The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
Dickens in America.

Dickens in America. The Hon. John Barney, who. according te the Washington Star, has so long held sway as the arbitrator in matters of wit, good taste, ele. gance, refinement, etc, etc, in Washington and Baltimore, has prepared for the press memoir of his experience of fashionable life. A DOT tion of one chapter devoted to Charles Dick. ens's visit to America, we publish from the pa. per above mentioned:
 In Boston, saw, on his landing, the accom- plished writer of tales of absorbing interest. the flop and scholar, Charles Dickens. He came heraided as the most happy and successful de- lneator of innocent suffering children of origi- ginal character in humble life. He had insin- uated himself into the hearts of his readers, and nestled in theirinmost recesscs. The sim pie, Innocent bewitching child induces every parent to wish his own might resemble little Nell In her winning attributes of guileless meek ness and patience under suffering-brght n- teiligence, plety, and abiding faith ill kind i1eaveh's mercy to an afflicted child.
 Ills quaint humor heralded him in advance, and apoogized for the adulation which was showered upon him. Boston was in estacics. I 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 overwhelmed with in vitations to balls dinners, etc.; his autograph solicited, a lock of his hair implored, (of which he had as bright cloud of sunny locks as e'er adorned a womans brow) He had more than one amanuensis to answer his huge pile of notes. His ante chamber was crowded and it required patience to await your turn to be admitted into his august presence. 1 have never witnessed more magnificent entertainments, The grand ball given to the Prince de Joinville only sur passed them in spendor. On the occasion an areal tunnel was thrown across the street. to connect Fanuel Hall and Quincy Hall. The ball was in Fanuel Hall, the grand supper in 1 Quincy. Those who have been in those two can appreciate their magnifcence. It cost eight thousand dollars, and was graced by the pre- sence of all the distingue of Boston. Nothing could be more magnificent. It lives in my memory as unparalleled.
 | 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 spectators. The windows of the houses opposite and around the hotel were hired at ridiculous prices to witness his egress, and the same prodigal attention was lavished upon him as in Boston.
 Philadelphia tdem; and in Baltimore, led off Tn the game of tomfoolery. In answer to an invitation to be honored by having him grace my saloon, received the fol- lowing characteristic response: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, Saturday night, 18th of March, 1842( My Dear Sir: have time for but one word thank you for your kind letter. On Wednes- day evening, at 3 o'clock, have booked my self to be at your disposal.
 In great haste, faithfully yours,
 CHARLES DICKENS.
 My house was filled to rfowing-jam satis ad satis facienium
 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 gratify admiring spectators. The only redeeming feature of the fete was that the truly noble accomplished and beloved gentleman, scholarand author, consented to &C., company him, and give grace, dignity and at traction to the assembly.
 Washington Irving consented to play second to the foreigner whom all delight to honor. p1o hdc Uice
 It was vicious depravity oftaste, which all have since deplored these adulations bestowed on this hairless ingrate, this consemmate fop and conceited coxcomb; all were repaid by gross libels, unfouEded islanders, which 1 shall not condeScend to record.
 Chief Justice Fancy and family were an- nounced. My hour for receiving is past" replied the inflated foreigner
 My estimable friend. Christopher Hughes, thus reproved him: "Dickens, had my lord Chief Justice Denham honored you with call would you have dared to refuse him?"
 "Certaiuly,' replied the inflated coxcomb Eff my hour of admission had passed.'
 Chief Justice Fancy, is, in himselt the most elevated man in the counry-Second in rank only to the President--and 1t will form a bright privilege in your life hereafter, to say YOU were permitted to take him by the hand"
 " Mrs. Dickens Is about to drive out 10 sec the picturesque hills surrounding Baltimore"
 l replied; "We have ample time before the setting sun.''
 He then condescendingly said, "You may show him up."
 In Washington, the Hon. Secertary of War, waiting III his ante chamber, heard the same response; "My honr Is past" He was at the Presidents Levee; he requested that Mr. Spen- cer might be informed that he then was will Iiis to be introduced to him. "Tell him my hour for receiving him is past" replied Mr. Spencer.