Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1857-01-30
DICKENS in AMERICA.

In political ana social "reminiscences
The following chapter on Dickens in
America will be read with peculiar inte-
rest in this latitude: -...~
In Boston, saw, on his landing, the
accomplished writer of tales of absorbing
interest, the fop aud the scholar, Charles
Dickens. He came heralded as the most
happy and successful delineator of inno-
cent suffering children of original charac-
ter in humble life. He had insinuated
himself into the hearts Of his readers, and
nestled in their inmost recess. The sim
pie, innocent, bewitching child induces
every parent to wish his own might re>
semble little Nell in her winning attri-
butes of guileless meekness and patience
under suffering-bright intelligence, pie
~, an abiding faith in kind heavens mer-
cy to an afflicted child.
His quaint humor heralded him in adj
vance, and apologized for the adulation
which was showered upon him: Boston
was in ecstacies. 1t was deemed dis
pensation to have been the first city to
receive and welcome him. The doors of
each hospitable mansion opened wide on
golden hinges to receive him. Plays
were written and performed, in which he
and his most prominent characters were
personated, true to nature. He was over
whelmed with Invitations to balls, din>
ners, &c.; his autograph solicited, lock
OF his hair lmplored, (of which he had as
bright cloud of sunny locks as e'er
adorned a woman's brow.) He had to
employ more than one amanuensis to an.
swer his huge pile of notes. His ante
chamber was crowded, and it required
patience to await your turn to be admit.
ted into his august presence. I have ne
yer witnessed more magnificent entertain
ments. The grand ball given to the
Prince de JoinYille only surpassed 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-the grand sup
per in Quincy. Those who have been in
those two can appreciate their magnif-
cence. II cost eight thousand dollars,
and was graced by the presence of all the
dtSttng"e of Boston. Nothing could be
more magnificent. 1t lives in my memo
~ as unparalleled.
In New York, the wharves were crowd.
ed at dawn's early light to greet the arri>
| '0A ~ viz SSOoWSA pIcSlOuS
Streets were lined with 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 iden and in Baltimore 1
led off the game of tomfoolery.
In answer to an invitation to be houox-
ed by having him grace my saloon, re-
ceived the following characteristic re-
sponse
R1CHMoND, V1RG1N1A,)
Saturday night, 10th March, 1842.
My Dear Sir {: have time for but
one word. 1 thank you for your kind
letter. On Wednesday evening, at 9
o'clock, l have booked myself 10 be at
your disposal.
In great haste, faithfully yours.
CHARLES DICKENS.
My house was filed to overaowing-
jam salts ad Satisfaciendum.
The privilege was solicited of being
permitted to stand on the landing of the
stairway to see him pass up. His preci.
GUS autograph was held up to gratify ad-
SRSSb'bOASs
Tbs only redeeming feature of the fete
was that the truly noble, accomplished
and beloved gentleman. scholar and au-
:hor, consented to accompany him, and
give grace, dignity and attraction to the
assembly.
Washington Irving condesceuded to
play second to the foreigner whom all de-
lighted to honor, peo Aae vice.
1t was a vicious depravity of taste,
which all have since eplored-these ad-
ulatlons bestowed on this consummate fop
and concelted coxcomb all were repaid
by gross libels, unfounded ISLANDERS, which
l shall not condescend to record.
Chief Justice Taney and family were
announce. My hour for receiving is
past" replied the inflated foreigner.
My estimsble friend, Christopher
Hughes, thus reproved him " Dickens.
had my lord Chief Justice Denman hon.
ored you with a call, would you have da-
red to refuse him 90
I" Certainly" replied the inflated cox
comb. " if my hour of admission had pas
sed."
Chief Justice Taney is himself, the
most elevated man in his country-second
IN rank only to the President-and it will
form bright privilege in your life here
after, to say you were permitted to take
him by the hand"
Mrs. Dickens is about to drive out to
see the picturesque hills surrounding Bal
timore.''
Ireplied &" We have ample time be-
fore the setting SUM-"
He then cOndescendingly said You
may show him up"
In Washington, the Hon. Secretary of
War; waiting in his ante.chamber, heard
the same rPSnnnSa M ln,,r ;n mat -