old church was well filled, and was quite
beautiful. I sat in one of the front pews--two learned people led me to
the foot of the platform from which President Faunce, with some
laudatory remarks, handed me my diploma, while some third party placed a
picturesque hood upon my shoulders. The band played the air of my
'Battle Hymn,' and applause followed me as I went back to my seat. So
there!"

Her companion on that occasion writes:--

"She sat listening quietly to the addresses, watched each girl and boy
just starting on the voyage of life as they marched to the platform and
received from the President's hand the scrap of paper, the parchment
diploma, reward of all their studies. Her name was called last. With
the deliberate step of age, she walked forward, wearing her son's
college gown over her white dress, his mortar-board cap over her lace
veil. She seemed less moved than any person present; she could not see
what we saw, the tiny gallant figure bent with fourscore and ten years
of study and hard labor. As she moved between the girl students who
stood up to let her pass, she whispered, 'How tall they are! It seems to
me the girls are much taller than they used to be.' Did she realize how
much shorter she was than she once had been? I think not.

"Then, her eyes sparkling with fun while all other eyes were wet, she
shook her hard-earned diploma with a gay gesture in the faces of those
girls, cast on them a keen glance that somehow was a challenge, 'Catch
up with me if you can!'

"She had labored long for the higher education of women, suffered
estrangement, borne ridicule for it--the sight of those girl graduates,
starting on their life voyage equipped with a good education, was like a
sudden realization of a life-long dream; uplifted her, gave her strength
for the fatigues of the day. At the dinner given for her and the college
dignitaries by Mrs. William Goddard, she was at her best."

She was asked for a Fourth of July message to the Sunday-School children
of the Congregational Church, and wrote:--

"I want them to build up character in themselves and in the community,
to give to the country just so many men and women who will be incapable
of meanness or dishonesty, who will look upon life as a sacred trust,
given to them for honorable service to their fellow men and women. I
would have them feel that, whether rich or poor, they are bound to be of
use in their day and generation, and to be mindful of the Scripture
saying that 'no man liveth unto himself.' We all have our part to do in
keeping up the character and credit of our country. For her sake we
should study to become good and useful citizens."


In the summer of 1909 the Cretan question came up again. Once more
Turkey attempted to regain active possession of Crete; once more the
voice of Christendom was raised in protest. She had no thought this time
of being "too old." Being called upon for help, she wrote at once to
President Taft, "praying him to find some way to help the Cretans in the
terrible prospect of their being delivered over, bound hand and foot, to
Turkish misrule." She was soon gladdened by a reply from the President,
saying that he had not considered the Cretans as he should, but
promising to send her letter to the Secretary of State. "I thank God
most earnestly," she writes, "for even thus much. To-day, I feel that I
must write all pressing letters, as my time may be short."

Accordingly she composed an open letter on the Cretan question. "It is
rather crude, but it is from my heart of hearts. I had to write it."

Suffrage, too, had its share of her attention this summer. There were
meetings at "Marble House" [Newport] in which she was deeply interested.
She attended one in person; to the next she sent the second and third
generations, staying at home herself to amuse and care for the fourth.

On the last day of August she records once more her sorrow at the
departure of the summer. She adds, "God grant me to be prepared to live
or die, as He shall decree. It is best, I think, to anticipate life, and
to cultivate forethought.... I think it may have been to-day that I read
the last pages of Martineau's 'Seat of Authority in Religion,' an
extremely valuable book, yet a painful one to read, so entirely does it
do away with the old-time divinity of the dear Christ. But it leaves Him
the divinity of character--no theory or discovery can take that away."

Late September brought an occasion to which she had looked forward with
mingled pleasure and dread; the celebration of the Hudson-Fulton
Centennial in New York. She had been asked for a poem, and had taken
great pains with it, writing and re-writing it, hammering and polishing.
She thought it finished in July, yet two days before the celebration she
was still re-touching it.

"I have been much dissatisfied with my Fulton poem. Lying down to rest
this afternoon, instead of sleep, of which I felt no need, I began to
try for some new lines which should waken it up a little, and think that
I succeeded. I had brought no manuscript paper, so had to scrawl my
amendments on Sanborn's old long envelope."

Later in the day two more lines came to her, and again two the day
after. Finally, on the morning of the day itself, on awakening, she
cried out,--

"I have got my last verse!"

The occasion was a notable one. The stage of the Metropolitan Opera
House was filled with dignitaries, delegates from other States, foreign
diplomats in brilliant uniforms. The only woman among them was the
little figure in white, to greet whom, as she came forward on her son's
arm, the whole great assembly rose and stood. They remained standing
while she read her poem in clear unfaltering tones; the applause that
rang out showed that she had once more touched the heart of the public.

This poem was printed in "Collier's Weekly," unfortunately from a copy
made before the "last verse" was finished to her mind. This distressed
her. "Let this be a lesson!" she said. "Never print a poem or speech
till it has been delivered; always give the eleventh hour its chance!"

This eleventh hour brought a very special chance; a few days before, the
world had been electrified by the news of Peary's discovery of the North
Pole: it was the general voice that cried through her lips,--

  The Flag of Freedom crowns the Pole!

The following letter was written while she was at work on the poem:--

                                _To Laura_

                                         OAK GLEN, July 9, 1909.

Why, yes, I'm doing the best I know how. Have written a poem for the
Hudson and Fulton celebration, September 28. Worked hard at it. Guess
it's only pretty good, if even that. Maud takes me out every day under
the pine tree, makes me sit while she reads aloud Freeman's shorter work
on Sicily. I enjoy this.... I have just read Froude's "Cæsar," which
Sanborn says he hates, but which I found as readable as a novel. Am also
reading a work of Kuno Fischer on "Philosophy," especially relating to
Descartes. Now you know, Miss, or should know, that _same_ had great
_fame_, and sometimes _blame_, as a philosopher. But he don't make no
impression on my mind. I never doubted that I was, so don't need no
"_cogito, ergo sum,_" which is what Carty, old Boy, amounts to. Your
letter, dear, was a very proper attention under the circumstances.
Shouldn't object to another. Lemme see! objects cannot be subjects, nor
_vice versa_. How do you know that you washed your face this morning?
You don't know it, and I don't believe that you did. You might consult
H. Richards about some of these particulars. He is a man of some sense.
You are, bless you, not much wiser than your affectionate

                                                             MA.

Returned to Oak Glen, after the celebration, she writes:--

                   _To her son and his wife_

                                      OAK GLEN, October 1, 1909.

... I found my trees still green, and everything comfortable. I did not
dare to write to any one yesterday, my head was so full of nonsense.
Reaction from brain-fatigue takes this shape with me, and everything
goes "higgle-wiggledy, hi-cockalorum," or words to that effect.... We
had a delightful visit with you, dear F. G. and H. M. I miss you both,
and miss the lovely panorama of the hills, and the beauteous flower
parterres. Well, here's for next year in early Autumn, and I hope I may
see you both before that time. With thanks for kindest entertainment,
and best of love,

                          Your very affectionate
                                        MOTHER AND DITTO-IN-LAW.

                              _To George H. Richards_[151]

                                      OAK GLEN, October 1, 1909.

DEAR UNCLE GEORGE,--

I got through all right, in spite of prospective views, of fainting
fits, apoplexy, what not? Trouble is now that I cannot keep calling up
some thousands of people, and saying: "Admire me, do. I wrote it all my
little own self." Seriously, there is a little reaction from so much
excitement. But I hope to recover my senses in time. I improved the last
two stanzas much when I recited the poem. The last line read

  The Flag of Freedom crowns the Pole!

I tell you, I brought it out with a will, and they all [the audience]
made a great noise....

  [151] Her man of business and faithful friend. Though of her children's
generation, she had adopted him as an "uncle."


We doubt if any of the compliments pleased her so much as that of the
Irish charwoman who, mop in hand, had been listening at one of the side
doors of the theatre. "Oh, you dear little old lady!" she cried. "You
speaked your piece _real_ good!"

Late October finds her preparing for the move to Boston.

"I have had what I may call a spasm of gratitude to God for His great
goodness to me, sitting in my pleasant little parlor, with the lovely
golden trees in near view, and the devotion of my children and great
kindness of my friends well in mind. Oh! help me, divine Father, to
merit even a very little of Thy kindness!"

In this autumn she was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts
and Letters, and in December she wrote for its first meeting a poem
called "The Capitol." She greatly desired to read this poem before the
association, and Maud, albeit with many misgivings, agreed to take her
on to Washington. This was not to be. On learning of her intention,
three officers of the association, William Dean Howells, Robert
Underwood Johnson, and Thomas Nelson Page, sent her a "round-robin"
telegram, begging her not to run the risk of the long winter journey.
The kindly suggestion was not altogether well taken. "Ha!" she flashed
out. "They think I am too old, but there's a little ginger left in the
old blue jar!"

She soon realized the wisdom as well as the friendliness of the round
robin, and confided to the Journal that she had been in two minds about
it.

On Christmas Day she writes:--

"Thanks to God who gave us the blessed Christ. What a birth was this!
Two thousand years have only increased our gratitude for it. How it has
consecrated Babyhood and Maternity! Two infants, grown to man's estate,
govern the civilized world to-day, Christ and Moses. I am still thankful
to be here in the flesh, as they were once, and oh! that I may never
pass where they are not!"

The winter of 1909-10 was a severe one, and she was more or less housed;
yet the days were full and bright for her. "Life," she cried one day,
"is like a cup of tea; all the sugar is at the bottom!" and again, "Oh!
I must go so soon, and I am only just ready to go to college!"

When it was too cold for her to go out, she took her walk in the house,
with the windows open, pacing resolutely up and down her room and the
room opposite. She sat long hours at her desk, in patient toil. She was
always picking up dropped stitches, trying to keep every promise, answer
every note.

"Went through waste-paper basket, redeeming some bits torn to fragments,
which either should be answered or recorded. Wrote an autograph for Mr.
Blank. It was asked for in 1905. Had been _put away_ and forgotten."

She got too tired that morning, and could not fully enjoy the Authors'
Club in the afternoon.

"Colonel Higginson and I sat like two superannuated old idols. Each of
us said a little say when the business was finished."

It is not recalled that they presented any such appearance to others.

She went to the opera, a mingled pleasure and pain.

"It was the 'Huguenots,' much of which was known to me in early youth,
when I used to sing the 'Rataplan' chorus with my brothers. I sang also
Valentine's prayer, '_Parmi les fleurs mon rêve se ranime_,' with
obligato bassoon accompaniment, using the 'cello instead. I know that I
sang much better that night than usual, for dear Uncle John said to me,
'You singed good!' Poor Huti played the 'cello. Now, I listened for the
familiar bits, and recognized the drinking chorus in Act 1st, the
'Rataplan' in Act 2d. Valentine's prayer, if given, was so overlaid with
_fioritura_ that I did not feel sure of it. The page's pretty song was
all right, but I suffered great fatigue, and the reminiscences were
sad."

Through the winter she continued the study of economics with some
fifteen members of the New England Woman's Club. She read Bergson too,
and now and then "got completely bogged" in him, finding no "central
point that led anywhere."

About this time she wrote:--


_"Some Rules for Everyday Life_

"1. Begin every day with a few minutes of retired meditation, tending to
prayer, in order to feel within yourself the spiritual power which will
enable you to answer the demands of practical life.

"2. Cultivate systematic employment and learn to estimate correctly the
time required to accomplish whatever you may undertake.

"3. Try to occupy both your mind and your muscles, since each of these
will help the other, and both deteriorate without sufficient exercise.

"4. Remember that there is great inherent selfishness in human nature,
and train yourself to consider adequately the advantage and pleasure of
others.

"5. Be thankful to be useful.

"6. Try to ascertain what are real uses, and to follow such maxims and
methods as will stand the test of time, and not fail with the passing
away of a transient enthusiasm.

"7. Be neither over distant nor over familiar in your intercourse;
friendly rather than confidential; not courting responsibility, but not
declining it when it of right belongs to you.

"8. Be careful not to falsify true principles by a thoughtless and
insufficient application of them.

"9. Though actions of high morality ensure in the end the greatest
success, yet view them in the light of obligation, not in that of
policy.

"10. Whatever your talents may be, consider yourself as belonging to the
average of humanity, since, even if superior to many in some respects,
you will be likely to fall below them in others.

"11. Remember the Christian triad of virtues. Have faith in principles,
hope in God, charity with and for all mankind."


A windy March found her "rather miserably ailing." Dr. Langmaid came,
and pronounced her lungs "sound as a bass drum"; nothing amiss save a
throat irritated by wind and dust. Thereupon she girded herself and
buckled to her next task, a poem for the centenary of James Freeman
Clarke.

"I have despaired of a poem which people seem to expect from me for the
dear James Freeman's centennial. To-day the rhymes suddenly flowed, but
the thought is difficult to convey--the reflection of heaven in his soul
is what he gave, and what he left us."

"_April 1._ Very much tossed up and down about my poem...."

"_April 2._ Was able at last, _D.G._, to make the poem explain itself.
Rosalind, my incorruptible critic, was satisfied with it. I think and
hope that all my trouble has been worth while. I bestowed it most
unwillingly, having had little hope that I could make my figure of
speech intelligible. I am very thankful for this poem, cannot be
thankful enough."

This was her third tribute to the beloved Minister, and is, perhaps, the
best of the three. The thought which she found so difficult of
conveyance is thus expressed:--

  Lifting from the Past its veil,
  What of his does now avail?
  Just a mirror in his breast
  That revealed a heavenly guest,
  And the love that made us free
  Of the same high company.
  These he brought us, these he left,
  When we were of him bereft.


She thus describes the occasion:--

"Coughed in the night, and at waking suffered much in mind, fearing that
a wild fit of coughing might make my reading unacceptable and even
ridiculous. Imagine my joy when I found my voice clear and strong, and
read the whole poem [forty-four lines] without the slightest inclination
to cough. This really was the granting of my prayer, and my first
thought about it was, 'What shall I render to the Lord for all His
goodness to me?' I thought, 'I will interest myself more efficiently in
the great questions which concern Life and Society at large.' If I have
'the word for the moment,' as some think, I will take more pains to
speak it."

A little later came a centenary which--alas!--she did not enjoy. It was
that of Margaret Fuller, and was held in Cambridge. She was asked to
attend it, and was assured that she "would not be expected to speak."
This kindly wish to spare fatigue to a woman of ninety-one was the last
thing she desired. She could hardly believe that she would be left
out--she, who had known Margaret, had talked and corresponded with her.

"They have not asked me to speak!" she said more than once as the time
drew near.

She was reassured; of course they would ask her when they saw her!

"I have a poem on Margaret!"

"Take it with you! Of course you will be asked to say something, and
then you will be all ready with your poem in your pocket."

Thus Maud, in all confidence. Indeed, if one of her own had gone with
her, the matter would have been easily arranged; unfortunately, the
companion was a friend who could make no motion in the matter. She
returned tired and depressed. "They did not ask me to speak," she said,
"and I was the only person present who had known Margaret and remembered
her."

For a little while this incident weighed on her. She felt that she was
"out of the running"; but a winning race was close at hand.

The question of pure milk was before the Massachusetts Legislature, and
was being hotly argued. An urgent message came by telephone; would Mrs.
Howe say a word for the good cause? Maud went to her room, and found her
at her desk, the morning's campaign already begun.

