The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-04-14


Of Mr. Lester, as regards the affairs Of Mr.. Powers
This prediction has been verified to the letter We
understand that MIR. Lester has commenced two
libel suits against Mr.. Taylor, the publisher Of the
paper of which Park Benjamin is editor These
suits have not been entered against Park Benjamin,
because he is considered to be an irresponsible per-
son. in the sight Of man or Of woman, Of heaven, or
Of the other place. This is species OF immunity
which is cheap, and must be great qualification to
the conductor Of popular newspaper. Park Ben
jamin, however, comes again to the charge against
Lester, and persists in asserting that his book apd
all in it contained, is not warranted by Mr.. Powers
who has written letter 10 this country, in which
he denies every thing Lester has said concerning
him. In his last paper he gives the following admit
rable piece of EVIDENCE
WAsHrreroS CRY, March 81, 1876.
DrAN Sin IL have read your ezpo,e of tho imposture
Of C. Edwards Lester she pseudobiographsr Of Hiram
lived in Cincinnati from 1929 TO 1896 had the pleasure
OF an acquaintance with MIR p and perhaps on a.
son. Previously 10 Mr. Powe departure Tor Forence
several notices Of him appeared IN the journals Of the
Gay an 9. wn'cn iepIesepted nri. lney were, al
artist and the mbers Of his family; and his mm sdiate
friends requested TO furnish article respecting
ealy life and deeds OF art that should be authentic.
did so; and 1t was published in the Cincinnati Mirror,
sometime think, in the year 1885.
This sketch republished in the Washington City
Uaion, the l4th OF November last and may be Ye
on es the truth in every particular Soon after its
admirers here, wrote to Mr. Powers requesting list
Of his works since his departure from the United States
intending to continue my memoir down to the present
time
To this communication Mr. Powers sent a reply, from
which the following is an extract.
|" FLoRENcE, February, o. 1916.
81" My FRIEND 81 had the pleasure receive
your Kind letter Of the alst November about fortnight
ago. but much occupation in various ways has
I" thank you most heartily for your recollection Of
me- and for the interest you have always felt in my
your wishes, in relation my uninteres iinR history
were not for the morfcaton have lately experien-
ced on reading work in which figure largely - what
The author OF that work has abused my confidence
by publishing many things intended far tho public;
sentiments into my mouth Which never uttered nor
entertained and, TO crown ALL he has made what he
truth "a it is foolish and ridiculous.
IAN the circumstances, so particularly narrated about
ore falsehoods. The manuscript was never LETT with
did ever with pen pencil revise and correct
it, He told me that he was writing work Italy and
wished that wonld give HIM some information about
the arts and myself which did, not in my studio but
at his own room and there cautioned him not to pub
sh ns comingfrom me- many Of the facts contained in
my discourse, and received his promise that my name
should be used as sparingy as possible
in the most conspicuous manner has made me use the
most pompous as we'll as vulgar language and father
pages Of his own composing
is pot only calculated present injury but as the
book may md its place-unworthy is-in Libraries
and other repositories il will remain lasting disgrace
to my memory intend however, to mark and correct,
when able have it reprinted with expressive OF
my real sentiments and Of my disgust and humiliation
with vain expectation to interest the public, but to
vndicate myself and counterfeit the evil conse
Of Mr.. Testers publication.
"Wth the above facts in your possession, you will not
wonder be offended at my say that with my pre-
sent feelings, shrink from the thought Of writing
sketch Of my commonplace history-even to 80 good
81 have taken some steps to have the above facts
letter published Indeed, would caution you in this
respect Tor have seen some of my letters in the papers,
which were never intended for other eyes than those Of
"Your' sincerely r yyocwvn.
samr Yorke Alice, Esq, Washington City, u 81
very reluctantly have taken the responsibility OF
Lester. =
soc all the contingencies that might arise to njurs his
reputation His fame is national treasure and should
certainly DO sedulousy guarded and vindicated by every
American s.. Y. A.
This is an admirable verification of all the asser
lions which Park Benjamin has made against Mr.
ers. If this letter is genuine-and no man would
have the iemerity to publish such letter, if he was
not satisfied Of its auhentieily-it places MIR. Les
ter under tne necessity of establishing the truth Of
hisbook in relation to Mr. Power, or OF submitting
10 the stigma which has been fixed upon him by
Park Benjamin. Mr.. Testers book, which was
published year ago, processes to give sketch Of
the ideas, opinions and sentiments OF Mr. Powers
We read the book at the time, and formed high
opinion OF Mr.. Powers, from the contents of tha,
book, as man of intellect and fine sentiments. We
never for moment conceived the idea that MIR
Lester had made the publication without under
standing his ground, or being satisfied OF the anthem
icity of his assertions. The letter of Mr.. Powers
now for the first time, DENYING the authenticity o.
the book, destroys all Its enchantment and puts Mr.
Lester under the alternative, either Of submission to
ill that is said against his truth and verscty, or oil
establishing it by proofs, beyond the reach of cavi
Such is the singular situation Of this literary
QUARREL involving personal reputation to a consider
able extent In the first place, there are two libel
suits against Mr.. Taylor, which will make matter
to be arranged between Park Benjamin and his
publisher IN the next place, the question OF vera
city between Powers and Lester, is in q trembling
and ticklish situation. One or the other OF these
two must go to the wall" this day a stag must
die" whatever be the issue Of the controversy, for
three can be no doubt that Mr.. Lester must now
come out and set himself right before the country,
or he must assent to all that is charged against him
FoRrIPYISs THE CrTY.-It will be seen by a re-
ference to the proceedings Of the Board Of Alder.
men last evening, that message was lie.
ceived from the Mayor, enclosing a copy Of
communications received by him from the
Hon. w. l.. Marcy, Secretary OF War, in rela-
ton 10 renquishing possession of Castle Gin.
ton, or as it is commonly called Castle Garden, to
the general government, with view to placing In i,
a suitable armament at the same time using the
building as a school or place of instruction for the