The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-02-02
CORRESPONDENCE.
LITERATURE-AND LITERARY MEN.


New YoRx, Jan. %, 1889.
DEAR SR:-The movements of literary men are
always observed with interest," and will give you a
brief sketch of the Whereabouts of some oflhose who
hail from our city.
Fay as you are aware, rs at Berlin and his forth
coming novel is looked for with great interest BY the
public. 1t will appear during the ensuing spring.
Eaulding, you have with you at Washington, i'm
mersed in the dry details OF the Navy Department
but haye little doubt that his leisure hours are de-
voted to some unheralded literary production. Be-
ing possessed of great wealth. he must have accepted
Office from desire 10 minge in the hustle and ex-
element of public life.
He is one of the few authors who become promi-
nent politicians from choice, independent OF pecu-
mary considerations.
In many instances their porerty not their trtH
consents Not that poverty is the badge oil the
tribe Far from it. The association OF attic stories
with attic tastes is no longer justifabe. Authors OF
the presen, day indulge in visions Of splendid mir
rors, Turkey carpets and box at the Opera.
Needv writers are those who cannot afford to keep
their carriage and pair nor make the tour OF the
Lakes, Falls Springs, &c. in summer, and visit
Rome and Paris in winter. When, therefore, an
author becomes ambitious to excel the mtlltondre IN
his own sphere Of luxury il is not unusual TO hnd
him among the grosser crowd who bow the knee at
the footstool OF power. When actuaed by such mo-
tves it is painful to witness the eagle.spirit cover
ing beneath the will Of inferior natures, and content
TO the badge Of servude for the gliitering oau
bles il secures Let me not be misunderstood Ihere
are writers Of great excellence whose tastes lead
them to pursue the thorny paths of political life, but
there are more whose whole feelings are outraged
by the associations connected herewith.
George r. Norris is with us, intent as ever on
deeds Of kindness to his contemporaries. BY the
way, do you personally know him3 He is decidedly
one of the most delightful persons OF the age.
Meet him where you will, in the domestic circle
or amid the busing throng, who, intent on schemes
OF business are crowdng and oslling each other on
the trooir in Wall street in the saloon OF the thea
ire or among the literary or scientific circles OF the
METROPOLIS in all situations you will find him the
same pleasant companion and ardent friend-modest
in pre,ension and entirely free from or jealousy
In certain species Of composition he IS decidedly
equal to any writer of the present day His oeauti-
tul melodies have already found their way to the
hearts and lips of every vo,ary of song and become
permanently identified with our National literature
He has an amusing work in the course OF puolica-
lion by Lea & Blanchard, of Philadelphia, entitled
" The LitLlc Freuehman and his Wafer Lots, and
ether hits al the times" This will be most popular
book, if have any skill in such matters.
It will make its appearance, with the buds and
leaves of spring, as such mirth-provoking volumes
ever should.
Brvant is laboring with might and main in the
political harness. and, like all men OF genius, con-
rives to elicit some interest from theme, the great
staple of which is unmgated dulness and monoto-
ny.
He occasionally writes for the magazines but we
all lament the cause, whatever il be, which prevents
him from pouring forth those exquisite lays which
once dropped, like diamonds from his pen
Halleck is also truant to the muses. He is indeed
busy in the cotton trade and sugar line"
Wills has ,ust commenced new periodical.
What has caused him to leave his beautiful seat in
the valley of Wyoming, TO commence weekly pa
per, cannot imagine.
IT, as learn is the case hs.income is sufficient TO
secure every enjoyment it is passing strange that ne
should again assume bur,hen he has once eschew-
ed But whatever may be his views, he is charm
ing writer and will never lack readers
Um. L. Stone has succeeded TO the extent OF his
wishes in the sale of the Life of Brant." There
have | think, been already jonr editions published
within few months.
Epcs Sargenfs new Tragedy OF Velasco has excit-
ed great inleres in literary circles This young au-
thor bids fair to attain great eminence in the line OF
writing which he has chosen.
Cooper is SAID to be writing Naval History. Ba-
ting his prejudices Cooper is valuable acquisition
10 The literature Of the country-but it is amenable
tina, he should Aro,c away with dsdain the need Of
applause once nobly won.
Washington Irring enjoys the far niente among
hi, books and friends, but have not heard OF his
having any work in hand