The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-12-06
Washington Irving.

The pioneer of American letters il no more.
He died peacefully at his home at Sunnyside, on
the evening of Monday, Nov. IS. While pre-
pairing TO go TO rest, and while his niece was in
the room standing by him, he fell and expired
without having been previously worse than for
months before.
Washington Irving was born in the city OF
New York, April ., 1893, and was accordingly
past the middle of his seventy year, al
the time Of his death. He was born near the
Dutch Church in William street, between John
and Fulton streets, and the mansion, which was
the scene of his boyist sports, has only within a
few years given place 10 the business improve
ments which have changed the aspect of that
portion of the city. His father was native Of
Scotland, and his mother was an English woman.
As early a. lo02 Mr.. Irving became a news
paper writer, upon domestic and social matters,
in the Morning Chronicle, belonging TO Peter
Irving, his brother, over the nom De plume Of
Oliver Old>tyle.
Mr.. Irving visited Europe for lis health in
lo0i, and was absent two years. He then stud
led law, and was admitted to the bar
In leo7, Mr.. Irving, in connection with his
brother William and Mr.. James X. Pauldinr,
started SaImagaadi, aud in 1909 appeared his
renowned = Knickcrbocker's History of New
York"
Ia 1915, being partner in the business house
with bis brothers, lie again visited Europe, but
soon returned, owing to the bankruptcy of the
house, and devoted himself &c writing for sup
port; and then commenced that career Of lite
rary success which placed Mr.. Irving at the
head OF American literature, and which took the
sting from that ancient tsunt, "Who reads an
American book
Mr. Irving's style as a writer is fine, Chaste
and sweet. His Imagination lively and sugges-
tirc HI descriptive powers in scenery and ma
turc graphic aud clear, and his conception and
delneation OF character intuitise and iorcible.
Mr.. Irving had the happies, faculty in descrb-
ing habits OF life, customs, prejudices and super
sttionS and in all respects in which an acute
sense of the ludicrous became an element he
was at home. OF pathOs he was a master, an d
welded scenes OF sorrow as none can do except
those whose hearts have been wrought to the
finest issues.
Almost everything Mr.. Irving has left behind
him in letters vii! continue to be read with de.
light, except such fugitive and ephemcral matter
as related only 10 local or passing events.
There i genial heartwarming feeling per-
vading lis entire writings; and whether the
reader takes mp " knickerbocker's New York"
50 Bracebrdge Hall" or "The Sketch Book, or
i~ells with grayer brow over the pages Of 1.-THE
Life and Voyages of Columbus" "Thc Chroni-
cles of the Conquest Of Grenada" or The Life
IF the Father of his Country, he will rise from
their pc! usal with feeling of gratitude for the
gift OF such man, and of pride that he can call
him couItryman.
Mr.. Irving twice held diplomatic stations, once
is Secretary of Embassy at London, from o29
20 1881, and again as Minister To Spain, from
1872 till Isle.
In private life, Mr.. Irving was purity itself
Character could not be more spotlrss, or thought
more free from stain. May he rest in peace
lis works live after him.