"There is to be a hearing at the State House on the milk question; they
want you dreadfully to speak. What do you say?"

"Give me half an hour!" she said.

Before the half-hour was over she had sketched out her speech and
dressed herself in her best flowered silk cloak and her new lilac hood,
a birthday gift from a poor seamstress. Arrived at the State House, she
sat patiently through many speeches. Finally she was called on to speak;
it was noticed that no oath was required of her. As she rose and came
forward on her daughter's arm,--"You may remain seated, Mrs. Howe," said
the benevolent chairman.

"I prefer to stand!" was the reply.

She had left her notes behind; she did not need them. Standing in the
place where, year after year, she had stood to ask for the full rights
of citizenship, she made her last thrilling appeal for justice.

"We have heard," she said, "a great deal about the farmers' and the
dealers' side of this case. We want the matter settled on the ground of
justice and mercy; it ought not to take long to settle what is just to
all parties. Justice to all! Let us stand on that. There is one deeply
interested party, however, of whom we have heard nothing. He cannot
speak for himself; I am here to speak for him: the infant!"

The effect was electrical. In an instant the tired audience, the dull or
dogged or angry debaters, woke to a new interest, a new spirit. No
farmer so rough, no middle-man so keen, no legislator so apathetic, but
felt the thrill. In a silence charged with deepest feeling all listened
as to a prophetess, as, step by step, she unfolded the case of the
infant as against farmers and dealers.

As Arthur Dehon Hill, counsel for the Pure Milk Association, led her
from the room, he said, "Mrs. Howe, you have saved the day!"

This incident was still in her mind on her ninety-first birthday, a few
days later.

"My parlors are full of beautiful flowers and other gifts, interpreted
by notes expressive of much affection, and telegrams of the same sort.
What dare I ask for more? Only that I may do something in the future to
deserve all this love and gratitude. I have intended to deserve it all
and more. Yet, when in thought I review my life, I feel the waste and
loss of power thro' want of outlook. Like many another young person, I
did not know what my really available gifts were. Perhaps the best was a
feeling of what I may call 'the sense of the moment,' which led a French
friend to say of me: '_Mme. Howe possède le mot à un dégré
remarquable._' I was often praised for saying 'just the right word,'
and I usually did this with a strong feeling that it ought to be said."

Early in June, just as she was preparing for the summer flitting, she
had a bad fall, breaking a rib. This delayed the move for a week, no
more, the bone knitting easily. She was soon happy among her green
trees, her birds singing around her.

The memories of this last summer come flocking in, themselves like
bright birds. She was so well, so joyous, giving her lilies with such
full hands; it was a golden time.

As the body failed, the mind--or so it seemed to us--grew ever clearer,
the veil that shrouds the spirit ever more transparent. She "saw things
hidden."

One day a summer neighbor came, bringing her son, a handsome, athletic
fellow, smartly dressed, a fine figure of gilded youth. She looked at
him a good deal: presently she said suddenly,--

"You write poetry!"

The lad turned crimson: his mother looked dumfounded. It proved that he
had lately written a prize poem, and that literature was the goal of his
ambition. Another day she found a philosopher hidden in what seemed to
the rest of the family merely "a callow boy in pretty white duck
clothes." So she plucked out the heart of each man's mystery, but so
tenderly that it was yielded gladly, young and old alike feeling
themselves understood.

Among the visitors of this summer none was more welcome than her
great-grandson, Christopher Birckhead,[152] then an infant in arms. She
loved to hold and watch the child, brooding over him with grave
tenderness: it was a beautiful and gracious picture of Past and Future.

  [152] Son of Caroline Minturn (Hall) and the Reverend Hugh Birckhead.

Maud had just written a book on Sicily, and, as always, our mother read
and corrected the galley proofs. She did this with exquisite care and
thoughtfulness, never making her suggestions on the proof itself, but on
a separate sheet of paper, with the number of the galley, the phrase,
and her suggested emendations. This was her invariable custom: the
writer must be perfectly free to retain her own phrase, if she preferred
it.

Walking tired her that summer, but she was very faithful about it.

"Zacko," she would command John Elliott, "take me for a walk."

The day before she took to her bed, he remembers that she clung to him
more than usual and said,--

"It tires me very much." (This after walking twice round the piazza.)

"Once more!" he encouraged.

"No--I have walked all I can to-day."

"Let me take you back to your room this way," he said, leading her back
by the piazza. "That makes five times each way!"

She laughed and was pleased to have done this, but he thinks she had a
great sense of weakness too.

Her favorite piece on the "Victor" that summer was "The Artillerist's
Oath." The music had a gallant ring to it, and there was something
heroic about the whole thing, something that suggested the Forlorn
Hope--how many of them she had led! When nine o'clock came, she would
ask for this piece by the nickname she had given it, taken from one of
its odd lines,--

  "I'll wed thee in the battle's front!"

While the song was being given, she was all alert and alive, even if she
may have been sleepy earlier in the evening. She would get up with a
little gesture of courage, and take leave of us, always with a certain
ceremony, that was like the withdrawing of royalty. The evening was then
over, and we too went to bed!

As we gather up our treasures of this last summer, we remember that
several things might have prepared us for what was coming, had not our
eyes been holden. She spoke a great deal of old times, the figures of
her childhood and girlhood being evidently very near to her. She quoted
them often; "My grandma used to say--" She spoke as naturally as the boy
in the next room might speak of her.

She would not look in the glass; "I don't like to see my old face!" she
said. She could not see the beauty that every one else saw. Yet she kept
to the very last a certain tender coquetry. She loved her white dresses,
and the flowered silk cloak of that last summer. She chose with care the
jewels suited to each costume, the topaz cross for the white, the
amethysts for the lilac. She had a great dread of old people's being
untidy or unprepossessing in appearance, and never grudged the moments
spent in adjusting the right cap and lace collar.

There was an almost unearthly light in her face, a transparency and
sweetness that spoke to others more plainly than to us: Hugh Birckhead
saw and recognized it as a look he had seen in other faces of saintly
age, as their translation approached. But we said joyously to her and to
each other, "She will round out the century; we shall all keep the
Hundredth Birthday together!" And we and she partly believed it.

The doctor had insisted strongly that she should keep, through the
summer at least, the trained nurse who had ministered to her after her
fall. She "heard what he said, but it made no difference." In early
August she records "a passage at arms with Maud, in which I clearly
announced my intention of dispensing with the services of a trained
nurse, my good health and simple habits rendering it entirely
unnecessary."

She threatened to write to her man of business.

"_I would rather die_," she said, "than be an old woman with a nurse!"

Maud and Florence wept, argued, implored, but the nurse was dismissed.
The Journal acknowledges that "her ministrations and Dr. Cobb's
diagnosis have been very beneficial to my bodily health." On the same
day she records the visit of a Persian Prince, who had come to this
country chiefly to see two persons, the President of the United States
and Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. "He also claims to be a reincarnation of some
remarkable philosopher; and to be so greatly interested in the cause of
Peace that he declines to visit our ships now in the harbor here, to
which he has been invited."

Reading Theodore Parker's sermon on "Wisdom and Intellect," she found it
so full of notable sayings that she thought "a little familiar book of
daily inspiration and aspiration" might be made from his writings: she
wrote to Mr. Francis J. Garrison suggesting this, and suggesting also,
what had been long in her mind, the collecting and publishing of her
"Occasional Poems."

In late September, she was "moved to write one or more open letters on
what religion really is, for some one of the women's papers"; and the
next day began upon "What is Religion?" or rather, "What Sort of
Religion makes Religious Liberty possible?"

A day or two later, she was giving an "offhand talk" on the early
recollections of Newport at the Papéterie, and going to an afternoon tea
at a musical house, where, after listening to Schumann Romances and
Chopin waltzes, and to the "Battle Hymn" on the 'cello, she was moved to
give a performance of "Flibbertigibbet." This occasion reminded her
happily of her father's house, of Henry "playing tolerably on the
'cello, Marion studying the violin, Bro' Sam's lovely tenor voice."

Now came the early October days when she was to receive the degree of
Doctor of Laws from Smith College. She hesitated about making the
tiresome journey, but finally, "Grudging the trouble and expense, I
decide to go to Smith College, for my degree, but think I won't do so
any more."

She started accordingly with daughter and maid, for Northampton,
Massachusetts. It was golden weather, and she was in high spirits.
Various college dignitaries met her at the station; one of these had
given up a suite of rooms for her use; she was soon established in much
peace and comfort.

Wednesday, October 5, was a day of perfect autumn beauty. She was early
dressed in her white dress, with the college gown of rich black silk
over it, the "mortar-board" covering in like manner her white lace cap.
Thus arrayed, a wheeled chair conveyed her to the great hall, already
packed with visitors and graduates, as was the deep platform with
college officials and guests of honor. Opposite the platform, as if hung
in air, a curving gallery was filled with white-clad girls, some two
thousand of them; as she entered they rose like a flock of doves, and
with them the whole audience. They rose once more when her name was
called, last in the list of those honored with degrees; and as she came
forward, the organ pealed, and the great chorus of fresh young voices
broke out with

  "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord--"

It was the last time.

Later in the day the students of Chapin House brought their guest-book,
begging for her autograph. She looked at Laura with a twinkle.

"Do you think they would like me to write something?"

Assured on that point, she waited a moment, and then wrote after her
signature,--

  Wandered to Smith College
  In pursuit of knowledge;
  Leaves so much the wiser,
  Nothing can surprise her!

She reached home apparently without undue fatigue. "She will be more
tired to-morrow!" we said; but she was not. Her son came for the
week-end, and his presence was always a cordial. Sunday was a happy day.
In the evening we gathered round the piano, she playing, son and
daughters singing the old German student songs brought by "Uncle Sam"
from Heidelberg seventy years before.

On the Tuesday she went to the Papéterie, and was the life and soul of
the party, sparkling with merriment. Driving home, it was so warm that
she begged to have the top of the carriage put back, and so she enjoyed
the crowning pageant of the autumn, the full hunter's moon and the
crimson ball of the sun both visible at once.

Wednesday found her busy at her desk, confessing to a slight cold, but
making nothing of it. The next day bronchitis developed, followed by
pneumonia. For several days the issue seemed doubtful, the strong
constitution fighting for life. Two devoted physicians were beside her,
one the friend of many years, the other a young assistant. The presence
of the latter puzzled her, but his youth and strength seemed tonic to
her, and she would rest quietly with her hand in his strong hand.

On Sunday evening the younger physician thought her convalescent; the
elder said, "If she pulls through the next twenty-four hours, she will
recover."

But she was too weary. That night they heard her say, "God will help
me!" and again, toward morning, "I am so tired!"

Being alone for a moment with Maud, she spoke one word: a little word
that had meant "good-bye" between them in the nursery days.

So, in the morning of Monday, October 17, her spirit passed quietly on
to God's keeping.

Those who were present at her funeral will not forget it. The
flower-decked church, the mourning multitude, the white coffin borne
high on the shoulders of eight stalwart grandsons, the words of age-long
wisdom and beauty gathered into a parting tribute, the bugle sounding
Taps, as she passed out in her last earthly triumph, the blind children
singing round the grave on which the autumn sun shone with a final
golden greeting.

       *       *       *       *       *

We have told the story of our mother's life, possibly at too great
length; but she herself told it in eight words.

"Tell me," Maud asked her once, "what is the ideal aim of life?"

She paused a moment, and replied, dwelling thoughtfully on each word,--

"To learn, to teach, to serve, to enjoy!"


THE END




INDEX


  Abbott, J., I, 214, 215; II, 99.

  Abdin Palace, II, 35, 36.

  Abdul Hamid II, II, 42.

  Abdul Hassan, mosque of, II, 36.

  Aberdeen, Countess of, II, 165, 166.

  Aberdeen, J. C. H. Gordon, Earl of, II, 165.

  Abolitionists, I, 177, 305; II, 171.

  Academy of Fine Arts, French, II, 23.

  Acroceraunian Mountains, I, 272.

  Acropolis, II, 43.

  Adamowski, Timothée, II, 55, 58.

  Adams, Charles Follen, II, 270, 273;
    verse by, II, 335.

  Adams, Mrs. C. F., I, 266.

  Adams, John, I, 4.

  Adams, John Quincy, II, 312.

  Adams, Nehemiah, I, 168.

  _Advertiser, Boston_, II, 195, 222.

  Ægina, I, 73.

  Æschylus, II, 130, 282, 348, 372.

  Agassiz, Alexander, II, 50.

  Agassiz, Elizabeth Cary, I, 124, 345, 361; II, 228, 287, 292.

  Agassiz, Louis, I, 124, 151, 251, 345; II, 150, 158.

  Aidé, Hamilton, II, 251.

  Airlie, Lady, II, 254.

  _Alabama_, II, 108.

  Albania, I, 272.

  Albany, I, 342.

  Albert of Savoy, II, 303.

  Albert Victor, II, 9.

  Albinola, Sig., I, 94.

  Alboni, Marietta, I, 87.

  Alcott, A. Bronson, I, 285, 290; II, 57, 120.

  Aldrich, Mrs. Richard, II, 367.

  Aldrich, T. B., I, 244, 262; II, 70, 354, 357, 358.

  Aldrich, Mrs. T. B., I, 245.

  Alger, Wm. R., I, 207, 244, 245; II, 127, 139, 140.

  Allston, John, I, 12.

  Alma-Tadema, Lady, II, 168, 169.

  Alma-Tadema, Laurence, II, 168, 169, 171.

  Almy, Mr., II, 139.

  Amadeo, II, 31, 278.

  Amalfi, II, 33.

  Amberley, Lady, I, 266.

  Amélie, Queen, II, 30.

  America, I, 7, 11, 207, 247, 267, 273, 320, 344; II, 18, 21, 189.

  American Academy of Arts and Letters, II, 399.

  American Academy of Science, I, 251, 259.

  American Authors, Society of, II, 355.

  American Branch, International Peace Society, I, 306.

  American Civil War, I, 176, 186, 219-22; II, 253.

  American Institute of Education, II, 68.

  _American Notes_, I, 81.

  American Peace Society, I, 303.

  American Revolution, I, 6.

  American School of Archæology, Athens, II, 243.

  American Woman Suffrage Association, I, 365.

  Ames, Mr., II, 166, 167.

  Ames, Charles Gordon, I, 392; II, 187,193, 216, 229, 273, 280, 287,
        288, 298, 324, 328, 358, 361.

  Ames, Fanny, II, 297.

  Ames, Mrs. Sheldon, II, 22.

  Amsterdam, II, 11.

  Anacreon, I, 289.

  Anagnos, Julia R., I, 96, 104, 106, 114, 115, 116, 119, 122, 126,
        128, 133, 159-63, 172, 181, 216, 249-51, 264, 265, 267, 297,
        349, 350, 352; II, 46, 59, 65, 70, 73, 74, 115-20, 123, 127,
        128, 129, 164, 349.

  Anagnos, Michael, I, 273, 281, 288-90, 297, 331, 332; II, 116-18,
        129, 228, 229, 293, 300, 347, 348, 349, 357, 360.

  Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, I, 232.

  Anderson, Hendrik, II, 240, 243, 244, 248, 252.

  Anderson, Isabel, II, 233.

  Anderson, Larz, I, 169; II, 233, 287.

  Andrew, John A., I, 150, 151, 186, 189, 195, 220, 231, 233, 238, 239,
        246, 261, 283, 381; II, 105, 265, 323.

