Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-02-18

and instead Of pen the writer EMPLOYED a
stylus with an agate point. The great diff
Guilty in the way Of persons writing in the
ordinary manner. whose vision is impaired,
arises from not knowing when the ink is OK
hausted, and moreover the lines will be run
into one another. Both difficulties arc obvi-
ated by the simple arrangement Just described.
The pages thus written by Mr. Prescott we're
copied by the secretary. and read. that such
interlinoatons, alterations and amendments
might be made as were needed The materi-
ais for the second chapter, on the early life
OF Philip, were then taken up. and the same
process repeated, until the volume is ready
for the printer About six years were de-
voted 10 the first two volumes Of Philip the
Second, including the preparatory studies
These volumes appeared in S55. the third Of
the series was issued within a few weeks. and
II is understood that the fourth is consider
ably advanced
The Hon George Bancroft, in an eloquent
tribute to his friend, before the New YORK.
Historical Society, thus referred TO the stu
dious and systematic habits of Mr. Porscott
ellis habits were mcthodically exact: retr-
ing early and ever at the same hour. he rose
carly, alike in winter and in summer. at the
appointed moment, reused himself instantly.
though in the soundest sleep. at the first note
of his alarm-bell, never giving indulgence 10
lasstude or delay. To the hours which he
gave TO his pursuits he adhered as scrupulous-
ly as possible, never lightly suffering them TO
bc iuteriored with now listening to his rea-
der; now debating what was 20 be written
now using his own eyes spariugv for read
ing now writing by the aid of simple ma
ch.nery. devised for those who are in dark
ness: now passing time in thoughtfully re-
volving his great theme
"Thc excellence of his productions is, in
part, transparent to every reader. Compare
what he has written with the most of what
others have left on the same subjects, and
Prescotts superiority beams upon you from
the contrast The easy flow Of his language,
and the faultless lucidity of his style, may
make the reader forget the unremitting toll
which the narrative has cost; but the critical
inquirer sees everywhere the fruits of inves-
ugation rigdly pursueG, and the impartiality
and soundnoss Of judgment, which give au-
thority to every statement, and weight to
every conclusion"
Mr. Prescott's library was adorned with
striking portraits of Ferdinand and Isabella
of Columbus-of Don Sebastian. King of
Portugal-and Of most of the characters
that figure in his histories He possessed
original letters Of Ferdinand Isabella and
Charles ", and piece of lace from the shroud
OF Cortes. The historian did not usually
write in his library, but in small room over
1T, made very light to meet the wants of one
whose sight was imperfect When fully pre-
pared to write, Mr. Prescott's daily task
would average about seyen pages of one of his
printed volumes. Most persons. with perfect
vision, would complain if they were daily
compelled to copy seven pages from those
charming books
The thirteen volumes which comprise Mr..
Prescotts works are noble monuments to his
life of labor and study. With a knowledge
OF the facts concerning their preparation, as
above given, who will not say all honor to
the memory of the man whose patient toll,
careful training, rare scholarship. and heroic
devotion, produced the Histories of Ferdinand
and Isabella, the Conquests of Mexico and
Peru, and the Reign of Philip the Second