Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-12-22
From the Transcript.
Mrs. Hemams nnd the Pilgrim Fa-
theirs.

From the Transcript
Mrs. Hemnns nnd the Pilgrim Ea-
theirs.
SPEECH OF REV. CHARLES BROOKS AT THE
CAPE COD ASSOCIATION.
Mn. CHAIRMAN In replying to your
call, have thought it might not be unn-
teresting to state the cause and occasisn Of
the writing Of that popular little poem on
the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers" by
Mrs. Hemans. During short and delight
ful stay at her house in Dublin, Ireland,
in July. 1884. ! had long conversation
with her. She expressed deep interest
in the United States: and said that she
had been better understood in Massachu.
sets than in England
She uttered with deep feeling her pro-
found gratitude to Professor Norton OF
Cambridge, for the delicate and efficient
manner in which he had commended her
to the American public; for the generosity
with which he had published, at his own
risk, a beautiful edition of all her works,
ahd then sent his approbafion Of her in that
substantial and uneouivocal form. which
admits Of no misconstrucrion-Pounds Ster-
ling. This patronage stimulated her to
efforts, which, otherwise, she would not
have made.
She told me that Of the many strangers
and foreigners, who had visited her with
in the last three years, she had been most
gratihed with the Americans; and named
one or two as signal examples. She was
as truthful in her words as she was pure
in her thoughts; and in thought no angel
was purcr.
In her conversation she was simple and
glowing, and seemed without effort TO
throw the prismatic colors of her own idea
upon every object she touched. | was
struck with her deep sense Of justice when
she spoke Of her Blister spirits, Joanna Bal
lie, Caroline Bowles, Mary Milford, Lett
Tia Landon, aud Mary Howitt. She never
spoke of them as rivals or competitors, but
as friends and companions.
told her, that as member Of the Old
Colony Pilgrim Society, | had right 10
thank her, in their name. for her true and
touching little poem on the landing of the
pilgrim fathers. "Wel, said she, should
you like to know how came to write itl"
Certainly should" was my reply. She
said it was thus-"l purchased Two vol.
umes at the bookstore and brought them
home, and as laid them on my table my
eye was attracted by their envelope, which
proved to be eight pages, Syo, Of an ad
dres. delivered at Plymouih on some an
niversary. There was no title,rage and no
date. The excellence Of the paper and
the beauty Of the type first arrested my at
teniion; but, how this stray fragment got to
Ireland, | could never ascertain. | began
10 read, and | found It contained an entire
description Of the fact of landing, and 20
beautiful was the painting and 60 thrilling
the fact, that | could not rest ill had
thrown them into verse; took off my bon
net, seized my pen, and having read and
re-read the story, caught the fire from
this Transatlantic torch and began to write,
and before was aware | had finished nv
poem"
Ithentold her how much we valued the
lines for their truthfuiness and spirit, and
how | had stood with a thousand persons
in the Old Pilgrim Church, at Plymouth
on"Forefathcrs' Day" and sung with them
her exquisite hymn. AT this remark tear
stole into her eye. "But," said I,"my dear
madam, there are two lines of that poem
which the descendants Of the Pilgrims
prize above the rest" "Ah! which arc
they" | began to epeat-"They hefi I'M
sustained what there they .Jound;" "Oi
yes. said she, interrupting me hastily, and
then rcciting the next line, Freedom 10
worship God" ."-"Yes," replied. "Free-
dam to uorshiP God" Then raising her
vorce, her eye at the same moment beam
ing with religious enthusiasm, she exclaim-
edit is tho truM there, which makes
the poetry" Yes, Mr.. Chairman, IL is HE
truth Here sohich stakes he poctry--for, so
true is that poem TO the facts and feelings
Of the case, that this fortunate lady has
connected her name forever with the shore
Of Plymouth end the landing ofour fathers;
yes, so long as "the breaking waves dash
high on that stern and rock -boucd coast"
to chant their ocean-dirge at the grave of
the Pilgrims, so long shall be joined in
the sacred requiem the name of Felicia He
mans.
Whenaboutto say farewell TO this charm
ing lady, she took my hand and said-
"When you next meet with your Pilgrim
Society present them my heartfelt thanks
for their llattcring partia!i'y towards me.
and tell them that wish each one Of them
prosperity and happiness.
Unfortunately, Mr.. Chairman, ! have
not been able to meet with our Pilgrim
Society since that event. and therefore !
avail myself of this opportunity, the mos,
proper that could happen. TO discharge my
long cherished, well remembered, religious
trust.
manufacture Of Papicr Mache.
1 e e