  Andrew, Mrs. J. A., I, 186, 231.

  Andrews, E. B., II, 187.

  Anniversary Week, I, 389; II, 151.

  Anthony, Susan, II, 344.

  Antioch College, I, 169.

  Antonayades, Mr., II, 34.

  Antwerp, I, 279; II, 11, 172.

  Antwerp Cathedral, II, 11, 172.

  Antwerp Musée, II, 11, 172, 173.

  Ap Thomas, Mr., I, 266.

  Apocrypha, I, 317.

  Appleton, Fanny. _See_ Longfellow.

  Appleton, Maud, II, 58.

  Appleton, T. G., I, 159, 359; II, 92, 93.

  Argos, I, 275, 277.

  Argyll, Elizabeth, Duchess of, I, 267.

  Argyll, G. D., Campbell, Duke of, I, 267.

  Argyll, ninth Duke of, I, 267; II, 223.

  Arion Musical Society, II, 173.

  Aristophanes, I, 329; II, 98, 128, 130.

  Aristotle, I, 335; II, 7, 169, 174, 348, 372.

  Armenia, II, 189, 190, 209, 215.

  Armenia, Friends of, II, 190, 191.

  Armstrong, S. C., II, 91.

  Army Register, I, 344.

  Arnold, Benedict, I, 5.

  Arnold, Matthew, II, 87.

  Arthur, Chester A., II, 101.

  Ascension Church, I, 70.

  Assiout, II, 36.

  Association for the Advancement of Women, I, 361, 373-76, 383, 384;
        II, 29, 58, 73, 84, 90, 91, 95, 97, 98, 131, 141, 152, 162,
        178, 180, 183, 199, 200, 207, 209, 268.

  Astor, Emily. _See_ Ward.

  Astor, John, I, 121.

  Astor, Wm. B., I, 57, 99.

  Athens, I, 273, 274, 275, 278, 287; II, 43, 243.

  Athens Museum, II, 43.

  Atherstone, I, 97, 280.

  Athol, I, 119.

  Atkinson, Edward, II, 62, 177.

  Atlanta, II, 207, 208.

  Atlantic, II, 75.

  _Atlantic Monthly_, I, 176, 188; II, 295.

  Augusta, Empress, II, 22.

  Austria, I, 94.

  Authors Club, Boston, II, 270, 271, 320, 334, 340, 341, 354, 357.

  Avignon, I, 97.


  Babcock, Mrs. C. A., II, 215.

  Bacon, Gorham, II, 49.

  Baddeley, Mr., II, 246.

  Baez, Buenaventura, I, 323, 325, 328, 329, 334.

  Bailey, Jacob, I, 37, 52.

  Bairam, feast of, II, 34.

  Baker, Lady, I, 267.

  Baker, Sir Samuel, I, 266.

  Baltimore, I, 169, 240; II, 343, 344.

  Baluet, Judith. _See_ Marion.

  Balzac, Honoré de, I, 67.

  Bancroft, George, I, 46, 209, 230; II, 139.

  Bank of Commerce, I, 17, 63.

  Bank of England, I, 62.

  Bank of the United States, I, 62.

  Banks, N. P., I, 172.

  Barlow, Gen. Francis, I, 192; II, 61.

  Barlow, Mrs. Francis, I, 192.

  Barnardo, T. J., II, 165.

  Barnstable, I, 231, 232, 233.

  Barrows, S. J., II, 229.

  Barrows, Mrs. S. J., II, 209, 228.

  Bartenders' Union, I, 391.

  Bartol, C. A., I, 221, 222, 234, 245, 286, 346; II, 127.

  Barton, Clara, II, 210, 215.

  Batcheller, Mrs. Alfred, II, 269.

  Batcheller, Mrs. Frank, II, 292.

  Battle Abbey, I, 4.

  _Battle Hymn_, I, 9, 173, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 230, 234; II, 108,
        125, 136, 155, 191, 233, 250, 265, 273, 279, 311, 327, 349,
        351, 354, 365, 381, 392, 411, 412.

  Baur, F. C., I, 329, 332, 333, 335, 356.

  Bayard, T. F., II, 96.

  Beach, H. P., II, 61, 73, 76, 90.

  Beal, J. A., II, 322.

  Bedford, Duchess of, II, 171.

  Bedford Hills, II, 364.

  Beecher, Catherine, I, 110.

  Beecher, H. W., I, 226, 365; II, 123, 235.

  Beethoven, L. van, II, 19, 157, 351.

  Belgium, I, 279, 280; II, 172.

  Belknap, Jane, I, 128.

  Bell, Helen, II, 150.

  Bellini, Vincenzo, II, 313.

  Bellows, H. W., II, 57.

  Benzon, Mrs., I, 265, 266.

  Berdan, Mrs., II, 227.

  Bergson, Henri, II, 401.

  Berlin, I, 93, 94; II, 12, 19.

  Bernhardt, Sarah, II, 227.

  Besant, Walter, II, 171.

  Bethany, II, 40.

  Bethlehem, II, 38.

  Bible, I, 46, 53, 109, 208, 254, 310, 323, 336, 340, 344, 385;
        II, 95, 174, 231.

  Bigelow, Mary, I, 145.

  Bigelow, Susan, I, 145; II, 231.

  Birckhead, Caroline, II, 233.

  Birckhead, Christopher, II, 407.

  Birckhead, Hugh, II, 410.

  Bird, F. W., Sr., II, 187.

  Bishop, Mr., I, 240, 241.

  Bisland, Elizabeth, II, 108.

  Bismarck, Otto von, II, 19, 303.

  Björnson, Björnstjerne, II, 243, 247.

  Black, Wm., II, 9.

  Blackstone, Wm., I, 73.

  Blackwell, Alice, II, 190, 233, 325.

  Blackwell, Antoinette, I, 375; II, 152, 154.

  Blackwell, Henry, I, 332; II, 190.

  Blair, Montgomery, I, 238.

  Blanc, Louis, II, 24.

  Blind, work for the, I, 73; II, 347. _See also_ Perkins Institution
        _and_ Kindergarten.

  Bloomsbury, II, 4, 7.

  _Boatswain's Whistle_, I, 210, 211.

  Boer War, II, 272.

  Bologna, II, 27.

  Bonaparte, Joseph, I, 147, 328.

  Bond Street, I, 22.

  Bonheur, Rosa, II, 20.

  Boocock, Mr., I, 43, 44.

  Booth, Charles, II, 166.

  Booth, Edwin, I, 172, 177, 203-05, 219, 327; II, 69, 70, 97,
        183, 198, 345.

  Booth, J. Wilkes, I, 220, 221.

  Booth, Mary, I, 200, 204.

  Boppart, I, 133.

  Boston, I, 67, 70, 74, 75, 102-04, 111, 123, 126, 127, 129, 130,
        132, 156, 176, 203, 207, 249, 261, 294; II, 60, 87, 92, 130,
        168, 171, 181, 363.

  Boston Armenian Relief Committee, II, 189.

  Boston Conservatory of Music, II, 181, 217.

  Boston Museum, I, 166; II, 158.

  Boston Symphony Orchestra, II, 373.

  Boston Theatre, I, 203, 210, 350; II, 210.

  Bostwick, Mr., II, 225.

  Bottomore, Billy, I, 53, 54.

  Bourbon dynasty, I, 310.

  Bowditch, H. I., II, 187.

  Bowles, Ada C., I, 318, 390.

  Boys' Reform School, I, 233.

  Bracebridge, C. N., I, 97, 280.

  Bracebridge, Mrs. C. N., I, 97, 280.

  Brahms, Johannes, II, 71, 156, 210.

  Brain Club, I, 201, 202, 215, 257, 264, 281.

  Brattleboro, I, 118, 119.

  Breadwinners' College, II, 128.

  Breschkovskaya, Catherine, II, 187, 188.

  Bridgman, Laura, I, 73, 74, 89, 95, 101, 102, 133; II, 8, 145,
        262, 293.

  Bright, Jacob, I, 314.

  Broadwood, Louisa, II, 247, 255.

  Brontë, Charlotte, I, 170.

  Brooke, Lord, II, 165.

  Brooke, Stopford, II, 167.

  Brooklyn, I, 27; II, 202.

  Brooks, C. T., I, 255; II, 56.

  Brooks, Phillips, II, 75, 126, 127, 141, 162, 171, 172, 179.

  Brooks, Preston, I, 168.

  Brown, Anna, II, 57.

  Brown, Charlotte Emerson, II, 182.

  Brown, John, I, 151, 177, 179, 187, 381; II, 234.

  Brown, Mrs. John, I, 177.

  Brown, Olympia, I, 389.

  Brown University, I, 72, 297; II, 392.

  Browning, E. B., I, 201, 266; II, 167.

  Browning, Robert, I, 266; II, 5, 84, 171, 227, 306, 367.

  Bruce, Mr., II, 167.

  Bruce, Mrs. E. M., I, 389, 391.

  Bruges, I, 280.

  Brummel, G. B., I, 316.

  Brussels, I, 279.

  Bryant, W. C., I, 209, 304; II, 197, 198.

  Bryce, James, II, 168.

  Buck, Florence, I, 391.

  Buffalo, I, 376; II, 90, 139.

  Buller, Charles, I, 82.

  Bullock, A. H., I, 249.

  Bulwer-Lytton, E., I, 262; II, 206.

  Burne-Jones, Mrs. E., II, 169.

  Burns, Robert, I, 139.

  Burr, Mrs., II, 130.

  Burt, Mr., II, 248.

  Busoni, Sig., II, 192.

  Butcher, S. H., II, 323.

  Butler, Josephine, II, 21.

  Butler, W. A., II, 248, 306.

  Butterworth, Hezekiah, II, 228, 270.

  Byron, G. Gordon, Lord, I, 68; II, 296.


  Cable, G. W., II, 87.

  Cabot, Elliot, II, 363.

  Caine, Hall, II, 243, 248, 250.

  Cairo, II, 34, 35, 36, 182.

  California, II, 131, 135, 154.

  Calypso, I, 272.

  Cambridge Club, II, 66.

  Campagna, I, 95, 134.

  Campanari, Sig., II, 270.

  Campbell, Dudley, II, 8.

  Campello, Count Salome di, II, 273, 285, 302.

  Cardini, Sig., I, 43, 44.

  Carignan, Prince de, II, 31.

  Carlisle, Lady, I, 85, 87; II, 166.

  Carlisle, G. W. F. Howard, Earl of, I, 81, 85, 88.

  Carlyle, Thomas, I, 84, 86, 172; II, 65, 85, 86.

  Carlyle, Mrs. Thomas, I, 84; II, 85, 86.

  Cary, Mrs., I, 159.

  Casino Theatre, II, 54, 68, 77.

  Catlin, Mrs., II, 179.

  Catucci, Count, II, 243.

  Catucci, Countess, II, 243.

  Century Club, I, 258.

  Cerito, I, 87, 88.

  Ceuta, II, 234.

  Chabreuil, Vicomte de, I, 257.

  Chambrun, Marquis de, I, 239.

  Chamounix, II, 20.

  Chanler, Alida, II, 225.

  Chanler, Margaret. _See_ Aldrich, Mrs. Richard.

  Chanler, Margaret Terry, II, 55, 57, 60, 65, 67, 174, 176, 202,
        220, 224, 240, 243, 244, 253, 254, 303.

  Chanler, T. W., II, 303, 304.

  Chanler, Winthrop, II, 72, 94, 174, 225, 243, 303.

  Channing, Eva, II, 208.

  Channing, W. E., I, 70, 72, 200; II, 56, 57, 77, 108, 142.

  Channing, W. H., I, 286; II, 57, 194.

  Channing Memorial Church, II, 78.

  Chapman, Elizabeth, II, 215, 224, 289.

  Chapman, J. J., II, 361.

  Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, I, 129.

  Charity Club, II, 228.

  Charleston, I, 11.

  Chase, Jacob, II, 57, 58.

  Chase, Mrs. Jacob, II, 57.

  Châtelet, Mme. du, II, 23.

  Chaucer, Geoffrey, II, 271.

  Cheney, E. D., I, 341, 375; II, 88, 119, 152, 195, 208, 266, 302,
        324, 328.

  Chester, II, 4, 164.

  Chicago, I, 374; II, 87, 131, 138, 178, 180, 184.

  Chickering, Mr., I, 120.

  Chopin, Frédéric, II, 55, 170, 351.

  _Christian Herald_, II, 278.

  _Christian Register_, II, 62.

  Church of Rome, II, 241.

  Church of the Disciples, I, 186, 237, 284, 346, 392; II, 56.

  Cincinnati, I, 169.

  City Point, II, 75.

  Clarke, Bishop, II, 198.

  Clarke, J. F., I, 177, 185, 186, 187, 198, 211, 219, 236, 239,
        247, 257, 263, 286, 290, 346, 362, 375, 392; II, 66, 67,
        70, 76, 137, 159, 234, 280, 402, 403.

  Clarke, Mrs. J. F., II, 217.

  Clarke, Sarah, I, 237.

  Claudius, Matthias, I, 67, 68; II, 71.

  Clay, Henry, I, 98.

  Clemens, S. L., II, 50, 187, 341.

  Clement, E. H., II, 320;
    verse by, 335.

  Cleveland, I, 365, 377; II, 139.

  Cleveland, Henry, I, 74.

  Cobb, Dr., II, 410.

  Cobbe, Frances P., I, 266, 314; II, 62.

  Cobden-Sanderson, Mr., II, 367.

  Cobden-Sanderson, Mrs., II, 367.

  Cochrane, Jessie, II, 240, 246, 249.

  Coggeshall, Joseph, I, 253; II, 57.

  Cogswell, J. G., I, 46, 104, 184.

  Colby, Clara, II, 180.

  Cole, Thomas, I, 42.

  Colfax, Schuyler, I, 378.

  Collegio Romano, II, 255.

  _Colliers' Weekly_, II, 391.

  Collyer, Robert, II, 62, 230, 255, 344.

  Cologne, I, 92; II, 173.

  Colonial Dames, II, 198.

  Colorado, I, 372.

  Columba Kang, II, 91.

  Columbia University, II, 227.

  Columbian Exposition, II, 107, 178, 181, 182, 184.

  Columbus, Christopher, I, 323; II, 178, 194, 244, 357.

  Combe, George, I, 95.

  _Commonwealth_, I, 141, 142.

  Concord, Mass., I, 152, 177; II, 57, 61, 77, 128, 194.

  Concord, N.H., I, 254.

  Concord Prison, II, 252.

  Concord School of Philosophy, II, 118, 119, 120, 128.

  Constantinople, I, 345; II, 35, 42.

  Continental Congress, I, 4.

  Conway, M. D., I, 306.

  Cook's agency, II, 34, 41.

  Cookson, Mr., II, 170.

  Coolidge, Joseph, II, 313.

  Copperheads, I, 239.

  Coquelin, B. C., II, 288, 289.

  Coquerel, Athanase, I, 286; II, 315.

  Corday, Charlotte, I, 12.

  Cordés, Charlotte, I, 12.

  Corea, II, 91.

  Corfù, I, 272.

  Corné, Father, I, 53, 54.

  Corot, J. B. C., II, 172.

  Corse, Gen., II, 380.

  Cotta, J. F., I, 202.

  Council of Italian Women, II, 254, 255.

  Cowell, Mary, I, 13.

  Crabbe, George, I, 13.

