The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-02-28

Writings-Their Orlgin-FIls Views, Feel
ings and Desires In relation to this Coun-
try.
The following letter, giving most admirable ac'
count Of Boz, was written by Mr.. Lester TO Wash
ington Irving, sometime during the last year. Ii
will be read with great interest at the present time,
especially MS Mr.. Dickens is now on the eve OF
making the tour Of the principal States Of the
Union:-
LONDON, July =, 1910.
To Warrington IRVING, ESQ.
Understanding that you have often expressed your ad
miration for the genius and character Of Charles Dick
ems have thought that some account Of this celebrated
author might not be unintsrcsting to you have had
the pleasure of visiting Mr. Dickens at his house, and
trust that this letter will not be considered an i'll return
for his kindness to whose only claim upon him was
introduction from Thomas Campbell. believe there
ed and rsad bv our as Mr. Dckens and
sequently enc respecting whom Americans may be
supposed have great desire for information Twill
therefore give brief sketch Of aome OF his conversa
tons with and psak Of his character and history
far may be permitted to do with proper regard to
his private feelings If he should write his autobi
ography giving full picture Of his early history it
would probably be Of tn most interesting books in
any language The Injunction resolved from seve-
to tell them in my letters something about Boz
There were many persons in our country who could
not be prevailed upon to read his works Tor long time
vulgar representations of Sam Weller had appeared on
the theare bills at every of the street that the
of BOZ" bee associated with all that Of
fensive in the burlesque and low farce Of the American
stage
In this feeling once participated But year ago
friend brought Oliver Twist to my room, to help while
away night of illness. He had not read many pnges
before my prejudices against the suthors gave way
after my recovery glad read that charming
book BY myself. where could enjoy the full pleasure o.
those feelings which the kind hearted writer we'll
knows how 10 excite. On closing the work, felt
interest in the Work house Hero" which hcti-
tious character awakened in my heart lmmed
atey collected all the writings Of Dickens, and read
them with new and strange delight There no
gloom which his wit and humor could not drive away
hiIarity which was not glad to exchange for the
Of suffering Sadness and triumph, in the histories
of the generous but unfortunate Oliver the proud sp
rted kind hearted Nicholas: the son6ding Madeline
the beautiful Kate and above ell, swest little Nelly,
1caton in seeing tho author Of these works than from
intercourse with any other man.
was expressing to Campbell, whom met last evening
ct Dr. Beatti.s my admiration for Dickens He inquired
if had seen him. answered had not and that
should consder it misfortune to leave Englard with
out seeing him. Immediately Campbell left the room,
and returning in few moments took my hand and said
g" glad you like Mr. Dickens. Fere 10 letter Of in
PRODUCTION him. want you to read it, and then will
seal IT, fer consIler it msrk Of illbreedng to present
an unsesed letters and the one to be introduced msy
desire to glance this he should
be permitted to do and then it should be- sealed Camp
bell persisted and read il. 1t was warm hearted and
generous, like every thing that comes from Thomas
Campbell. gave back the letter with many thanks
no u,s
by in while, at least doing good to others
This morning called On Mr.. cken. Ifelt the same
cd his library that should for the author Of Waverly
at his grave. Yea, more for there is more Christian
philanthropy In his hssrt than ever dwe in Sir Wal
ters and would to God there were no worse men than
was Sir Walter. Thought would withhold CsmPbells
letter until after ny reception felt assured that the
cold spirit that reigns in the higher circles Of English
society, him from receiving with genu
inc kindness sent in my card after writing on With
A. ha vnhlt hn
could see Mr. Dickens" In a moment or two the
returned, and showed me to the library. The au
sheet Of Master Humphreys Clock" before him. He
gave his hand fsm,liarly, and offered me chair.
told him was an American and hoped he would pardon
for calling without invitation, and, he not
particularly engaged should be much grat6ed with
short Interview. He begged me- to make no apologies;
ed such generous hand to the oppressed of Eugand
that they ought to feel efficacy introducing them
selves TO Englishmen. at once felt at home, and re-
than mere curiosity in coming to him. wished to
see the man who had so faithfully deneated the human
and much for the poo, and the
author was anxious 10 He replied, nothing could
be more gratifying to him than to receive denonsra
tions Of regard from American readers. american
praise said he is the best praise in the world for 10
sincere. Very few reviews written this country
except under the influence Of some feeling Do
more praise than deserve" depressed desire to
time saying that Of course did not expect him to
communicate to stranger anything he would no. freely
make known to the world "Oh SIR" he replied, "ask
As many questions as you please; Is an American Is
of your naensbie rights to ask questions and this
fancy, is the reason why the Yankees are so intel
gent"
snquired it, portra ying his characters he had not,
in every instance his upon particular person
he had known since could not conceive possible for
an author to such graphic and natural pictures
except from real life. "Aew me to ask, said if
the eyed Squeers but good John the
MAC intriguing Quip the good Cheerbly Brothers.
cissf
"No SIR they are not replied he they are copies
You will not understand to say Of course that they
true histories in ell respects but they real like
ne.ses; nor have in any Of my works attempted any
thing more than to arrange my story a. well ~ could
and give true picture Of scenes have witnessed. My
past history and pursuits have led to familiar
edness and Of deepad vllany In the hauns Of sqald
poverty have found many broken heart too good for
:hi: world Many such persons now in the most a.;
in circles of friendship and suenee from which they
have been hurled by misfortune to the lowest depths Of
want and sorrow. This class of persons 10 We large
Then there are Thousands in eur parish uses
and in the lanes of London born into the world without
friend except God and dying mother. Many, too,
who in of trial have yielded to impulses
Of passion and by fatal step fallen beyond recovery
London il crowded. and indeed il all England with
the poor the unfortunate and the guilty I'M. ds sc
thos They have had none to care for them and have
Aed from the pahlic gaze dark habation Of this
great city, the Geld charities OF selfish world,
and die There more broken hearts In London than
in any other place in the world. The amount Of crime,
ation nskednes and misery of every soft in the
metropolis surPassss all calculation thought could
render some service 10 humanity BY bringing these
scenes before the minds of those who from having
witnessed them suppose they cannot exist 10 this e
fort have been wholly successful and there 10
nothing makes happier than to think that, by some
Of my representaons have increased the stock of HUI
cheerfulness and by others, the stock Of human
sympathy. think makes the heart better to seek out
the suffering and relieve them have spent many days
and nights in the wrsched districts of the metro
polls, studying the history Of the human heart There
we must go to find it, In high circles every.
thing but the heart and learn everything but the real
character We must 10 the novels Of the poor and the
unfortunate, where trial brings out the character
have In these rambles seen many exhibitions of gener.
affection and heroic endu which would do ho
nor to any sphere Often have discovered minds that