The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-08-12


over her glorious face.
During this evening, Mr.. Dickens spoke to
me with much interest and admiration of Mrs
Stowe and MIR. Hawthorne Wherever | go,
my national pride is gratied 10y hearing most
eloquent tributes to the genius Of these noble
authors and to the poet Longfellow The
Memorials of Margaret Fuller have also ere
ated great sensation here. Carlyle says
-" Margaret was a great creature; but you
have no full biography of her yet. We want
to know what time she got up in the morning,
and what sort of shoes and stockings she
wore"
Thus far, my experience of English life and
character has been pleasant altogether pleas
ant. Hospitality more generous and cordial,
kindness more constant, warm, and considerate,
it were quite impossible to conceive. Oh! ten
derby do they deal with the strangers heart
Most sweetly do they strive to console it tor
the lost home joys, the deep, dear affections
left behind.
You know, when | left you, how bravely
talked of the great plunge into the cold bath
of the world which | was about to take-Of
the new life of entire independence and self
reliance before me. You know how my lip
sometimes quivered, and laughed Historically
as pictured myself as an itlnerant apostle of
women's rights-the 1" strong minded woman
abroad-but you could not know the wild
forebodngs, the cowardly sinking and sickness
of my heart through all. Yet thus far have
taken not one lonely and unsupported step.
No sooner had | reached the far and foreign
land which had so appalled, me, than found
myself so hemmed in with kindness, ~ guard
ed and guided by friendly care, that there was
and is imminent danger Of my becoming
more babyshly dependent than ever People
on whose good Offices had not the least legit-
mate clainl-mere friends Of my friends-rival
in aSsiduous kindness parents, brothers, and
sisters, and quite Guido and put to shame ali
more distant blood relationship whatever.
am at present staying in the family of DR..
]. Laurie, distinguished physician of the no
meopathic SCHOOL, man of fine scientific at
tainments and literary tastes and politically of
liberal principles. He is a true Scot, and his
bonnie wife was a Scotch lussie She in her
quiet unsefishness, in simplicity and earnest
truthfulness of character, as well AZ in shrewd
judgment and sterling sense, reminds me of
JEANNE Deans. These, with their sweet young
children, have made much of my happiness in
London-haye softened this new, strange life
OF hurry and excitement, with home pleasures
and loving sympathy.
English servants are in their way Il most
admirable class-going quietly about their du-
ties with Il perfection of system and thorough
respecttulness, dgnifed humility of manner,
quite new and wonderful to an American.
allude, of course, to those in private families,
domestics-waters in hotels and coffee-hOuses
are different class altogether. Yet have
heard an amusing story of more than Yankee
GOODNESS and independence displayed by one of
l..
Church. The faithful od-fashioned man-ser-
want of a country clergyman, on a visit to the
Archbishop of York, told his master that, while
sitting one morning in the servants hall, IL bell
was rung violently Near him, Il richly liveried
iootman was loungng in an easy chair, with
his heels as high as his head-for all the world
like an American Congressman legisating at
his ease-and from this comfortable position
he budged not an inch at the importunate
Summons above mentioned "What! cried
the primitive and provincial serving man,
Z" don't you answer the drawing groom bell ~
mot unless they perserere," was the cool re-
Spouse of his footmanship.
In my letters thus far, ] have dealt more
with the people than the sights of London.
The town itself is such Il stupendous subject,
that really know not where to grapple on to
it. A few days since, DR.. Laurie drove me
round all the fashionable squares, and through
Hyde Park, to Kensington Gardens, where we
had n charming stroll. During this drive !
saw all the finest town residences of the nobili-
ty and gentry. They are noble massive build
ings, but by no means all of great elegance or
architectural beauty The fashionable squares
enclose small parks, in each of which may
be found towering statue--some royal rigid
ity, or ducal petriiaction, stretching mouldy
sceptre over the gravel walks, or rearing eter-
nally on furious steed. Regent street is most
magnificent. think have never seen any
thing finer than the grand circular sweep it
takes Oxford street is also very handsome
Town and city, as well as country, have been
full of scenes of excitement during the late
elections. These, AZ far as was able to see
were not a great way behind our own, in ami
mated interest and noisy demonstration,
The liberal party are quite hopeful, ! be-
ievc, and confidently state that the Premier is
soon to rest from his labors, and the Chahcel-
lor Of the Exchequer to hang his Jews harp
on the willows
We are having terribly hot weather here,
and showery England is belying its reputation.
The united voice of the people is for rain.
Apropos they tell story here of the late
Duke of Cambridge, who had n habit of re-
spending with peculiar heartiness to any con
genial sentiment uttered in public meetings,
and even in church service During a very
dry season, as II prayer for rain was being sol
EMMY read by the minister, his Royal High
ness called out in the emphatic and reteratiye
style of his illustrious house" By all means
10y all means, by all means!" then added, in
lower, but still distinct tone, "we shall not
have rain, however. till the wind changes
So watching and waiting for a change of
wind, am unchangingly yours,
GRACE GREENWOOD.