  Cram, R. A., II, 156.

  Cramer, J. B., I, 43.

  Crawford, Annie. _See_ Rabé.

  Crawford, Eleanor, II, 389.

  Crawford, F. Marion, I, 130, 254, 255, 362; II, 28, 31, 65, 69-71,
        80, 81, 84, 240, 362, 376, 389.

  Crawford, Mrs. F. M., II, 240.

  Crawford, Harold, II, 240.

  Crawford, Louisa W., I, 18, 19, 30, 34, 35, 58, 59, 70, 78, 79, 95,
        103, 115, 118, 130, 134.
    Letters to, I, 81, 84, 88, 92, 110, 111, 113-17, 119-22, 125-29, 130,
          131, 155-59, 168, 170-72. _See also_ Terry, Louisa.

  Crawford, Thomas, I, 41, 95, 115; II, 55, 389.

  Crete, I, 260-62, 264, 275-77, 278, 287; II, 43, 44, 225, 394.

  Crimea, I, 294.

  Crimean War, II, 189.

  _Critic, N.Y._, II, 66.

  Crothers, S. McC., II, 320.

  Crusaders, II, 15.

  Cuba, I, 173, 176, 177, 326.

  Cuckson, Mr., II, 203.

  Cumberland Lakes, I, 92.

  Curiel, Señor, I, 324.

  Curtis, G. W., I, 143, 159, 160; II, 93.
    Letter of, II, 147.

  Cushing, Mr., II, 74, 75.

  Cushing, Louisa, II, 227.

  Cushman, Charlotte, I, 204; II, 345.

  Cutler, B. C., Sr., I, 10, 13, 17.

  Cutler, B. C., 2d, I, 27, 28, 38, 39, 107; II, 222, 364.

  Cutler, Eliza. _See_ Francis.

  Cutler, John, I, 10, 12.

  Cutler, Julia. _See_ Ward.

  Cutler, Louisa. _See_ McAllister.

  Cutler, Sarah M. H., I, 10, 12, 13, 17, 39, 40, 42; II, 319.

  Cyclades, I, 272.

  Cyprus, II, 42.

  Czerwinsk, II, 12, 13, 14.


  Dana, R. H., Jr., I, 226.

  D'Annunzio, II, 285.

  Dante, Alighieri, I, 174, 330; II, 26, 27, 120,357.

  Dantzig, II, 15, 18.

  Daubigny, C. F., II, 172.

  Daughters of the American Revolution, II, 179, 194, 351.

  Davenport, E. L., I, 204.

  Davidson, Thomas, II, 128.

  Davidson, Wm., letter of, II, 390.

  Davis, James C., I, 201, 251.

  Davis, Jefferson, I, 222.

  Davis, Mary F., I, 304.

  Davis, Theodore, II, 251.

  Dead Sea, II, 38, 39.

  Declaration of Independence, I, 4.

  DeKoven, Reginald, II, 195.

  Deland, Lorin, II, 332, 333.

  Deland, Margaret, II, 303, 332.

  _Delineator_, II, 381.

  DeLong, G. W., I, 322, 325.

  Demesmaker. _See_ Cutler, John.

  Denver, II, 152, 153.

  Descartes, René, II, 397.

  Desgrange, Mme., II, 240.

  Detroit, II, 141.

  Devonshire, Duchess of, II, 8.

  Devonshire, Wm. Cavendish, Duke of, II, 8.

  DeWars, Mr., II, 224.

  Diana, Temple of, II, 6.

  Diaz, Abby M., II, 323.

  Dickens, Catherine, I, 85.

  Dickens, Charles, I, 71, 81, 83, 84, 87, 286.

  Diman, Mr., II, 304.

  Dirschau, II, 14.

  Dix, Dorothea, I, 73.

  Dole, N. H., II, 273.

  Donald, Dr., II, 199, 200, 203.

  Doolittle, Senator, I, 239.

  Doré, Gustave, II, 248.

  Dorr, Mary W., I, 74, 128, 214.

  Downer, Mr., II, 362.

  Doyle, Lt., II, 104.

  Draper, Gov., II, 253.

  Dresel, Otto, I, 245; II, 375.

  Dublin, I, 88, 90.

  Dubois, Prof., II, 261, 262.

  DuMaurier, George, II, 239.

  Dunbar, P. L., II, 261.

  Dunbar, Mrs. P. L., II, 262.

  Duncan, W. A., II, 96.

  Dunkirk, II, 121.

  Duse, Eleanore, II, 223.

  Dwight, J. S., I, 265; II, 129, 150, 157.

  Dwight, Mary, II, 74.


  Eames, Mr., I, 247.

  Eames, Mrs., I, 238, 246.

  Eastburn, Manton, I, 70, 107.

  Eddy, Sarah, J., II, 126.

  Edgeworth, Maria, I, 89, 90.

  Edgeworthtown, I, 88.

  Edward VII, II, 9.

  Eels, Mr., II, 262.

  Egypt, II, 34, 38.

  Eliot, Charles W., II, 355, 356.

  Eliot, Samuel, II, 92, 126, 194, 288.

  Eliot, Mrs. Samuel, II, 194.

  Eliot, S. A., II, 265, 275, 299.

  Elliott, John, II, 125, 131, 164, 165, 234, 239, 240, 256, 287,
        295, 298, 303, 312, 408.

  Elliott, Maud Howe, I, 112, 146, 166, 205, 217, 219, 222, 228, 265,
        317, 322, 329, 332, 334, 339, 342, 343, 346, 348, 353, 366;
        II, 4, 7, 9, 28, 31, 36, 44, 57, 61, 62, 65, 67, 68-71, 73, 83,
        90, 94, 98, 101, 113-15, 119, 122, 125, 131, 132, 138, 146, 158,
        164, 169, 182, 207, 234, 236, 238, 240, 241, 244, 247, 249, 251,
        255, 256, 281, 284, 285, 288, 290, 292, 294, 295, 298, 302-04,
        312-14, 318, 320, 322, 324, 328, 340, 341, 363, 369, 370, 381,
        397, 399, 404, 405, 408, 410, 414.
    Letters to, II, 132, 138, 139, 155, 156, 193, 195-200, 202, 217, 218,
          220, 224, 226, 227, 231.

  Elmira Reformatory, II, 107.

  Elssler, Fanny, I, 87.

  Elsteth, I, 349; II, 57.

  Embley, I, 97.

  Emerson, Miss, II, 224.

  Emerson, Edward, II, 378.

  Emerson, R. W., I, 70, 72, 87, 139, 140, 177, 209, 290; II, 10, 50,
        56, 61, 76, 77, 120, 137, 143, 250, 263, 304, 363.
    Letter of, I, 139.

  Emerson, Mrs. R. W., II, 61, 76, 87.

  England, I, 85, 93, 312; II, 9, 10, 21, 164, 296.

  England, Church of, II, 174.

  Ephesus, II, 5.

  Europe, I, 138; II, 4, 12, 188.
    _See also_ separate countries.

  Evangelides, Christy, I, 42, 272.

  Evans, Lawrence, II, 324.

  _Evening Express, Newport_, II, 54.

  _Evening Post, N. Y._, II, 156.

  Everett, Edward, I, 87, 168, 210, 211; II, 317.


  Fairchild, Sarah, II, 157.

  Faneuil Hall, II, 88, 190.

  Fano, I, 272.

  Farinata, I, 174.

  Farman, Mr., II, 36.

  Farrar, Canon, II, 252.

  Fast Day, abolition of, II, 193.

  Faucit, Helen, I, 87.

  Fellows, Sir Charles, I, 85.

  Feltham, Owen, I, 13, 40.

  Felton, Cornelius, I, 74, 120; II, 44.

  Felton, Mrs. Cornelius, I, 124; II, 43, 228.

  Félu, Charles, I, 279, 280; II, 12, 173.

  _Female Poets of America_, I, 17, 131.

  Fenn, Mr., II, 181.

  Fenollosa, II, 169.

  Fern, Fanny, II, 48.

  Ferney, II, 22, 23.

  Ferrette, Bishop, I, 353.

  Fessenden, W. P., I, 239.

  Fichte, J. G., I, 196, 197, 250, 252, 253, 255-59, 263, 286, 287, 298.

  Field, Mrs. D. D., I, 134.

  Field, John, I, 227.

  Field, Kate, II, 48.

  Fields, Annie, II, 187, 228, 299, 317, 344, 378.

  Fields, J. T., I, 137, 143, 262.

  Fisher, Dr., I, 113, 114.

  Fiske, John, I, 312, 344.

  Fitch, Mr., II, 376.

  Fitch, Clyde, II, 354.

  Fitz, Mr., II, 62.

  Five of Clubs, I, 74, 110, 128; II, 74.

  _Flibbertigibbet_, II, 144, 145, 367.

  Florence, I, 175.

  Florida, II, 268.

  Flower, Constance, II, 168.

  Flynt, Baker, II, 230.

  Foley, Margaret, I, 227, 237.

  Forbes, John, II, 279.

  Forbes, John M., II, 109, 177.

  Foresti, Felice, I, 94, 104.

  Fort Independence, I, 346.

  _Forum_, II, 182.

  Foster, L. S., I, 248.

  Foulke, Dudley, I, 365; II, 188.

  Foundling Hospital, II, 8.

  Fowler, O. S., I, 98, 99.

  Fox, Charles, II, 265.

  France, I, 131, 300, 308, 310; II, 9, 20, 26, 34.

  Francis, Eliza C., I, 18, 25, 26, 27, 31, 42, 103, 150, 230; II, 319.

  Francis, J. W., I, 18, 19, 26, 27, 36, 42, 57, 114, 150; II, 251.

  Francis, V. M., II, 362.

  Franco-Prussian War, I, 300; II, 13, 20.

  Franklin, Benjamin, I, 6.

  Fredericksburg, I, 192.

  Free Religious Club. _See_ Radical Club.

  Freeman, Edward, I, 95, 134.

  Freeman, Mrs. Edward, I, 95, 134.

  _Fremdenblatt_, II, 19.

  French Revolution, I, 12.

  Fries, Wulf, I, 145.

  _From the Oak to the Olive_, I, 265, 269.

  Frothingham, Octavius, I, 304.

  Froude, J. A., II, 86.

  Fuller, Margaret, I, 69, 72, 87, 346; II, 76, 84, 85, 86, 142,
        404, 405.

  Furness, W. H., I, 304.


  Gainsborough, Lady, II, 6.

  Gallup, Charles, II, 310.

  Galveston, II, 279.

  Gambetta, Léon, II, 25.

  Garcia method, I, 43.

  Gardiner, II, 122, 163, 194, 337.

  Gardiner, J. H., II, 267.

  Gardner, Mrs. Jack, II, 70, 82, 150, 182, 192.

  Garfield, J. A., II, 69.

  Garibaldi, Giuseppe, II, 242.

  Garrett, Thomas, I, 151.

  Garrison, F. J., II, 187, 218, 411.

  Garrison, W. L., I, 240, 345, 362; II, 45, 108, 187, 190.

  Gautier, Señor, I, 325, 332.

  Gay, Willard, I, 298.

  Gayarré, Judge, II, 103.

  Geddes, Pres., II, 357.

  General Federation of Women's Clubs, I, 294, 295, 384; II, 182,
        195, 207, 379.

  Geneva, I, 278, 345; II, 20, 22, 26.

  Gennadius, John, II, 6.

  George I, II, 44.

  George IV, I, 262.

  George, Henry, II, 247.

  Georgetown, I, 12.

  Germany, I, 147, 197; II, 18, 19.

  Gethsemane, II, 41.

  Gettysburg, I, 189.

  Giachetti, Baron, II, 246.

  Giachetti, Baroness, II, 246.

  Gibbs, Augusta, I, 121.

  Gilbert, W. S., II, 9.

  Gilder, R. W., II, 264, 354.

  Gillow, Mgr., II, 103.

  Gilmore, P. S., I, 223.

  Gilmour, J. R., I, 254, 255.

  Gladstone, Commander, II, 167.

  Gladstone, W. E., II, 6, 7.

  Gladstone, Mrs. W. E., II, 6.

  Glover, Russell, I, 54, 55.

  Goddard, Mrs. Wm., II, 393.

  Godiva, I, 97; II, 173.

  Godkin, Mr., II, 202.

  Godwin, Parke, II, 198.

  Goethe, J. W. von, I, 67; II, 32.

  Goldsmith, Mrs. Julian, II, 9.

  Gonfalonieri, Count, I, 94.

  Goodwin, W. W., II, 47, 48.

  Gordon, G. A., II, 203.

  Goschen, Edward, II, 8.

  Gosse, Edmund, II, 167.

  Gosse, Mrs. Edmund, II, 168.

  Graham, Isabella, I, 17.

  Grand Army of the Republic, II, 135, 387.

  Grant, Robert, II, 320.
    Verse by, 335.

  Grant, U.S., I, 213, 237, 246, 320; II, 25, 26.

  Grant, Mrs. U. S., II, 26.

  Granville, G. G. Leveson-Gower, Earl, II, 9.

  Grasshopper, I, 382.

  Graves, Mary H., I, 388-90; II, 117, 118, 184, 324, 386.

  Gray, Thomas, II, 167.

  Greece, I, 72, 73, 246, 248, 262, 263, 267, 272, 275, 278, 297,
        308, 364; II, 225.

  Greek Revolution, I, 72, 118, 261.

  Greeley, Isabel, II, 101.

  Green, J. R., II, 9.

  Green, Mrs. J. R., II, 300.

  Green Peace, I, 111-13, 119, 121, 125, 128, 129, 146, 147, 150,
        151, 154, 163, 194, 283, 339, 355, 356.

  Green Peace, new, II, 364, 381.

  Greene, Nancy, I, 9, 78.

  Greene, Nathanael, I, 9.

  Greene, Nathanael, II, 220.

  Greene, Phœbe, I, 6, 65.

  Greene, Gov. Wm., I, 6, 9.

  Greene, Wm., I, 170.

  Greene, Wm. B., I, 366.

  Greenhalge, Frederick, II, 191, 200.

  Gregory XVI, I, 95.

  Griggs, E. H., II, 297.

  Grisi, Giulia, I, 86, 87, 316; II, 250, 350.

  Griswold, Rufus, I, 17, 131.

  Groton, II, 62.

  Guild, Mrs. Charles, II, 295.

  Guild, Sam, I, 124.

  Guizot, F. P. G., I, 97, 272.

  Gulesian, N. H., II, 190, 216.

  Gurowski, Count, I, 246, 259.

  Gustine, Mrs., I, 386, 387.


  Hague, II, 10, 11, 172.

  Hague Conferences, II, 381.

  Hahn, Dr., I, 272.

  Hale, E. E., I, 294; II, 62, 75, 81, 150, 194, 268, 272, 273,
        299, 364.

  Hale, Sarah, I, 128.

  Halifax, I, 80.

  Hall, Alice, II, 294, 339, 362.

  Hall, Anne, I, 64.

  Hall, Caroline. _See_ Birckhead.

  Hall, D. P., I, 263, 297; II, 294, 340, 362, 363, 368.

  Hall, Eleanor, II, 385.

  Hall, Florence Howe, I, 112-17, 119, 122, 126, 128, 133, 147, 161,
        163, 169, 170, 196, 201, 202, 216, 222, 237, 238, 263, 265, 277,
        279, 297, 340, 341, 343, 349; II, 46, 57, 67, 68, 116, 119, 123,
        124, 158, 195, 196, 206, 207, 208, 221, 235, 294, 302, 316, 339,
        344, 375, 410.
    Letters to, II, 92, 362.

