Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-12-06
washington Irving.

The telegraph during the past week, announced
to us the death OF WASHINGTON IRvNG the patriarch
of American letters. Press of other matter pre-
vented us till now from recording any thing more
than the bare announcement. He retired to his
room about 10 o'clock, on the evening of the 2oth
ult, complaining Of some slight pain, but appa-
rently not more unweH than usual. But just he
reached his own room, he fell, and in moment was
gone. His niece was with him and physician
summoned. but could render no and.
Mr. IRvIyG was born in New York city, on the
18th of April, 1888. Aftera common school educa-
ton, he commenced the study Of the la ", at the age
of sixteen contributing occasionally to newspaper
published by his brother. In 1894 he made the Eu-
ropean tour. and after a twoIyears' absence he re-
turned and aided Mr. JAMES X. PAULDISG and his
brother in publishing the series of papers known as
" lSdlmag,gld.'
Ii was not, however until he published his His
tory of New York that he attained any widespread
reputation Diederick Knickerbocker a char
acter not to be hidden under a busheL His humor-
oHs account of the settlement Of the city of the va
Tous seges il had undergone and of the transcend
emf herOism of tbe men and women, has obtained for
II popularity, even now after the lapse of half
century undimred. In 1872 he edited the ARdlectic
Magazine and also served al Aid-de-camp the staff
of the Governor of the State OF New York during
the wsr.
At the close of the war he again visited the moth
ercountPy where, by the failure of his brothers in
business be vas left without resources He resolved
to endeavor ia support himself by his pen, and Of
fered To Mr.. MURBAg the manuscript OF the Sketch
Book" Mr. MURRAY accepted the work and paid
him 81 009 for the copyright and afterwards added
$500 more on account Of the unexpectedly large
sale Now followed the period of has greatest lite
rlry activity. Braeebridge Hail. Tales If a
Traveller The Conquest of Granada" 3" The
Tales of Alhambra" the last two being episodes
from severer historical studies and finally, in 1928,
The History Of Columbus" This latter work
procured for him one of the gold medals instituted
bT GEORGE Nv for excellence in historic compost
ton the other having been given to HEGRY HAL
IAN, the author Of the Constitutional History Of
England" In 1882. Mr.. IRVING returned to America.
He has never been an idle man, but has constantly
contributed to the literature Of his country.
His last work and one which Ge had long con-
templated. was the Life Of Washington" His
specess in this task is better attested BY its sale
than by any words Of praise we can DOW best0w.
WASHINGTON IRVING possessed singular powers Of
fascination. By the mere graces of a style, which
was always simple yet always adorned. he could
enchain reader. who cared nothing for the subject
As a historian his writings possess all the charm
of GOLDsNTHs geniality, combined with the accu-
racy of Italian. ApDIsoN himself can hardly sur
pass the beauty of his essays and in the description
of natural scenery he has equal. He himself
relates that he was a rapid writer. when in sic
mood but that the forced productions of his mind
rarely saw the light He retained the fall powers
of his vigorous intellect to the close Of life. He
was a bachelor from ssme early disappointment,
but be never lost the geniality of perfect good hu
NOR. He was man to be remembered cherished
and loved.
Mr.. IRVING was buried on Thursday, December
]. In accordance with expressed wish, the fune-
raj cere onies consisted simply OF the beautiful ser
vice of the Church of England. Of which he was a
communicate The services were performed in
Christ Church a. Sunaysile by Rev. Dr. CREIGHTON
aud Mr.. SEPNcEE. At the close of the serTices IN
the church the Rector announced that all who de-
sired would have opportunity to view once mors
the features of the deceased. While the congrega-
zion were passing around. ray Of Sunlight. shoot
ing through the illumined glass of the south win
dow lie up the serene face witha glory that seemed
tie very reflex Of the brighter land" His remains
are placed in Mouut Pleasant Cemetery, overlooking
Sleepy Hollow" which has been mmortalized by
his pen II seems fitting flat he should repcSs amid
scenes so well known and 50 dear 10 him.