The Nevada Democrat., 1857-04-08
Dickens In America.

The venerable Honorable John Barney, Of
Baltimore, has In press very piquant "Sketch
Book" which is likely to refresh the American
mind in both political and social "reminiscences.
The following chapter on Dickens in America,
will be read with peculiar interest
Intellectually, the author Of the Pickwick
Papers, Nicholas Nlckelby, and David Copper
field, and last but not least, 'Litte Dorrett," Is
q giant; but personally he is squirt, "of the
first watcr,r-(we do not mean by this that he
is de fust "masheen dat gets de fust stream on
de fer land his department in America has
been that of London coclxney Of the most ex-
auisite character, but an income of his pen Of
dTen Thousand Year, like the mantle OF
charity. covers multitude of sins:
In Baltimore, saw, on his landing, the ac-
complshed writer of tales of absorbing interest
the fop and the scholar, Charles Dickens. He
came heraldcd as the most happy and success
full dellncator Of innocent suffering children OF
original character in humble life. lie had in
situated himself into the hearts Of his readers,
and nestled in their inmost recess. The simple,
innocent, bewitchlng child induces every pa
rent to wish his own might resemble little Nell,
in her winning attributes of guileless meekness
and patience under suffering-brght intolll-
gence, piety and abiding faith In kind Heavens
mercy TO an afflicted child.
His quaint humor heralded him In advance,
and apologized for the adulaton which was
showered upon him. Boston was in extacies.
1t was deemed dispensation to have been the
first city to receive and welcome him. The
doors of each hospitabe mansion opened wide
on golden hinges to receive him. Plays were
written and performed, in which'he had his most
prominent characters personatcd, true to ma
ture. lilo was overwhelmed with invitations to
balls, dinners, &C. his autograph sollcited-a
I,1I 81 hast s.,.Nln poI fofx "ko had
bright a cloud of sunny locks as Ger adorned
womans brow.) lie had to employ more than
one amanuensis to answer his huge pile of notes.
His ante-chamber was crowded, and II required
patience TO await ones turn TO be admitted to
bis august presence. ! have never witnessed
more magnificent entertainments. The grand
ball given to the Prince de Joinville only sur
passed them in splendor. On that occasion an
cereal tunnel was thrown across the street, to
connect Fanueil Hall with Quincy Hall. The
ball was in Fanueil Hall-the grand supper In
Quincy. Those who have been in these two
halls can appreciate their magnillcence. 1t cost
eight thousand dollars, and was graced by all
the distingue of Boston. Nothing could be more
magnificent. II lives in my memory as unpar-
alleled p
In New York the wharves were crowded at
dawn's early light, to greet the arrival of the
steamers precious freight Streets were lined
with precious spectators The windows of the
houses opposite and around the hotel were
hired at ridiculous prices, to witness his egress,
and the same prodigal attentions lavished upon
him as in Boston,
Philadelphia idem and in Baltimore led of
the game of tomfoolcry.
In answer to an invitation to be honorcd by
having him grace my saloon, / received the fol-
lowing characteristic response
Dinhn tnfa
Saturday night, 10th of March, 1912.
Afy Dear Sir have time but for one word.
thank you for your kind letter. On Wednes-
day evening at Q O'Clock, have booked myself
to be at your disposal,
In great haste, faithfully yours,
CHARLES DICKENS.
My house was full to oyerhowing gam salts
ad salts tacendimL
The privilege was solicited of being permit
ted to stand on the landing of the stairway, to
see him pass up. His precious autograph was
held up to crafty admiring spectators.
The only redeeming feature of the fete was
that the truly noble, accomplished and beloved
gentleman, scholar and author, consented to
accompany him, and give grace, dignity and at
traction to the assembly.
Washington Irving condescended to play Sec
ond to the foreigner whom oil delighted to hon
or, pro hde Uiee.
1t was vicious depravity of taste, which all
have since deplored-these adulations bestowed
on this consummate fop and conceited coxcomb.
All we're repaid by gross libels, unfounded
SANDERS, which shall notcondescend to record.
Chief Justice fancy and family were an
nounced. my hour Of receiving is pastn replied
the inflated foreigner
My estimable friend, Christopher Hughes,
thus reproyed him: dickens, had my lord
Chief Justice Denman honored you with 0 call,
would you have dared to refuse him
Certainly" replied the inflated coxcomb, ''if
my hour of admission had passed"
"Chief Justice fancy is, in himself, the most
Elevated man in his country in rank on
v to the President-and it will form bright
,rivilege in your life hereafter, to say that you
vere permitted 10 take him by the hand" ~
"Mrs. Dickens is about to drive out to see the
Picturesque hills surrounding Baltimore" E
replied eve have ample time before the |