  Hall, Frances, II, 339, 362.

  Hall, H. M., II, 67, 294, 313, 324, 339.

  Hall, J. H., II, 67, 68, 98, 293.

  Hall, Julia W. H., II, 313.

  Hall, Prescott, I, 41.

  Hall, S. P., I, 340, 341, 343; II, 183.

  Hallowell, Mrs. Richard, II, 266.

  Hals, Franz, II, 10.

  Hampstead, II, 170.

  Handel, G. F., II, 351, 386.

  Handel and Haydn Society, I, 237, 290.

  Hapgood, Norman, II, 354.

  Hare, Augustus, II, 5.

  Harland, Henry, II, 165, 171, 172.

  Harland, Mrs. Henry, II, 167, 171, 172.

  Harrisburg, I, 386.

  Hart, Mayor, II, 162.

  Harte, Bret, II, 47.

  Hartington, S. C. Cavendish, honorary Marquis, II, 44.

  Harvard, I, 237, 297; II, 47, 48, 72, 183, 338, 374.

  Harvard Medical School, I, 72.

  Harvard Musical Concerts, I, 249.

  Havana, I, 126, 176.

  Haven, Gilbert, I, 365.

  Hawthorne, Nathaniel, I, 152; II, 325.

  Hawthorne, Mrs. Nathaniel, I, 79, 152.

  Haydn, Joseph, II, 286.

  Hayti, I, 331.

  Hazeltine, Mrs., II, 248.

  Healy, G. P. A., II, 25.

  Healy, Mrs. G. P. A., II, 25, 26.

  Hedge, Frederick, I, 207, 236, 290, 346, 347; II, 139, 206, 236, 347.

  Hegel, G. W. F., I, 196, 197, 240, 249.

  Heidelberg, II, 174.

  Helbig, Mme., II, 239, 249.

  Hemenway, Mary, II, 193.

  Henderson, L. J., II, 294, 298.

  Henschel, Georg, II, 71.

  Heredity, influence of, I, 1, 14.

  Herford, Brooke, II, 127, 170.

  Herford, Mrs. Brooke, II, 165, 170.

  Herkomer, Hubert, II, 165, 171.

  Herlihy, Dan, II, 322, 323.

  Herodotus, II, 36, 37.

  Heron, Matilda, I, 143, 144.

  Heywood, J. C., II, 244, 245.

  Heywood, Mrs. J. C., II, 244.

  Higginson, T. W., I, 227, 286, 362, 364, 365; II, 48, 49, 60,
        81, 88, 187, 259, 271-274, 302, 320, 335-37, 346, 354-56,
        366, 387, 400.
    Verse by, 335.

  Higher education of women, I, 361, 362; II, 21.

  Hill, Arthur D., II, 406.

  Hill, Thomas, II, 326.

  Hillard, George, I, 71, 74, 120, 128, 151.

  _Hippolytus_, I, 203, 204, 205; II, 345.

  Hoar, G. F., II, 109, 210, 219, 292, 293, 299.

  Hodges, George, II, 320.

  Hohenlohe, Cardinal, II, 241.

  Holland, I, 10; II, 10, 172.

  Holland, J. G., II, 47, 77.

  Holmes, O. W., I, 140-42, 207-11, 262, 286, 294; II, 66, 70, 80,
        93, 146, 147, 163, 272, 389.
    Verse by, I, 140.

  Homans, Mrs. Charles, II, 99, 354.

  Home Rule, II, 4, 166.

  Homer, I, 323; II, 5.

  Hooker, Joseph, I, 192.

  Hooper, Ellen, II, 142.

  Hooper, Samuel, I, 239.

  Hopedale, II, 253.

  Horace, I, 153, 192; II, 374, 382.

  Horry, Peter, I, 10, 11, 12.

  Horticulture, I, 23, 24.

  Hosmer, Harriet G., I, 271.

  Hosmer, Martha, II, 325.

  Houghton, R. M. Milnes, Lord, I, 82, 84, 85; II, 5, 9.

  Howard, Charles, I, 267.

  Howard, Lady Mary, I, 85.

  Howard Athenæum, I, 204, 225.

  Howe, Senator, I, 239.

  Howe, Fannie, I, 298; II, 80, 87, 201, 227, 266, 351, 364.
    Letter to, II, 338.

  Howe, Florence. _See_ Hall.

  Howe, H. M., I, 130, 131, 228, 237, 238, 265, 297, 298; II, 71, 80,
        84, 87, 119, 150, 201, 202, 227, 235, 266, 278, 283, 338, 346,
        350, 351, 413.
    Letter to, II, 397.

  Howe, J. N., Sr., I, 364.

  Howe, J. N., Jr., I, 258.

  Howe, Julia R. _See_ Anagnos.

  Howe, Julia Ward, ancestry, I, 3-17;
    birth, 18;
    childhood, 18-39;
    early verse, 33-35;
    girlhood, 41-60;
    father's death, 61-64;
    first published writing, 65;
    brother Henry's death, 66;
    first philosophical studies, 67-70;
    engagement and marriage, 72-78;
    trip to Europe, 79-100;
    birth of first child, 96;
    settles at South Boston, 102-07;
    at Green Peace, 111, 112;
    birth of second daughter, 112;
    brother Marion's death, 130;
    birth of first son, 130,
    of third daughter, 133;
    second trip to Europe, 133-35;
    publication of _Passion Flowers_, 136-44,
    of _Words for the Hour_, 144,
    and of _The World's Own_, 144-45;
    edits paper for her children, 162-64;
    trip to Cuba, 173-76;
    publication of _A Trip to Cuba_, 176;
    _Tribune_ letters, 176;
    birth and death of second son, 178-84;
    writing of _Battle Hymn_, 186-91;
    visit to the army, 192, 193;
    removal to Chestnut St., 194;
    philosophical studies and essays, 195-202, 206, 208, 213-19, 222,
          224, 225, 227, 229-31, 236, 249, 250-53, 259;
    writing of _Hippolytus_, 203-05;
    edits _Boatswain's Whistle_, 210-12;
    purchase of Boylston Place house, 231-34;
    publication of _Later Lyrics_, 233, 237;
    death of Uncle John, 242;
    edits _Northern Lights_, 254, 255, 263;
    trip to Greece, 264-82;
    _From the Oak to the Olive_, 265;
    Radical Club, 284-86;
    takes up study of Greek, 287;
    club life, 291-96;
    removal to Mt. Vernon St., and purchase of Oak Glen, 296;
    marriage of three daughters, 297;
    work for peace, 300-07, 309, 312, 318, 319, 332, 345, 346; II, 8,
          77, 326, 327, 359;
    trip to London and Paris, I, 312-17;
    two visits to Santo Domingo, 322-38;
    return to Green Peace, 339;
    forms Saturday Morning Club, 343;
    illness and death of husband, 354-57;
    work for suffrage, 358-73; II, 61, 89, 99, 126, 151, 192, 216,
          268, 322, 343;
    work for A.A.W. I, 373, 374, 383, 384; II, 43, 91, 97, 152, 256;
    work for woman ministry, I, 384-92;
    extended European tour, II, 2-34;
    Egypt, 34-38;
    Palestine, 38-42;
    Europe, 43-45;
    return to Oak Glen, 46;
    forms Town and Country Club, 47-52;
    and the Papéterie, 52, 53;
    incurs permanent lameness, 59;
    returns to Boston, 60;
    publication of _Modern Society_, 60;
    settles at 241 Beacon St., 71;
    writes memoir of Maria Mitchell, 83;
    publication of _Margaret Fuller_, 84-86;
    death of brother Samuel, 93-95;
    manages Woman's Department at New Orleans Exposition, 99-112;
    death of daughter Julia, 115-19;
    visit to California, 131-38;
    publication of song album, 145, 358;
    second visit to California, 154;
    trip to Europe, 164-77;
    attends Columbian Exposition, 178-82;
    work for Russian Freedom, 187, 330,
    and for Armenia, 189-92, 209, 210, 216, 218, 324;
    death of sister Annie, 202;
    publication of _Is Polite Society Polite?_, 211-13;
    writing of _Reminiscences_, 219;
    work for Greece, 225-29;
    death of sister Louisa, 235;
    winter in Rome, 237-57;
    publication of _From Sunset Ridge_, 258,
    and of _Reminiscences_, 258, 259;
    work for prevention of lynching, 265, 266;
    receives degree from Tufts, 324;
    death of Michael Anagnos, 347,
    of D. P. Hall, 362,
    and of Marion Crawford, 389;
    receives degree from Brown, 392;
    decline of health, 407-10;
    receives degree from Smith, 411, 412;
    illness and death, 413, 414.
    _Lectures and readings_, I, 198-200, 209, 218, 228, 230, 239,
          240, 251, 256, 264, 284, 290, 291, 342, 344, 350, 379, 385;
          II, 55-57, 61, 62, 66, 82, 87, 88, 91, 99, 103, 120, 121, 130,
          132, 136, 198, 201, 215, 224, 229, 246, 247, 263, 274, 284,
          288, 316, 387, 396.
    _Sermons_, I, 313, 314, 317, 329-33, 336, 386, 391, 392; II, 54, 55,
          69, 78, 83, 84, 127, 131, 136, 181, 361.
    _Religious views_, I, 21, 29, 34, 35, 66-70, 104, 107-09, 185, 207,
          208, 252; II, 231, 282.
      Home life, I, 110, 111, 146-55, 216, 217, 296, 298, 347-49;
            II, 98, 144.
      Sense of relation to the public, I, 98, 195, 299, 300, 358, 359.
      Linguistic ability, I, 32, 45, 59, 318.
      Dramatic ability, I, 29; II, 32, 54, 68, 69, 78.
      Fondness for study, I, 32, 45, 46, 67, 104, 125, 134, 156, 287, 288.
      Love for music, I, 43, 44, 222-24, 237; II, 330;
      compositions, I, 147, 148; II, 144, 145, 358.
      Love of fun, I, 145; II, 370.
      Patriotism, I, 186-93, 219-22.
      Fondness for society, I, 49-51.
    _Grandchildren_, I, 339, 340, 343; II, 67, 68, 98, 128, 294, 339, 352.
      Great-grandchildren, II, 313, 339, 408.
    _Journal extracts_, I, 178, 197-202, 205-09, 214-31, 233, 234, 236-42,
          244-67, 269, 271, 272, 276-81, 283-91, 306-18, 328-38, 340-47,
          349-56, 373, 374, 386-89; II, 5, 6, 8-12, 14-18, 20-26, 28-31,
          34-41, 43-45, 47, 54-58, 60-63, 65-71, 73-79, 82, 83, 87, 88,
          90-94, 96-99, 101, 103-05, 108, 116-18, 120-46, 150-85, 192-94,
          197-207, 209-11, 214-20, 222-30, 233-36, 238-57, 259-63, 265-70,
          272-308, 311-17, 319, 320, 322-34, 336-68, 375-82, 385, 390, 395,
          399-401, 403, 406.
    _Extracts from works of_, I, 3, 8, 13, 15, 19, 23, 24, 41, 46, 48, 49,
          56, 59, 64-66, 68, 79, 96, 99-103, 106, 130, 135-37, 142, 144,
          145, 162-64, 173-76, 179-87, 189, 191-94, 202, 211, 213, 221,
          235, 260, 267-71, 273-76, 281-83, 285, 286, 292, 295, 297, 299,
          301-05, 313, 316, 319, 320, 323-28, 330, 335, 339, 348, 349,
          357-60, 362, 364, 368-72, 374, 376, 378-85, 389, 390; II, 3, 4,
          6, 18, 24, 25, 28, 30-33, 41, 46-52, 80, 100, 106, 109-11, 143,
          164, 186, 189-91, 211-14, 237, 258, 271, 282, 308-10, 320, 336,
          340, 342, 346, 359, 369, 378, 382, 393, 401, 403.
    _Letters of_, I, 31, 67, 71, 72, 79-82, 84-93, 107-33, 137, 142, 148,
          149, 155-62, 164-72, 184, 196, 303; II, 58, 59, 63-70, 73, 78,
          81-96, 98, 111-14, 119, 122-25, 132, 138, 155-58, 193, 195-200,
          202, 203, 206, 208-10, 217, 218, 220, 221, 223, 224, 226, 227,
          231, 232, 236, 267, 277, 285, 298-300, 391-93, 396-98.

  Howe, Laura E. _See_ Richards.

  Howe, Maud. _See_ Elliott.

  Howe, S. G., I, 72-83, 85, 86, 88-90, 92-95, 97, 101-06, 110, 111,
        113-16, 118, 119, 121-24, 126-28, 130, 131, 133, 138, 139, 141,
        146-55, 161, 165, 167-70, 173, 177, 178, 181, 184-86, 195, 203,
        206, 208, 217, 220, 222, 227, 231, 243, 245, 246, 248-251, 253,
        255, 258, 261-65, 267, 273, 275, 278-80, 283, 287, 288, 292,
        296-98, 306, 308, 315, 317, 321-25, 334-40, 343, 345, 350,
        353-58, 362, 364, 372, 381; II, 3, 6, 23, 43-45, 63, 74, 77,
        118, 120, 127, 134, 141, 145, 146, 164, 174, 175, 233, 252,
        269, 292, 293, 296, 300, 332, 363.
    Letters and Journals of, I, 106, 339.

  Howe, S. G., Jr., I, 178-85, 199, 200, 207, 220, 234, 250, 290, 298,
        352; II, 120, 198, 328.

  Howe Memorial Club, II, 357.

  Howells, W. D., I, 244; II, 66, 399.

  Howells, Mrs. W. D., I, 244.

  Hudson River, I, 18.

  Hudson-Fulton Centennial, II, 395, 396, 398.

  Hughes, Mr., II, 168.

  Hughes, Thomas, II, 168.

  Hugo, Victor, II, 24, 63.

  Huguenots, I, 10, 12.

  Hunt, Helen, II, 48.

  Hunt, Louisa, I, 230, 245; II, 68.

  Hunt, Richard, I, 230.

  Hunt, Wm., I, 227, 237; II, 99.

  Hurlburt, Mrs., II, 247, 251.

  Hurlburt, J. W., II, 345.

  Hurlburt, S. A., II, 345.

  Hyacinthe, Père, II, 87.

  Hyrne, Dr., I, 12, 13.

  Hyrne, Sarah. _See_ Cutler.


  Ibsen, Henrik, II, 285.

  Idaho, I, 372.

  Iddings, Mrs., II, 250.

  _Il Circolo Italiano_, II, 285, 357.

  Index Expurgatorius, II, 241.

  India, English rule in, II, 84.

  Indiana Place Church, I, 259.

  Inglis, R. H., I, 81, 84, 86.

  Innsbrück, I, 278.

  Institute of France, II, 23.

  Intemperate Women, Home for, II, 78, 83, 127.

  International Council of Women, II, 253,  255.

  Iowa, II, 113.

  Ireland, I, 88, 92; II, 4, 71, 166, 319.

  Irving, Henry, II, 5, 87, 192.

  Irwin, Agnes, II, 34, 302.

  Ismail Pasha, II, 34, 36.

  Italy, I, 94, 175; II, 29, 32, 44, 71, 93, 236, 243, 256.


