New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-11-25
Death OF the Poet Montgomery.

The decease of JAMES MONTGOMERY,
whose name for almost half a century has been
familiar to the readers of English poetry, is an
nounced to us by the last arrival from England.
Although he never attained the highest eminence
in his art, and was more indebted for his reputa-
ton to the sweet and touching devotional pathos
of his illusions than to any Of the rarer gifts OF
poetic inspiration, he has held cherished place
in the hearts Of a numerous class of readers,
who will not hear of his departure from mortal
scenes without an emotion Of tenderness. Nor
will this be diminished by the recollections of
his personal character, which presented an I'M
common union of integrity, disnterestedness,
and purity. A noble love Of freedom animated
his public career, and led him to make cheerful
sacrifices for that glorious cause.
Montgomery was born on the 4th of Nov, III,
and consequently had Just completed the unusual
allotment of four score years. On his eightieth
birthday, the 4th of the present month, he
planted an oak tree on the lawn in front of the
lnfirmary of Sheffield, in which town he had re-
sided from early life. Defended from parents
who were attached to the Moraian faith, he re-
ceived his education at school belonging to
that persuasion, and never lost the impressions
which were then made on his susceptible MIND.
His parents intended him to enter the ministry
among the Morayian brethren but finding HIM
self disinclined to pursue that vocation he en-
tered mercantile house with view TO adopt
ing that business as his permanent calling Be-
coming deeply interested in politics, and having
already attained a certain readiness and power
in composition, he connected himself with Jour
nal In Sheffield, of which he soon became the
leading editor. His freedom of remark on pub
lie affairs subJected.him to the suspicion of the
Government. he was narrowly watched, and
soon was made the subject of prosecution. He
was first sentenced to three months imprson-
ment. This was In the year 1894 and during
the next year he was condemned to SIX months,
Imprisonment for similar offense
His first poetical work was "The Wanderer in
Switzerland" which appeared in 1906, and in
spite OF a scathing review In the Edinburgh.
which was then in the sull flush of Youthful
bloom and petulance, was received with signal
favor by the public, and has passed through some
fifteen editions. THE West Indies" was pub
lished In 1907 prison Amusementsn in 1910
though written sixteen years before ..The
World before the Flood" in lsl3 Greenland,
In 1919; and the +" Pelican Island" at a subsequent
period. An edition Of his collected works was
issued In ls4l
Montgomery will be chiefly remembered in
British Literature for his devotional poetry
His productions in this kind are tinsed with a
shsht coloring of mysticism they breathe the
spiiif OF the simple and fervent Moravian piety
IN which he was nurtured; at the same time,
they are truly lyrical; not didactc statements in
verse out gushing from deep religious foun-
tam blending enthusiasm with sweetness. and
certain Oriental JUNCTION with modern resna-
ment; they will continue 10 be rel arded among
the choicest specimens of choral melodies
while mes speaking the English tongue shall
meet IN solemn assemblies Tor social worsb;n