Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-04-08
VOL. vi.

Die characters could be traced upon it; and
could but indulge in my risbe propensities,
at the idea of any attempt to write with such
materials.
But the soul of the poet had been aroused,
and he bade me again to refresh his memory
with my tale, which I did by replying to such
questions as he from time to time propounded
10 me. Every now and then he would pause,
and pledge me in the tin cup with which we
were furnished, for glasses there were none !;
when he would again commence to write. and
before he had finished, so potent were the
dranghts in which we had nduged, that some
OF the lines ran in any other direction than par
ale TO each other.
At last he finished his labors, and the result
of them was the song of Erin-go-bragh, the very
song printed in his works, and which now
hand to you.
This is a true history of that inimitable pro-
duction, more full of feeling, in my opinion,
than any thing he has ever written before or
since.
Read it to me, said the general, for if the
king would withdraw the act which banished
me, the object nearest my Irish heart, conld
not read that song aloud.
Such was the story told to the writer, as
nearly as it can be remembered, after lapse
of thirty-eight years. There are yet living in
this city several persons who will recognize it,
and an appeal to them for the accuracy which
it is here told, would confirm it in every par
ticular; its only defect being the absence of
power in the writer to impart to his readers
anything of the enthusiasm with which Gen.
McC. related it-nor the heart-stirrng emotion
ever exhibited by him wien it became, as it
often did, the subject of conversation.
As the reader may feel desirons to know
what was subsequently, the fate of the real and
original Erin -go-bragh, he may be told that
his friends found out where he was, remit
ted him funds, that he embarked in a profit
able pursuit, and ever after lived in compare
tive affluence.
The story of his marriage is of so romantic
nature, that as he is now no more, and there
is therefore no improperly in giving it public
ity, the writer is tempted to narrate it, as he
has often listened to it from the lips of the gen.
eral, at his own hospitable board, in the pres
ence of his wife.
"There she is" he would say, "she is my
preserver !" Campbell and myself continued
in our lodgings, and with Saturday night came
the bill of expenses, but alas our means were
exhausted.
When the bill for the first week was presen-
ted to US, g WE'LL" said the poet to me, what
do you propose to do, general!" To which l
replied g Do what do propose to DO, did
you ask might put the same question to
you-but no let an lrishman alone for getting
ont of scrape. will call up the landlord,
and tell him our story; adding, that | expect
ere long my relatives will find out whittier
have been sent, and it cannot be, but that in
short time funds will be sent TO me. Suiting
the action to the word, | rang the bell, the
landlord appeared, and gave him our story in
a few words, for though German, he was
well acquainted with our language. " An
Irish general" said the apparently incredulous
Boniface, "and Scotch poet" He left US
with the exclamation, and after he had gone,
proposed walk, to which my companion as
sentng, we strolled around the city of Altona,
and returned to our lodgings, without having
met with any occurrence worthy of remark
Being somewhat fatigued, and having no book,
or other means of occupation, we retired to our
humble chamber, which had in it two single
beds, by no means luxurious.
Another week of anxiety passed away, and
no advices reached me- The poet and myself
were in a considerable stew. Another bill
was presented, and to our great surprise we
found onr host very lenient indeed. He made
no remark when presenting it-simply asked
me had received my funds, and on expressing
my modification that my reply must be in the
negative, he left me with polite bow.
"The accommodations, said the poet,
L" are none of the best, but our host is an honest
fellow, we have inspired him with confidence,
and he appears content to wait! !"
know not how it was, but felt a strange
sensation come over me, feeling that relief
was at hand. So strongly was | impressed
with that belief that | communicated it to my
FRIEND who laughed out at what he called my
Irish modest assurance.
Relief" he said, "may come when your
| relations hear of Won but nv word for it. that
will not be suon. No, no, there is no relief,
and l must leave you for my continental
tour"
He however yielded to my solicitation to
walk, which was always my resource, and as
we left the house, | said to him, Campbell
when we come back, l shall hear some.
thing"
"If you do" said he, " it may be in the
shape of dun for our unpaid bills"
"You will see," replied; when we sal.
lied forth, and were gone perhaps an hour
On returning to our room, judge of the sensa
ton experienced, when l discovered on tht
oaken table, neat envelope directed, in fe
male hand, "To Gen. A. McC." With al
eagerness much more easily conceived thar
described, | broke the seal-not line of mai
uscript did it contain-but for moment m,
heart leaped with joy, for found within th'
envelope a Schleswig Holstein bank bill o
twenty dollars! Although my surprise wa
without bounds" Did not tell you" said
In nv friend {" that relief was at hand ~