  Jackson, Andrew, I, 61.

  Jackson, Edward, II, 241.

  Jaffa, II, 41, 42.

  Jamaica, L.I., I, 19.

  James, Henry, I, 255; II, 8.

  James, William, II, 233, 315, 366.

  Jarvis, Edward, I, 133.

  _Jeannette_, I, 322.

  Jefferson, Joseph, II, 97.

  Jeffries, John, II, 233.

  Jericho, II, 38-40.

  Jerome, J. K., II, 171.

  Jerusalem, I, 378; II, 38, 40-42.

  Jeter, Mrs., II, 349.

  Jewett, M. R., II, 316, 317, 356.

  Jewett, Sarah O., II, 299, 316, 317, 356.

  Jews, I, 256, 311.

  Jocelyn, Mr., II, 357.

  Johnson, Andrew, I, 238, 239, 246, 378.

  Johnson, Reverdy, I, 239.

  Johnson, Robert U., II, 399.

  Jones, J. L., II, 176, 178, 184.

  Jones, Lief, II, 166.

  Jordan River, II, 39.

  Jouett, Admiral, II, 104, 106.


  Kalopothakis, Mr., II, 43.

  Kane, Capt., II, 104.

  Kansas, I, 168, 170, 381, 382; II, 325.

  Kansas City, II, 122.

  Kant, Immanuel, I, 196, 214, 217, 218, 222, 223, 225, 227, 229,
        240, 241, 249, 250, 253, 255; II, 19, 62.

  Keller, Helen, II, 262.

  Kenmare, Lady, II, 251, 254.

  Kenmare, Lord, II, 165.

  Kennan, George, II, 187.

  Kennebec River, I, 5.

  Kensett, J. F., I, 159.

  Kentucky, II, 122.

  Kenyon, John, I, 85.

  Kindergarten for the Blind, II, 119, 126, 314, 360.

  King, Mrs., II, 208.

  King, Charles, I, 16, 62; II, 9.

  King, Grace, II, 108.

  King, Rufus, I, 169.

  King Philip's War, I, 13.

  Kipling, Rudyard, II, 304.

  Kneisel, Herr, II, 367, 368.

  Knowles, F. L., II, 340.

  Knowles, James, II, 9.

  Kossuth, Mme., I, 167.

  Kossuth, Louis, I, 151.

  Kreisler, Franz, II, 297.


  Lablache, Luigi, I, 86, 316.

  Ladenberg, Emily, II, 303.

  La Farge, John, II, 50.

  Lafayette, Marquis de, I, 93.

  Lambeth Library, II, 8.

  Lanciani, Prof., II, 246.

  Landseer, Edwin, I, 87.

  Lane, Prof., II, 47, 48.

  Langmaid, Dr., II, 402.

  Langtry, Lily, II, 9.

  Lansdowne, Marchioness of, I, 87.

  Lansdowne, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquis of, I, 86, 87.

  La Rochelle, I, 10.

  _Later Lyrics_, I, 233, 237, 251, 283; II, 60, 194.

  Lawrence, Bishop, II, 261, 349.

  Lawrence, Mrs. Bigelow, II, 313.

  Lawrence, S. E., I, 287.

  Lawton's Valley, I, 154, 194, 204, 225-27, 235, 249-51, 254, 296.

  Layard, Sir Henry, II, 44.

  Leavenworth, I, 382.

  Lee, Mrs., II, 200.

  Lee, Harry, II, 233.

  Lee, R. E., I, 213, 219, 274; II, 353, 354.

  Lefranc, Abel, II, 374.

  Leigh Smith, Miss, II, 239, 243, 252, 254.

  Leland, C. G., I, 328; II, 50.

  Leo XIII, II, 241-43.

  Leoni, Sig., II, 295, 296.

  Lesnian, II, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18.

  Lexington, I, 256, 259; II, 193, 194.

  Libby Prison, I, 188, 189.

  Lieber, Francis, I, 240.

  Lincoln, Abraham, I, 189, 195, 211, 212, 220, 221, 228, 274;
        II, 108, 308, 387.

  Lincoln, R. T., II, 166, 168.

  Lippitt, Gov., II, 221.

  _Listener_, I, 162-64.

  Liszt, Franz, I, 270.

  Littlehale, M. F., II, 324.

  Livermore, Mary A., II, 18, 20, 125, 229.

  Liverpool, I, 280; II, 69, 164.

  Livy, I, 202, 227, 228.

  Loch Katrine, I, 92.

  Locke, W. J., II, 386.

  Lodge, H. C., II, 304.

  Lodge, Mrs. H. C., II, 304.

  Loisy, Abbé, II, 325.

  Lombroso, Cesar, II, 285.

  London, I, 81, 265, 312; II, 4, 45, 164, 166.

  Long, J. D., II, 196, 302, 354.

  Long Island, I, 19.

  Longfellow, Fanny, I, 71, 159, 160.

  Longfellow, H. W., I, 59, 71, 74, 76, 77, 138, 148, 159, 160, 262,
        380; II, 63, 74, 125, 167, 196, 304, 356.
    Letter of, I, 76.

  Longfellow, Wadsworth, II, 359.

  Longy, M., II, 330.

  Lorne. _See_ Argyll, ninth duke of.

  Loud, J. M., II, 358, 368.

  Loudon, John, II, 244.

  Louis XVI, I, 7, 8.

  Louisville, I, 169.

  Louvre, I, 7.

  Love, Alfred, I, 304.

  Low, Seth, II, 381.

  Lowell, J. R., I, 156, 210, 262; II, 63, 171, 187.
    Letter of, II, 149.

  Loyson, M., II, 249.

  Luquer, Mr., II, 364.

  Lynch, Dominick, II, 364.

  Lyons, I, 191.


  Mabilleau, M., II, 314.

  McAllister, Julia, II, 34.

  McAllister, Louisa, I, 42, 158, 230.

  McAllister, M. H., I, 42.

  McAlvin, Miss, II, 194.

  McCabe, C. C., I, 188, 189.

  McCarthy, Frank, II, 61, 62.

  McCarthy, Justin, II, 8.

  McCarthy, Mrs. Justin, II, 5.

  McCready, Tom, II, 295.

  McCreary, Mrs., II, 250.

  McDonald, Alexander, I, 167.

  McGregor, Fanny, I, 201.

  Machiavelli, Niccolo, I, 275.

  McKaye, Baron, I, 258, 267.

  McKinley, William, II, 265, 290.

  McLaren, Eva, II, 166.

  MacMahon, M. E. P. M. de, II, 26.

  Macready, W. C., I, 87.

  McTavish, Mrs., II, 249.

  Madrid, I, 328; II, 243, 353.

  Maggi, Count Alberto, I, 255.

  Mailliard, Adolphe, I, 117, 135; II, 222.

  Mailliard, Annie, I, 18, 21, 30, 34-36, 54, 58, 60, 78-81, 83-85,
        93, 117, 134, 135, 137, 157, 200, 240, 241; II, 67, 94, 131,
        135, 155, 202, 203, 216, 235.
   _Letters to_, 107-09, 117, 118, 122-25, 127, 131-33, 137, 142,
        159-62, 164-72, 184.

  Maine, I, 392; II, 122.

  Maine, Sir H. J. Sumner, I, 249, 250.

  Malibran, Mme. de (Maria Felicita Garcia), I, 29; II, 270, 350.

  Mallock, W. H., II, 8.

  Mammoth Cave, II, 122.

  Manatt, E., II, 293.

  Mancini, Sig., II, 172.

  Manhattan, I, 243.

  Manila, Battle of, II, 254.

  Mann, Horace, I, 73, 79, 83, 94, 121, 123, 169, 185, 227.

  Mann, Mary P., I, 79, 80, 169.

  Manning, H. E., II, 165.

  Mansfield, I, 378.

  Mansfield, Richard, II, 8, 313.

  Mansion House, II, 8.

  Mapleson, Col., II, 103.

  Margherita, Queen, II, 30, 248, 277.

  Marié, Peter, II, 54, 202.

  Marienburg, II, 14.

  Mariette, A. E., II, 36.

  Mario (Marchese di Candia), I, 86, 87 316; II, 250, 350.

  Marion, Benjamin, I, 10-12.

  Marion, Esther, I, 10, 12.

  Marion, Francis, I, 10-14; II, 351.

  Marion, Gabriel, I, 12.

  Marion, Judith, I, 11, 12.

  Marion, Peter, I, 12.

  Marne, M., I, 328.

  Marsaba, II, 38, 41.

  Marseilles, I, 97.

  Marshalsea, I, 83.

  Martin, Mrs., II, 170.

  Martineau, James, II, 159, 161, 348.

  Marzials, Mr., II, 167.

  Massachusetts, I, 129, 168, 195, 249; II, 358.

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I, 297; II, 77, 80.

  Massachusetts Legislature, I, 168, 220, 344, 366, 368; II, 405.

  Massachusetts Press Club, II, 259.

  Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs, I, 294; II, 379.

  Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association, I, 369.

  Matsys, Quentin, II, 11.

  Maupassant, Guy de, II, 164.

  May, Abby W., I, 287, 368; II, 141, 142.

  Mayor des Planches, Count, II, 302, 303.

  Mechanics' Fair, II, 162.

  Mechlenberg, Herr von, II, 18.

  Medal of Honor Legion, II, 279.

  Mediterranean, I, 381.

  Mendota, I, 380.

  Mer de Glace, II, 20.

  Merritt, Anna Lea, II, 165.

  Mesday, Herr, II, 172.

  _Messiah_, II, 8, 78.

  Metaphysical Club, II, 118.

  Mexican Band, II, 100, 103, 105.

  Mexican War, I, 129.

  Middletown, R.I., I, 9.

  Milan, I, 93; II, 26.

  Mill, J. S., I, 304; II, 22.

  Miller, Joaquin, II, 103.

  Mills, Arthur, I, 99, 266; II, 165.

  Milman, H. M., I, 267.

  Milnes. _See_ Houghton.

  Milton, John, II, 21, 137.

  Minneapolis, I, 378, 379; II, 87, 274.

  Minnehaha, Falls of, I, 380.

  Minnesota, I, 378, 380, 381, 392.

  Minturn, Jonas, I, 22.

  Mississippi, I, 92.

  Mississippi River, I, 380; II, 100.

  Mitchell, Ellen, I, 374.
    Letters to, II, 391, 392.

  Mitchell, Maria, I, 343, 373; II, 82, 83.

  Mitchell, S. Weir, II, 50.

  Mitchell, Thomas, I, 10, 12.

  _Modern Society_, II, 60.

  Molloy, J. F., II, 171.

  Moltke, Count Hellmuth, II, 20.

  Momery, Dr., II, 184.

  Money, trade in, I, 16.

  Monroe, Harriet, II, 251.

  Monson, I, 250.

  Mont Isabel, I, 322.

  Montagu, Basil, I, 81, 85.

  Montagu, Mrs. Basil, I, 85.

  Montgomery, Richard, I, 5.

  Montpelier, II, 68.

  Montreal, I, 38.

  Montreux, II, 176.

  Moore, Prof., II, 154.

  Moore, Rebecca, II, 170.

  Moore, Thomas, I, 87.

  Mormon Tabernacle, II, 137.

  Morpeth. _See_ Carlisle, Earl of.

  Morris, Gouverneur, I, 7, 8.

  Morse, E. S., II, 169.

  Morse, William, II, 108.

  Mosby, John, II, 253.

  Mothers' Peace Day, I, 318, 319, 345.

  Mott, Lucretia, I, 285, 304; II, 108.

  Moulton, Louise C., II, 161, 169, 171, 273.
    Verse by, 335.

  Mounet-Sully, Jean, II, 195.

  Mt. Auburn, I, 183; II, 290, 294.

  Mt. Holyoke, I, 251.

  Mozart, W. A., I, 45; II, 351.

  Mozier, Joseph, I, 271.

  Mozumdar, II, 87.

  Munich, I, 278.

  Murray, Gilbert, II, 361.

  Murray, Lady Mary, II, 361.

  Music, power of, I, 44.

  Musical Festivals, Boston, I, 222, 223, 225, 227, 290.

  Mycenæ, II, 5, 43.


  Nantes, revocation of Edict of, I, 10.

  Naples, I, 53, 54, 97; II, 30.

  Napoleon I, I, 229, 230, 278; II, 102, 284.

  Napoleon II, II, 26.

  Napoleon III, I, 300, 301, 310.

  National American Woman Suffrage Association, I, 365.

  National Gallery, I, 314.

  National Peace Society, I, 43.

  National Sailors' Home, I, 210.

  National Woman Suffrage Association, I, 365.

  Nativity, Grotto of the, II, 38.

  Nauplia, I, 275-77.

  Nebraska, II, 138.

  Nelson, Horatio, Lord, II, 248.

  Nelson, Jenny, II, 194.

  New Bedford, II, 99.

  New England, I, 168, 173, 290, 324; II, 80.

  New England Woman's Club, I, 190, 291, 292, 294, 305, 310, 311, 341,
        353, 365, 369; II, 54, 73, 100, 118, 129, 141, 150, 215, 259,
        263, 286, 301, 311, 356, 401.

  New England Woman Suffrage Association, I, 363, 364.

  New England Women's Press Association, II, 263.

  New Gallery, II, 171.

  New Orleans, II, 100, 108-11, 113, 178, 207.

  New Orleans Exposition, II, 87, 99, 100-12.

  New York City, I, 16, 22, 26, 39, 61, 63, 103, 240, 243; II, 114, 115.

  New York University, I, 17.

  New Zealand, II, 133.

  Newport, I, 4, 24, 34, 38, 39, 52-54, 63, 151, 159, 160, 162, 176, 199,
        208, 209, 226, 291, 296, 349; II, 46, 47, 49-51, 54-56, 78, 90,
        128, 138, 140, 143, 145, 151, 160, 162, 177, 198, 208.

  Newport Historical Society, II, 78.

  Niagara, I, 18, 19; II, 19.

  Nicholas II, II, 283.

  Nightingale, Florence, I, 97, 112, 113, 294; II, 189, 239.
    Letter of, I, 112.

  Nile, I, 266; II, 35, 36.

  _Nineteenth Century_, II, 248.

  Norman, Mr., II, 90, 93.

  Norman, Bradford, II, 379.

  _North American Review_, II, 121.

  North Church, II, 193.

  Northampton, I, 251, 259.

  _Northern Lights_, I, 254, 255, 263.

  Norton, Mrs., I, 82, 87.

  Norton, Charles Eliot, II, 198.

  Norton, Richard, II, 243.

  Novelli, E., II, 357.

  Novelli, Mme., II, 357.


  Oak Glen, I, 296, 317, 339, 340, 347, 349; II, 46, 67, 69, 72, 114,
        120, 158, 374.

  Oakland, II, 136.

  Oakley, Mr., II, 154.

  Oberlin, I, 361.

  O'Connell, Cardinal, II, 244.

  O'Connell, Daniel, I, 90, 91.

  O'Connell, Dennis, II, 247, 250.

  O'Connor, F. E., II, 5.

  O'Connor, Mrs. T. P., II, 171.

  Old South Church, I, 14; II, 194.

  Olga, Queen, II, 43.

  Olives, Mount of, II, 38, 40, 41.

  Olympia, II, 133, 134.

  Olympus, I, 290.

  Osny Effendi, II, 37.

  O'Sullivan, John, I, 329; II, 319.

