The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-01-01
LETTER FROM GRACE GREENWOOD
PHILADELPHIA, December 20, IS.

PHILADELPHIA, December 20, 1851
DEAR DocToR BAILEY: have so long been
an absentee from your columns, that hardly
know whether my old place will be accorded
to me- if presume to claim it. Throughout
the month since left my Western home, jour
neying and numberless occupations have filled
up my time, to the entire exclusion of htera-
ture. Could you hear all my excuses, am
sure you would pardon my apparently unpar
donable negligence. ] spent three delightful
weeks with a friend in and about Boston. Tn,
only drawback to my enjoyment was thu
weather, which most of the time was severely
cold for the season. On my way to New York
spent two days with some friends in Provi
dence, most pleasantly. In New York,
stopped with my travelling companion, Miss
p, at the Irving House which beg leave
to commend as decidedly the first hotel of
which | have any knowledge though ] am
well aware that no words OF mine, however
strong and earnest, can add to It's reputation.
Mr. Howard seems full of genuine kindness
and gentlemanly attention to his guests; and
the servants of the establishment are well
trained, prompt and singularly respectful in
their demeanor.
The presence of Governor Kossuth created
| in the house n continued but not noisy ex-
cltcHcub OuIsuc iaRcu bht Dut tneIc,
near him, every one seemed TO breathe in with
deep inspirations the atmosphere of his great
ness: to be not 80 much reused by his glorious
enthusiasm as awed by the grandeur of his
mission and bis purpose
We saw the prophet here first as he was
going out to address the militia at Castle
Garden He was dressed simply and most fit
tingly, in black velvet, with a plumed black
hat, and sword. Az he passed down the
hail. he bowed right and left, touching his hat
gracefully to the friends gathered to see him
On the following day, We had the pleasure of
hearing him in a brief speech, in reply to an
address from deputation of workingmen, who
presented to him the handsome sum of eight
hundred dollars This address by the way
was finely written and admirably given, by
very gentemanly person, apparently the young
est Of the company Kossuth walked rapidly
and unceremoniousy into the room, followed
by his suite. He wore a plain citizens dress,
and his head was uncovered He is like the
finest prints we see of him. but is n smaller
man than we have an idea Of from them.
When first seen in contrast with the tall.
splendidly uniformed officers of his suite, he
strikes one as slight, almost plain in person,
and extremely simple in his air. His manner
during the reading of the address WAS pecu-
liarly fine, He bowed repeatedly, and his face
glowed with a sympathetic, gretifed, and
grateful expression. He began his reply in an
easy, conversational style Ii was ut first
earnest, forcible talk-no more. He spoke
with decided accent, but distinctly, and ap-
parently without difficulty or hesitation. The
speech was brief but ere its close, the fire Of
genius shonc in his deep sad eyes; its strange
mystical light illuminated his brow his voice
took tones Of deeper passion bis breast heaved,
his form lowered, and the grandest orator Of
the ago stood before us When he ceased
speaking, felt that had indeed looked ON
the hope and the promise Of ages, the incarna-
ton Of the imperishable soul Of freedom, the
terror and the retribution Of tyranny; the
prophet and rcdeemer, not alone Of his own
peculiar people, but u speak it reverently) the
Christ Of the worlds political redemption.
As afterwards took the extended hand and
gazed full into the wondrous face OF the great
Magyar, ] saw that the glow of hope lit, but
could not conceal its deep sorrowful shadows
as sunshine glds only the surface Of dark,
fathomless sea- His eyes speak rs never eyes
yet spoke, Of soul richly freighted with des-
tiny and power. You see there alike the un-
conquerable will Of a Napoleon the inspiration
OF the poet and the prophet and the devotion
Of the martyr. You feel the conviction come
upon you with resistless force, that he is a man
diynely planned, endowed, and empowered
SO perfect becomes your trust in Heavens
great purposes for him, and through him, for
the world that il seems needless 10 utter what
the heart will say, nevertheless Con SAVE
KossUTH! GRACE GREENWOOD