Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-03-28
Dickens in America.

barney, oil Baltimore, mas IN press very plQuant |
sketch book, which is likely to refresh the
American mind in both political and social remi
nscences. The following chapter on Dickens in
America will be read with peculiar interest:
In Boston, saw on his landing, the accom-
plished writer Of tales of absorbing interest the
fop and the scholar, Charles Dickens. He came
heralded as the most happy and successful define
ator of innocent, suffering children of original
character in humble life. He had insinuated
himself into the hearts Of his readers and settled
in their inmost recess. The simple, innocent. be-
witchi1g child induces every parent to wish his
own might resemble little Nell in her winning at
tributes of gueless meeknc SIS and patience under
sufering--brght intelligence, pety an abiding
faith in kind heavens mercy to an afflicted child.
His quaint bumor heralded him in advance, and
apologlzed for the adulation which was showered
upon him. Boston was in ecstacies. 1t was
deemed dispensaton 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 per-
formed, in which he and his most prominent char
acters were pers0nated, true to his nature. lie
was overwhelmed with invitations TO balls, din
ners, etc. his autograph solicited. a lock Of his
hair implored (Of which be had as bright cloud
of sunny locks as eer adorned woman's brow.)
lie had to employ more than one amanuensis to
answer bis huge pile Of notes. His ante chamber
was crowded and it required patience to await
your turn to be admitted into his august presence.
have never witnessed more magnificent enter
tainmcnts. The grand ball given to the Prince
de Joinyile only surpassed them in splendor.-
On that occasion an areal tunnel thrown
across the street, to connect Faneuil Hall with
Quincy Hall The ball was in Faneuil-the grand
supper in Quincy. Those who have been in those
two can appreciate their magniicence. 1t cost
eight thousand dollars, and was graced by the
presence of all the disttngue of Boston. Nothing
could be more magnificent. 1t lives in my mem
ory 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 ridc-
ulous prices to witness his egrcss, and the same
prodigal attentions lavished upon him as in Bos-
ton.
Philadelphia ideo, and in Baltimore led off
the game of tomfoolery
In answer to an invitation TO be bonorcd 10y
having him grace my saloon received the fol-
lowing characteristic response
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA,
SATURDAY NIGHT, 10TH OF MARCH, 1912.
MY Dear Sir IL have time for but one word.
| thank you for your kind letter. On Wednesday
evening. at o'clock have booked myself to be
at your disposal.
In great haste, faithfully yours.
CHARLES DICKENS.
I'D Satisfaciendum.
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 admring spectators.
The only rcdecming feature Of the fete
that the truly noble, accomplished and beloved
gentleman scholar and author, consented to az
nd OiV Iuttr
ton to the assembly.
Washington Irving condcscendcd to play second
to the foreigner whom all delighted to honor, peO
hae rice.
1t was a vicious depravity of taste, which all
have since deplorcd--these adulatons bestowed
on this consumate fop and conceited coXcomb !;
all were repaid by gross libels, unfOnnded Sian
dcrs, which shall not consent to record.
Chief Justice 1ancy and family were announced.
My hour for receiving is past replied the in
fated foreigner
Ny cstimabe friend, Christopher Hughes, thus
reprOved him: Dickens, had my Lord Chief
Justice Drnman honorcd You with call would
you have dared to refuse him?'
Certainly replied the inflated coxconb, if
my hour Of admission had passed.
Chief Justice Taney is in himself, the most
elevated man in his country--second in rank only
to the President-and it will form a bright priv
ilege in your life hereafter, to say you were per
mttcd to take him by the hand
Mrs Dickens is about to drive out to see the
picturesque bills surrounding Baltimore
replied We have ample time before the
setting sun
lie then condescendngly said You may show
him up
In Washington, the Hon. Secretary Of War,
waiting in his anle chamber, heard the same re-
sponse My hour is past
He was at the Presidents evee he requested
that Mr.. Spencer might be informed that he was
then willing to be introduced to him. Tell him
my hour for receiving him is past replied Mr.
Spencer.