  Otis, Mrs. H. G., I, 123.

  Ouida (Louise de la Ramée), II, 121.

  _Outlook_, II, 355.

  Owatonna, I, 378.


  Pacific, II, 75.

  Paddock, Mary, I, 197, 350.

  Paderewski, Ignace, II, 171, 210, 240.

  Page, Miss, II, 216.

  Page, T. N., II, 399.

  Pajarita, I, 323.

  Palestine, II, 42, 322.

  Paley's _Moral Philosophy_, I, 32.

  Palfrey, J. G., I, 207.

  Palmer, Mr., II, 240.

  Palmer, Alice Freeman, II, 187, 266.

  Palmer, Courtland, II, 240.

  Palmer, Mrs. Potter, II, 178, 181.

  Panama Canal, II, 50.

  Pansotti, Prof., II, 251.

  Papéterie, II, 52-54, 277, 385, 411, 413.

  Paris, France, I, 6, 8, 97, 116, 133, 278, 279, 301, 308, 309, 315;
        II, 23-26, 66, 176.

  Park Street Church, I, 43.

  Parker, Theodore, I, 33, 87, 106, 107, 143, 151, 170, 172-76, 185,
        186, 207, 285; II, 36, 108, 130, 154, 211, 247, 363, 411.

  Parker, Mrs. Theodore, I, 173, 175.

  Parker Fraternity, I, 218, 385; II, 127, 130, 131.

  Parkman, Dr., I, 132, 133.

  Parkman, Francis, I, 379; II, 54.

  Parliament of Religions, II, 178, 184.

  Parnell, C. S., II, 4, 5.

  Parnell, Delia, II, 4.

  Parnell, Fanny, II, 4.

  Parsons, verse by, II, 115.

  Parthenon, I, 274.

  Pascarello, Sig., II, 255.

  _Passion Flowers_, I, 59, 106, 135, 137, 142, 162, 251; II, 211.

  Pater, Walter, II, 168.

  Patti, Adelina, II, 5.

  Paul, Jean, I, 67.

  Peabody, A. P., I, 210.

  Peabody, F. G., II, 127.

  Peabody, Lucia, II, 260.

  Peabody, Mary. _See_ Mann.

  Peace, I, 300-07, 309, 312, 318, 319, 332, 345, 346; II, 8, 77,
        326, 327, 359.

  Pearse, Mrs., II, 250.

  Peary, R. E., II, 396.

  Pecci. _See_ Leo XIII.

  Peekskill, I, 6.

  Pekin, II, 276, 278, 279.

  Pelosos, Ernest, I, 124.

  Pennsylvania Peace Society, I, 319.

  Perabo, Mr., I, 245, 259; II, 136.

  Pericles, I, 274.

  Perkins, Charles, II, 99.

  Perkins, Mrs. C. C., I, 347; II, 65.

  Perkins, G. H., II, 292.

  Perkins Institution for the Blind, I, 73, 74, 102, 103, 105, 109,
        111, 112, 128, 167, 249, 273, 283, 354; II, 59, 73, 129,
        150, 269, 293, 347, 357.

  Perry, Bliss, II, 320.

  Perrysburg, II, 121, 122.

  Persiani (Fanny Tacchinardi), I, 87.

  Perugia, II, 243.

  Peter the Great, II, 249.

  Petrarch, Francesco, I, 194.

  Philadelphia, I, 63, 131, 169, 295, 304, 318; II, 195, 196.

  Philippines, II, 265.

  Phillips, Wendell, I, 261, 286, 362; II, 61, 62, 84, 87, 88, 92, 108,
        168, 190.

  Pickering, John, II, 220.

  Pierce, E. L., II, 187.

  Pierce, J. M., I, 251, 346.

  Pinturicchio, II, 252.

  Piræus, II, 43, 44.

  Pitti Palace, I, 253.

  Pius IX, II, 28, 29, 31, 241.

  Plato, I, 40, 382; II, 7, 338, 389.

  Plutarch, I, 342.

  Poe, E. A., I, 26.

  Poggia-Suasa, Princess, II, 247.

  Point-aux-Trembles, I, 5.

  Poland, II, 13.

  Polk, James K., I, 129.

  Pompeii, I, 278.

  Pompey's Pillar, II, 34.

  Ponte, Lorenzo da, I, 45.

  Pope, Alexander, I, 13.

  Porter, F. A., II, 82.

  Portland, Maine, I, 76.

  Portland, Ore., II, 134.

  Portsmouth, R. I., I, 154.

  Portugal, II, 30.

  Potomac, Army of the, I, 192, 366.

  Potter, Frank, II, 381, 382.

  Potter, H. C, II, 179.

  Poughkeepsie, II, 202.

  Pourtalés, Count, I, 124.

  Poussin, Nicolas, I, 42.

  Powel, M. E., II, 277.

  Powell, Aaron, I, 303; II, 178, 182.

  Powell, Samuel, II, 49.

  Powers, Henry, I, 354.

  Prado Museum, II, 243.

  Press Association, II, 181.

  Prime, Ward & King, I, 16, 55, 62; II, 9.

  Primrose League, II, 170.

  Prison Discipline Society, I, 127.

  Prison reform, I, 127, 315, 316.

  Procter, Adelaide, II, 5.

  Providence, II, 100, 121, 126, 198.

  Provo, Bishop of, II, 138.

  Prussia, I, 94; II, 12.

  Puerto Plata, I, 322, 331.

  Pym, Bedford, II, 107.


  Quaker denomination, I, 224, 365.

  Quebec, I, 5, 38.

  Quincy, Josiah, I, 264; II, 364.

  Quincy, Mrs. Josiah, I, 201.

  Quincy Mansion School, II, 324.


  Rabé, Annie von, II, 13, 14, 16.

  Rabé, Eric von, II, 13, 14, 16.

  Rabé, Oscar von, II, 17.

  Rachel, Elisa, I, 97, 254.

  Radical Club, I, 284-86, 290, 344; II, 290, 379.

  Rainieri, Mr., II, 43.

  Ray, Catherine, I, 6.

  Ray, Simon, I, 6.

  Read, Buchanan, I, 131.

  Red Bank, I, 6.

  Red Cross, II, 210.

  Red Jacket, I, 19.

  Redpath, James, I, 388.

  Redwood Library, II, 52.

  Rembrandt (R. H. von Rijn), I, 42; II, 11, 18.

  _Reminiscences_, I, 41, 44, 92, 185, 195, 210, 237, 247, 285, 291,
        292, 301, 329; II, 25, 29, 30, 32, 47, 118, 119, 218, 219,
        234, 238, 258, 259.

  Repplier, Agnes, II, 300.

  Representative Women, Congress of, II, 178, 180.

  _Republican, Springfield_, II, 196.

  Resse, Countess, II, 256.

  Reszke, Jean de, II, 269.

  Revere, Paul, II, 193.

  Rhine, I, 133; II, 173, 174.

  Rhode Island, I, 4, 6, 9; II, 41, 162.

  Rice, Lizzie, I, 124.

  Richards, Alice, I, 339; II, 164, 165, 167, 175, 221.

  Richards, G. H., letter to, II, 398.

  Richards, Henry, I, 297, 339; II, 65, 113, 328, 397.

  Richards, Julia W., II, 67, 276, 285, 293, 294, 298, 299, 333,
        334, 341.

  Richards, Laura E., I, 133, 148, 161, 166, 217, 222, 231, 265,
        297, 339; II, 46, 57-59, 69, 84, 112, 119, 124, 146, 164,
        195, 317, 318, 337, 340, 341, 358, 359-61, 412.
    Letters to, II, 58, 59, 63-68, 73, 81-83, 85, 88-91, 96, 98,
          111-14, 122-25, 157, 198, 221, 223, 231, 236, 267, 277,
          285, 298-300, 396.

  Richards, Elizabeth, II, 294, 341, 359.

  Richards, Rosalind, II, 179, 328, 354, 403.

  Richmond, I, 29, 213, 219, 274.

  Ridley, John, I, 315.

  Ripley, Lt., II, 155.

  Ristori, Adelaide, I, 254, 255; II, 32, 250.

  Ritterschloss, Marienburg, II, 14.

  Riverton, I, 319.

  Robert College, II, 42.

  Roberto, Father, II, 300, 337, 357.

  Robeson, Mary, II, 287.

  Robinson, Mr., II, 229.

  Robinson, Edwin A., II, 268.

  Rochambeau, Comte de, II, 381.

  Rochester, I, 377.

  Rodocanachi, Mr., I, 281; II, 129.

  Rogers, John, I, 271.

  Rogers, Samuel, I, 81, 84, 87.

  Rogers, W. A., I, 199; II, 49, 77.

  Rogers, Mrs. W. A., II, 49, 77.

  Rohr, Herr von, II, 17.

  Rölker, Kitty, I, 169.

  Roman fever, II, 31.

  Rome, I, 94-96, 106, 115, 134, 135, 137, 155, 207, 254, 267-71;
        II, 27-29, 32, 55, 82, 235, 237, 238.

  Roosevelt, Theodore, II, 191, 303-05, 325, 328, 388.

  Rose, Mme., II, 241.

  Rosebery, A. P. Primrose, Earl of, II, 7.

  Rosmini, Serbati, II, 176.

  Ross, Christian, II, 243.

  Rossetti, D. G., II, 239, 248.

  Rossini, G. A., II, 104.

  Rothschild, Lady, II, 168.

  Round Hill School, I, 46.

  Rousseau, Jacques, II, 172.

  Royal Geographic Society, II, 5, 7.

  Rubens, P. P., I, 279; II, 11, 173.

  Rubenstein, Anton, I, 346.

  Russell, C. H., II, 220.

  Russell, George, II, 141.

  Russell, Sarah S., II, 141.

  Russia, I, 207; II, 187, 218.

  Russian Freedom, Friends of, II, 187, 330.

  Rutherford, Louis, I, 49.


  Sabatier, Paul, II, 253.

  Sacken, Baron Osten, I, 256.

  St. Anthony, Falls of, I, 379.

  St. Anthony of Padua, II, 275.

  St. Bartholomew's Hospital, II, 8.

  St. George, Knights of, I, 74.

  St. Jerome, tomb of, II, 38.

  St. Lawrence River, I, 5.

  St. Louis, I, 169, 170.

  St. Paul, I, 185, 224, 289, 366; II, 157, 231, 383.

  St. Paul, Minn., I, 379; II, 274.

  St. Paul's, Antwerp, II, 11.

  St. Paul's School, I, 254.

  St. Peter's, I, 95, 269, 363; II, 241, 245.

  St. Petersburg, II, 249.

  St. Stanislas, Order of, II, 283.

  St. Thomas Aquinas, anecdote of, II, 248.

  Salem, I, 37, 353; II, 201.

  Salisbury, Robert Cecil, Marquis of, II, 303.

  Salt Lake City, II, 137.

  Salvini, Alessandro, II, 82, 84.

  Salvini, Tomaso, I, 350, 351; II, 67.

  Samana, I, 334-38, 352, 354.

  Samana Bay Company, I, 321, 322, 334, 336, 337.

  Samoa, II, 155.

  San Francisco, II, 132, 135, 137.

  San Geronimo, II, 135.

  San Martino, Duke of, II, 250.

  Sanborn, Edward, I, 383.

  Sanborn, Mrs. Edward, I, 383.

  Sanborn, F. B., II, 77, 120, 128, 187, 196, 287, 293, 332, 337,
        354, 368.

  Sand, George, I, 67.

  Sanford, Mrs., II, 253, 254.

  Sanitary Commission, I, 186, 190, 192, 195.

  Santa Barbara, II, 136.

  Santerre, A. J., I, 8.

  Santo Domingo, I, 320-23, 325, 328, 329, 331, 332, 334, 353, 386;
        II, 56.

  Sarasate, Pablo, II, 167.

  Saratoga, II, 78.

  Satolli, II, 245.

  Saturday Morning Club, I, 342-44, 353; II, 73, 157, 226, 227.

  Savage, M. J., II, 222.

  Savage, W. F., II, 273.

  Savoy, House of, II, 277.

  Saye and Sele, Lord, I, 133.

  Scala, Cane Grande della, II, 26.

  Scala, Cane Signoria della, II, 26.

  Schelling, Ernest, II, 367, 368, 373.

  Schelling, F. W. J. von, I, 196.

  Schenectady, I, 377; II, 162.

  Schenskowkhan, II, 17.

  Scherb, Mr., I, 142.

  Schiller, J. C. F. von, II, 20, 169.

  Schlesinger, Mrs. Barthold, II, 277.

  Schlesinger, Sebastian, II, 171.

  Schliemann, Heinrich, II, 5, 43.

  Schliemann, Mrs., II, 5, 7, 44.

  Schubert, Franz, II, 20, 71, 157.

  Schurz, Miss, II, 65.

  Schwalbach, II, 172, 173.

  Scotland, I, 88, 91, 92; II, 71, 166.

  Scott, Virginia, II, 249.

  Scott, Walter, I, 13, 91.

  Scott, Winfield, II, 249.

  Sears, Mrs. M., II, 210.

  Seattle, II, 133.

  Seeley, J. R., I, 313, 314; II, 6.

  Sembrich, Marcella, II, 269.

  Severance, Caroline M., I, 291; II, 9.

  Seward, W. H., I, 192, 246.

  Sforza Cesarini, Duchess, II, 175, 176.

  Shakespeare, William, II, 262, 330.

  Sharp, William, II, 169.

  Shedlock, Miss, II, 289.

  Shelby, I, 377.

  Shelley, P. B., I, 68; II, 237.

  Shenandoah, I, 274.

  Shenstone, William, I, 13.

  Sherborn Prison, II, 159.

  Sheridan, Philip, I, 274.

  Sherman, John, I, 239.

  Sherman, W. T., I, 274; II, 380.

  Sherwood, Mrs. John, II, 73.

  Siberia, II, 187.

  Sicily, II, 408.

  Sienkiewicz, Henryk, II, 304.

  Silsbee, Mrs., I, 264.

  Singleton, Violet Fane, II, 5.

  Siouz, I, 380.

  Sirani, Elisabetta, II, 27.

  Sistine Chapel, I, 269.

  Smalley, Mrs., II, 168.

  Smiley, Albert, II, 326.

  Smith, Amy, I, 4.

  Smith, Mrs. E., I, 45, 46.

  Smith, Sydney, I, 82.

  Smith, Mrs. Sydney, I, 85.

  Smith College, I, 361; II, 411, 412.

  Smyrna, II, 42.

  Snyders, Franz, I, 42, 147.

  Socrates, I, 290, 354.

  Somerset, Lady Henry, II, 170, 171, 201, 210.

  Sonnenberg, II, 175, 176.

  Sophocles, II, 130, 157.

  Sorosis Club, I, 373; II, 215.

  Sorrento, II, 389.

  Sothern, E. A., I, 143.

  South Berwick, II, 317.

  South Boston, I, 102, 123, 134, 154, 156, 180; II, 116.

  South Carolina, I, 11, 168.

  Spain, I, 4.

  Spanish-American War, II, 255.

  Speare, William, II, 45.

  Specie Circular, I, 61.

  Spencer, Anna G., II, 358.

  Speranza, Prof., II, 285.

  Spielberg, I, 94.

  Spinola, Contessa, II, 251.

  Spinoza, Baruch, I, 33, 192, 195, 200, 202, 206, 253.

