New-York daily tribune., 1859-06-03
4 VISIT TO THE HOME OF WHITTIER.

Correspondence Of The N Y. Tribune.
AsEsBuRY, May %, 1859.
have just returned from pilgrimage to the home
of the poet Whittier and while the recollections Of
the visit are still fresh in remembrance will naate
what Of moment transpired during the interview, for
the benefit of the many admirers Of the great poet
among the numerous readers of THE TRIBUNE.
arrived at Amesbury last evening having walked
from Newburyport, distant some seven miles during
the afternoon. Ny way the greater part OF the dis
tapce, led me along the banks of the Merrimack,
which, beside possessing great natural beauty
has the reputation of turning more pndles than any
river in the world. IIaverhil Lawrence, Lowell,
&c. are all the offspring Of its beneficial current,
which, rising far up among the hills OF the Granite
State becomes countless times the mighty agent of
man. as it rolls onward to the sea. The eye of the
traveller along its is continually gratifed with
the pleasing variety Of scenery which every winding
Of the river opens 10 view. Now 1t Is some hou1snng
town and the ceaseless hum Of spndes greets the ear
now il is a rich arabic country, dotted over with
pleasant cottages and quaint old fanhouses, through
which, like silver thread, meanders the Merrmack,
| it's bosom fecked with many fishers SAIL now, the
hills Of Newbury rolling away narrow ~ the view
On arriving at the only hotel in the village dis
patched lad with note to the residence of the poet
and in the course of half an hour received reply to
the effect that he was not able to receive any more
company that evening, but would be pleased to see
me in the morning at O'Clock. Punctuslly at the
| time appointed found myself standing on the steps
of bic residence plain but neatyappearng house in
a retired street OF the village. My ring brought
young girl to the door who, learning my name con-
Quoted to the sitting room OF the family where
was met by the poet and introduced to the resdne OF
| the household. The kind familiar conversation in
trodnced, stranger l was, soon placed me at my
| ease. Mr.. W., to escape the chill east winds 80
prevalent in early Spring in New.England had been
| spending few weeks in Philadelphia from which
city he had lust returned. He considered his health
improved and spoke of that city pleasant place OF
residence He alluded to the slave case recently tned
there and expressed great pleasure at the acgufta o.
the prisoner and the evident change in pubhc sent
men there taking place. The stirring events OF the
| day, both at home and abroad were all alluded To-
| moi casually or indiferently but in manner that
proved he felt deeply on the subject and synpathzed
with oppressed humanity the world over whether tne
tbeater of action the Old World or the New In
the course of conversation ventured to make auslon
| TO the noble poem that appeared IN lhe Afianuc
Monthly on the massacre OF the Marals-des-Cygnes
which made a great impression ON me when resd H.
from my being in Southern Kansas az tle une OF !ne
fearful tragedy and knowing the fidelity with which
scenery the details of the event. etc, were described
| in is numbers thought at the time 1t was the most
striking illustration Of the truth that poesy was gut
conferred on man by the Treat Suprenhhea hea mos wsr
convincing proof of its godke origin that had ever
met with fer with such accuracy was the whole por.
trayed il seemed impossible for It to have emanaed
from one who had not the scene before his outward as
well as spiritual eyes. On my expressing a. much 70
him he replied that the accounts of the tragedy made
deep impression his mind, buf he dld not iee sat
sfed with the he penned as sght tribute W
the heroism of the martyrs OF principle displayed on
| that occasion. | know the sanctity OF home shoui
not be ruthlessly violated, and forbear speaking ol
much that know would be read with interest Dy hos
of his admirers from the forests OF Maine TO the iar
praires of Kansas for fear the bard would CONSIDER
| The publicity given il a breach Of that hospitality
which should be sacred. refrain the more reluctant
iv a. would love TO show the reader how, even IN
condescending discourse with the passing stranger Is
exhibited the deep love dwelling ever IN that great
heart for all mankind. 4,
| Az mnny of nv readers may never have seen the
writer whose sweet strains have long been ehshrnea
in their memory and have Oft lifted them above tue
groyellng cares Of earth will endeayor 10 convey
| some idea a the impressions created in my mind by
| the brief interview. Tall in person, PLAIN oil attrr
though scrupulousy neat, there Is tte save III ace
10 arrest particular attention. but, that iace-"ha.
/ study Any one familiar with his portraits wouiu
recognize it at glance There IL the sanle ~
fneness OF organization the same expressivenes' o
eve the same ervent earnest face IN man rs portrait
| and methinks had met him in the crowded stree, III
stead Of the library of his quiet home shouiu nav
| recognized him Over the face in converse, there !
a great play Of expression. When speaking on .oP'.
~ ord;psry interest YOU see only IN the countenance
before YOU that peculiar sensitiveness IN the hhes 1
the mouth and east of the face, you would na'u
| expect 10 behold in the author of " Maud Muieri ou
when some great subject sronses the latent poNers
| when the wasted cheek fushes, and the eye burn'
! with undmmed bTilhancy IN Ia socket, you, Tor the
first time realize how naturally and swiftly IRON tht
| heart of such transformed being must have towee
the numbers that mighty in truth, have startled 'h'
| repcse Of guilty land. -.
| when ashamed to lon ger tresspass upon time kne"
twas of value bade him and sister regretiu adeu
That the poet NAV long live TO bless mankind with sons
snd precep, is desire That viii be echoed by even
| friend Of humanity WV. p. TosLiSsos.