  Spofford, Harriet S., letter to, II, 391.

  Spokane, II, 138.

  Stamp Act, I, 4.

  Standigl, Herr, I, 86.

  Stanley, Mgr., II, 241.

  Stanley, A. P., I, 267; II, 6.

  Stanley, Lady, I, 266, 267.

  Stedman, E. C., I, 190.

  Steele, Thomas, I, 91.

  Stephenson, Hannah, I, 163; II, 130.

  Stepniak, Sergius, II, 170.

  Stevens, Mr., I, 387.

  Stevenson, R. L., II, 200.

  Stillman, W. J., II, 239.

  Stillman, Mrs. W. J., II, 239, 251, 254.

  Stone, C. P., II, 34, 37.

  Stone, Lucy, I, 362, 364, 375.

  Story, Mrs. Waldo, II, 249.

  Story, William, I, 124.
    Letter of, II, 148.

  Stovin, Mr., II, 36.

  Stowe, Harriet B., I, 304; II, 329.

  Stuart, Miss, II, 21.

  Stuart, Gilbert, I, 189.

  Sturgis, William, II, 142.

  Stuyvesant, Peter, I, 70.

  Stuyvesant Institute, I, 17.

  _Success_, II, 261.

  Sue, Eugène, I, 135.

  Suffrage, equal, I, 362-73; II, 61, 88, 89, 90, 126, 151, 166,
        192, 216, 268, 322, 343.

  Sullivan, Annie (Mrs. Macy), II, 262.

  Sullivan, Sir Arthur, II, 9.

  Sullivan, Richard, II, 64.

  Sully, Duc de, I, 192.

  Sumner, Mrs., I, 225.

  Sumner, Albert, I, 151.

  Sumner, Charles, I, 71, 74-77, 116, 121, 127, 133, 149, 151, 152,
        153, 168, 200, 205, 206, 226, 227, 246, 283, 344, 381;
        II, 108, 128.
    Letter of, I, 75.

  Sumner, Mrs. Charles, I, 255, 283.

  Sumner, George, I, 151.

  Sutherland, Duchess of, I, 82, 85, 95.

  Sutherland, Duke of, I, 87.

  Swedenborg, Emanuel, I, 135.

  Swinburne, A. C., II, 72.

  Switzerland, I, 94, 278; II, 20.

  Syra, I, 272.


  Tacitus, I, 177, 222.

  Tacoma, II, 133, 153.

  Taft, W. H., II, 192, 388, 394.

  Taglioni, Marie, I, 97.

  Talbot, Emily, I, 287.

  Talleyrand, Princess, II, 247.

  Talmage, DeWitt, II, 101.

  Talmud, II, 46.

  Tappan, Caroline, II, 142.

  Tasso, Torquato, II, 32.

  Taverna, Contessa di, II, 253, 255.

  Taylor, Father, I, 72, 346.

  Tebbets, Mrs., 227.

  Tennyson, Alfred, Lord, I, 160; II, 203, 227, 247.

  Terry, Louisa, I, 267, 268, 352; II, 12-14, 16, 28, 29, 32, 55,
        60, 65, 67, 172-75, 235, 236, 238, 256.
    Letter to, II, 94.

  Terry, Luther, I, 95; II, 28, 55, 67, 247, 254.

  Terry, Margaret, _See_ Chanler.

  Tewfik Pasha, II, 36.

  Thackeray, W. M., II, 306.

  Thaxter, Celia, II, 199.

  Thayer, Adèle, II, 312.

  Thayer, W. R., II, 346.

  Theseum, I, 275.

  Thorndike, Mrs., II, 247.

  Thucydides, II, 47, 98.

  Thynne, Lady Beatrice, II, 254.

  Thynne, Lady Katherine, II, 254.

  Ticknor, Anna, II, 345.

  Ticknor & Fields, I, 137, 143.

  Tilden, Mr., I, 345.

  Tilden, Mrs., II, 157.

  _Times, London_, I, 372.

  Tiryns, II, 5.

  Tiverton, II, 47, 69.

  Todd, Prof., II, 297.

  Todd, Mabel Loomis, II, 270, 297, 315.

  Tonawanda, II, 122.

  Torlonia, Princess, I, 95.

  Törmer, ----, I, 95.

  Tosti, Sig., II, 357.

  Touraine, II, 353.

  Town and Country Club, I, 347; II, 47, 49-52, 55, 77.

  Toynbee, Arnold, II, 323.

  Toynbee Hall, II, 166.

  Transcendentalism, I, 72.

  Trench, Mr., II, 247.

  Trench, Chevenix, II, 247.

  _Trenton_, II, 156.

  Trevelyan, Lady, I, 267.

  _Tribune, Chicago_, II, 8, 9, 18, 176.

  _Tribune, N.Y._, I, 176, 196, 250, 251; II, 84.

  Trinity Church, Boston, II, 141, 199.

  _Trip to Cuba_, I, 173-77, 265.

  Trollope, Frances M., I, 114.

  Trowbridge, J. T., II, 273.

  Troy, I, 298, 308.

  Troyon, Constant, II, 172.

  Trumbull, Senator, I, 239.

  Trumbull, John, I, 5.

  Tschaikowsky, Peter, II, 295.

  Tuckerman, G. F., I, 248.

  Tuckerman, H. T., I, 231.

  Tuesday Club, II, 354.

  Tufts College, I, 218; II, 324.

  Tukey, I, 250.

  Tumwater, II, 134.

  Turin, II, 24, 26.

  Turkey, I, 261; II, 394.

  Tuskegee, II, 200.

  Tweedy, Mrs., I, 227, 231.

  Twelve O'Clock Talks, II, 107, 178.

  Twisleton, Edward, I, 133, 314; II, 6.

  Twitchell, Joseph, II, 187.

  _Tybee_, I, 322, 334.

  Tyndall, William, I, 222, 228.


  Umberto I, II, 29-31, 248, 277.

  Unitarian Association, II, 4.

  Unitarian Women, Alliance of, II, 178, 181.

  Unitarianism, I, 109, 185, 259, 388.

  United States Army, II, 15.

  Universal Peace Union, I, 319.

  Upson, Arthur, II, 346.

  Utah, II, 17.

  Utica, I, 344.


  Val, Cardinal Merry del, II, 254.

  Valley Forge, I, 6.

  Van Buren, Martin, II, 306.

  _Vandalia_, II, 155.

  Vanderbilt, Cornelius, II, 221.

  Van Dyck, Anthony, II, 11.

  Van Winkle, Judge, I, 382.

  Vassar, Matthew, II, 82.

  Vassar College, I, 361; II, 11, 82, 83.

  Vatican, II, 28, 252.

  Vaughan, Dr., II, 170.

  Velasquez, D. R. de Silva, I, 42.

  Vendôme, II, 62.

  Venice, I, 278; II, 27.

  Ventura, II, 136.

  Ventura, Sig., II, 82.

  Vergniaud, P. V., I, 7.

  Vermont, I, 118; II, 68.

  Verona, I, 278; II, 26, 27.

  Versailles, I, 8, 309.

  Vibbert, G. H., I, 364.

  Victor Emanuel I, II, 28-30.

  Victor Emanuel II, II, 30, 278.

  Victoria, Queen, I, 267; II, 20, 127, 218, 283.

  Victoria, Empress (Frederick), II, 20.

  Victory, Temple of, I, 274.

  Vienna, I, 94; II, 182.

  Villegas, José, II, 240, 243, 256.

  Vincent Hospital, II, 158.

  Vineyard Haven, I, 342, 387.

  Vinton, Mr., II, 287.

  Virginia, I, 29.

  Viti de Marco, Marchesa de, II, 255.

  Viti de Marco, Marchese de, II, 255.

  Voickoff, Alex, I, 350.

  Voshell, Lucy, II, 344, 345, 347.


  Waddington, Mary K., II, 9.

  Waddington, William, II, 9.

  Wade, Benjamin, I, 321.

  Wadsworth, William, I, 86.

  Wagner, Richard, II, 156.

  Wales, I, 88; II, 166.

  Walker, Francis, II, 150, 172, 226.

  Wallace, H. B., I, 134, 271.

  Wallack's Theatre, I, 143, 352.

  Walmsley, Mrs., II, 209.

  Ward, name of, I, 4.

  Ward, Capt., II, 8.

  Ward, Anne, I, 19, 22.

  Ward, Annie. _See_ Mailliard.

  Ward, Emily A., I, 50, 57, 60, 64.

  Ward, F. Marion, I, 17, 22, 30, 46-48, 58, 130, 352; II, 108,
        174, 175, 411.

  Ward, Henry, I, 22, 60.

  Ward, Henry, I, 31, 60; II, 174, 175.

  Ward, Henry, I, 17, 46-48, 58, 65, 66, 74, 341; II, 160, 277,
        288, 411.

  Ward, Herbert D., II, 270.

  Ward, Mrs. Humphry, II, 165, 378.

  Ward, John, I, 4.

  Ward, John, I, 22, 28, 64-66, 72, 107, 129, 238, 242-45, 258,
        351, 352; II, 401.

  Ward, Julia, I, 17, 18.

  Ward, Julia Rush, I, 17-22, 28, 61; II, 160, 235.

  Ward, Louisa. _See_ Crawford _and_ Terry.

  Ward, Mary. _See_ Dorr.

  Ward, Mary, I, 238.

  Ward, May Alden, II, 270, 388.

  Ward, Phœbe, I, 19.

  Ward, Gov. Richard, I, 4.

  Ward, Richard, I, 242, 351.

  Ward, Gov. Samuel, I, 4; II, 78, 198, 221.

  Ward, Col. Samuel, I, 5-9, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 37-39; II, 304, 320.

  Ward, Samuel, I, 16-18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29, 33-42, 46-52, 58-64, 68,
        243, 272, 289, 351; II, 9, 16, 78, 89, 108, 235, 251, 319, 373.

  Ward, Samuel, I, 17, 30, 42, 46, 48, 51, 56-58, 62, 64, 65, 72, 77,
        78, 143, 147, 153, 154, 219, 242; II, 7, 55, 60, 66, 67, 71, 72,
        74, 78, 93-96, 125, 267, 287, 304, 369, 375, 411, 413.
    Letters to, 69, 70, 78, 81, 83, 84, 86.

  Ward, Thomas, I, 4.

  Ward, W. G., I, 238, 242.

  Ward, Mrs. W. G., I, 238.

  Waring, George, II, 48.

  Warner, C. D., II, 107, 198.

  Warner, H. P., I, 265.

  Warren, Mrs. Fiske, I, 288.

  Warren, William, II, 97.

  Warwick, R. I., I, 9, 16.

  Washington, II, 134.

  Washington, D.C., I, 186, 187, 189, 192, 200, 206, 238, 240, 246,
        258, 259, 366; II, 131.

  Washington, Booker, II, 233, 261.

  Washington, George, I, 4-6, 12, 13, 111, 189; II, 143, 389.

  Washington Heights, I, 111.

  Wasson, Mr., I, 285, 290.

  Waters, Mrs., II, 179.

  Watts, Theodore, II, 171.

  Webster, Dr., I, 132.

  Webster, Sydney, II, 304.

  Weiss, John, I, 284-86.

  Wells, Amos R., II, 375.

  Wendell, Barrett, II, 359.

  Wendte, C. W., II, 78.

  Wesselhoeft, William, Sr., II, 230, 231, 242, 264, 269, 275, 282.

  Wesselhoeft, William, Jr., II, 284, 333.

  Westminster Abbey, II, 6, 167, 171.

  Wheeler, Joseph, II, 264.

  Wheeling, I, 169.

  Wheelwright, Mrs., II, 300.

  Whipple, Charlotte, II, 267.

  Whipple, E. P., I, 210, 222, 262.

  Whistler, J. McN., II, 5, 72.

  White, Mr., II, 323, 361.

  White, A. D., I, 321.

  White, Daisy R., II, 168.

  White, Harry, II, 168.

  Whitehouse, Fitzhugh, II, 326.

  Whitman, Mrs. Henry, II, 313.

  Whitman, Sarah, II, 180, 228, 262, 325.

  Whitney, Bishop, II, 137.

  Whitney, Mrs., II, 228.

  Whitney, M. W., II, 265.

  Whittier, J. G., I, 138, 152, 153, 210, 344; II, 177, 187,
       355, 367, 368.
    Letter of, I, 138.

  Wild, Hamilton, I, 201; II, 99.

  Wilde, Lady, II, 168.

  Wilde, Oscar, II, 70-72, 168.

  Wilde, Mrs. Oscar, II, 167-69.

  Wilderness, Battle of the, II, 253.

  William I, I, 4.

  William I (Prussia), I, 93, 94; II, 20.

  William II., II, 20.

  Williams, Dr., II, 205.

  Williams, Mrs. Harry, II, 93.

  Williams, Roger, I, 4.

  Williams Hall, I, 185.

  Willis, N. P., I, 262.

  Wilman, Helen, II, 325.

  Wilson, Mrs. B. M., II, 266.

  Winchendon, II, 314.

  Winchester, I, 188.

  Windermere, I, 92.

  Winslow, Erving, I, 346.

  Winslow, Helen M., II, 270.

  Wintergreen Club, II, 361.

  Winthrop, Lindall, II, 251.

  Winthrop, R. C., I, 170; II, 93, 306.

  Winthrop House, I, 123, 124.

  Wister, Owen, II, 304, 354.

  Wolcott, Roger, II, 233.

  Woman Ministry, I, 386; II, 77.

  Woman's Church, I, 390.

  _Woman's Journal_, I, 353, 359; II, 9, 100, 324.

  Woman's Liberal Christian Union, I, 388.

  Woman's Ministerial Conference, I, 390.

  Woman's Mission, I, 388; II, 84.

  Women Ministers, Association of, II, 178.

  Women's Educational and Industrial Union, II, 179, 200.

  Women's Hospital, I, 233.

  Women's Rest Tour Association, II, 188, 192.

  Wood, Mr., II, 5, 6.

  Wood, Mrs., II, 5, 6.

  Woolson, Mrs., II, 229.

  _Words for the Hour_, I, 135, 143, 233; II, 211.

  Wordsworth, Mary, I, 92, 93.

  Wordsworth, William, I, 85, 92; II, 296.

  _World, London_, II, 45.

  _World, N.Y._, II, 311.

  _World's Own_, I, 143, 144, 352.

  Wright, Silas, I, 98.

  Wyman, Lillie B. C., II, 187.


  Xenophon, I, 298; II, 7, 374.


  Yates, Edmund, II, 5, 8, 45.

  Yeats, W. B., II, 319.

  Youmans, E. L., I, 245.

  _Youth's Companion_, II, 66.


  Zahm, Father, II, 247.

  Zakrzewska, Dr., II, 302, 306.

  Zalinski, ----, II, 15, 16.

  Zalinski, E. L. G., I, 346; II, 15.

  Zangwill, Israel, II, 331.

  Zola, Émile, II, 241.

  Zuñi chiefs, II, 74, 75.


Transcriber's note: The footnote on page 127 was unreadable but was
found in another copy. "The Five of Clubs. See _ante_."

On page 307 there was a footnote marker[2] with no corresponding footnote.
"Never may I escape it to my grave!"[2]

Index entry for Tebbets, Mrs., 227. gives no volume number. She is
mentioned in Volume II only, on page 227.

The Table of Contents for Volume II was not found in the original, but
was provided by the transcriber.