The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-20
Washingtou Irving nj Home.
fErom the Home Journal |

| price Of his many daring crimes.
| ----------- Lei
Washington Irving NJ Home.
| [Irom the Home journal
We were talking reyeringly and anec,ionately OF Mr.
Irving over our s hrsb S Of
the destiny that Still opens before hmhe full moon OF
enown fer death seen SO clearly before the setting OF
his sun-without doubt the most hnnored man IN our
courtry yet less honorod than ovedhe sky OF his
working days triumphant close growing beautifu Y mol
low ana the msts OF ren0wn, around and beha a him.
getting roster he goes.* 1t perhaps the worlds best
exception 10 the common destiny OF ger us-Amerca's
leading name in literature yet, from ho Oesnnng % the
| II Saturday night as we taAed, and when pre-
posed that should consecrate Octobers last day. the
following Monday, to visit to Sunnysde the proposal
was oyuiy agreed TO- Mr. Wise had never been so for
tunate to meet Mr. Irving, and Of course wished ex
under Che same roof with him. and was happy in his life
long friendship To both, as well as TO me- would be
precious privilege to remember could him At
this avowed close Of his literary careerhis laying OIL OF
| the armor Of a victorious life.
The four-me drive Newburg and the crossing OF the
ferry to Fskil brought us 10 time for the " noon train
down." and soon following swiftly the unduat
ing shore OF the rvercieft Hghands-dropped punctu
Any sne sung x sa,on a. 2sS n lester on ,Se
valley, which is the States beauty and pride-s
miles above vneton; butt as being the nearest point at
which our particular train makes STOP were 70 drive
the rest Of our journey Ia hack rockaway from the sta
| ton house.
drive along the hills of this neighborhood shows the
usual contrast OF rustcy In the of giving place
TO weahthe shabby fences and tumble down barns and
houses not only more conspicuous from contrast with
costly mansions aud their grounds but neglected
because likely TO be soon displaced Some of the
mandng views from the hilltops thought quite
beautiful 10 be convict labelled, with the Of Sing
Sing" and asked whether leaving that TO be the
name OF the prison, the river shore could not receive
some new designation The roads being cheaucred with
gangs OF prisoners lat work outside the limits, in their
striped clohes and under charge of sentres, Wise mis-
chieyousy suggested that should be called Zebrave
but the choice OF less descriptive, less assoc
aed with its leading public nstution," seems open to
consideration.
The most costly and artistic residence the river r.
Bartets) showed US its noble gateway near Tarrytown
and we soon to the fine grounds OF the granite
homestead Of Mr. Moses Grnnc, adjoining which, upon
hickly wooded knoll by the outlet OF brook, stands
the "Sunnyside' of g Godfrey Crayon." short turn
down we'll shaded lane winding away from the public
road an entrance through the open gate and at
the low porch OF the quantity constructed dwelling.
During the ten minutes before Mr. Irving came in flor
he was cut upon his morning drive when we arrived
his nieces very kindly gra,iaed interest the wo
shop of genius by taking into the brarythe little
curtain Widowed sanctuary where his mind had found
both its labor and its repose though by the open
papers scattered caelessy the large writing table in
the centre and the inviting readiness Of the well cnshned
the reposc needed. 1t labyrinth of books us
twas labyrinhM tender associations, in which, the
eye roved its cCnsecrated hooks and corners the
fancy in ali reverence rambcd lovingly The tear
| the heart kissed the threshold ieft it.
Twas looking admrDgy once more. at Jarviss record
oil him at the Sketch book period OF his e 1.-THE portrait
with the fur collar, which all who have seen it win
well rememberD when Mr.. Irving came in from his
drive We had heard so much, recently Of his Illness,
that was surprised to with how lively aud firm a
step he Notwithstanding the souched hat Ia comfort
able departure from the old school covering which had
expected to see on SO proper head with as easy
elegance as ever, sitting down with his gray shawl left
careessy over his shoulders, and entering upon kind
inquiries and exchange OF cotrteses with hindrance
of debility that could He Is thinner somewhat in
both form and features-owng to the asthma which in
tercrcs somev hat with his repose when lying downbut
the genial expression of his countenance unchanged,
and his as kindly and bright As sprightlness Of
attention and reply could see little difference from the
Washington Irving Of other days The reports OF his ILL.,
ness must have been exaggerated, thought.
Conversation falling upon exercise, Mr.. Irving
from finding, since he had given up habits q
he walks cut, it is only in the grounds. We spoke OF
horseback riding and he gave most amusing account
OF his last experiences in that waya fayorte horse
called Gentleman Dick having thrown him his head
into laurel bush, which kindly broke his fall and an
other very handsome nag, given him by his brother
having proved to be opnionatiye as to choice Of
road-partcuarly at Certain bridge, which it very
necessary to pass in every ride but which the horse
the sending OF this horse dognatst TO town. to be sold
meaner service for his obsnacy had ended the expert
We had two 'sMr Kennedys" in the dining room--our
friends portrait as he sat at the dinner table, hanging
directly over his head. Mr. Irving between that
the portrait Of Count Portals, the wall opposite
| the latter the accomplished Frenchman who accom-
panied him on his trip to the prairies He absent
friend Of whom they both spoke now with admiring re-
MISUNDERSTANDING most expressvely how precious,
trait on the wall The exsecretaTy had v return urn
| ed recently from tour in Europe, where he
had -, met .s- many Of Mr. Irying's friends, and
sages OF honoring regardIOrd John Russes par
cularly who had been most earnest in his desire
named tendery once more to his friend of other days
ANY one who has CHANGED to and enjoy the half
barrasscd smile and lGok OF dcprccating humility with
which this, most modest of great men, receives an
honorary tribute, will understand why it was pleasure
to be present at the opening OF Mr. Kenneays rich
get Of Irving memories from abroad and how we thus
unveing Of the beloved face recognized in his
works, which better worth treasurDg any por-
trait of the courty outer man.
In hat 80
more bracpg air higher up the river Mr. Irving spoke
with glowing admiration of the beauty scenery about
the Highlands. Yet could not but call the attention of
my friend Wise, as he sat at the table with the window at
his back TO the loneliness of the picture he then
OF Sunnsde to the opposite Shore and the garden Of up
lands swelling to the horizon beyond and Coumued in by
the Palisades below. just at that moment of the
large Albany steamers, gliding powerfully and swiftly
its way TO the city, crossed the line of the glorious
landscape to which the window was frame We were
all delighted with the chance accident OF effect better
timed luxury Of life addition to picture could have
been contrved at any cost g value received however
for which there is no charge believe by the holders of
stock in the Albany Day Line" mention it because
Wise thought IL would be but return compliment to the
captain to know that he had figured well in the picture
| nyside so obligmgly that day
The honored invalid complaining little of hoarseness
in his voice, mentioned 10 him alternative had late
" CHANGED upon myself, for similar troube-asking
accidentally for help my hoarseness in apothe-
cary shop and getting ozengc with most mysterious
name, which had since 70 and nvariabe throat deep
ener for three notes in The ganut contrivcd 10 recall
TO memory the 0ssawa,tamysdc inscription the box
{. Browns Pectoral Trocbees and was amused with
the aectionate piayfuiness with which Mr. Irving called
on one Of his neces, explaining, aside, " this is my
doctor" ~ TO remember the name of the medicine.
This same charming household physician, OBJ
served, followed him TO the door he out after
ward 10 see us or and guarded him against the cool air
by endery drawing the shawl about his neck and pac
ing his bat upon his headcaresing attentions which he
evidently submitted to as habit, the gentle troop who
are thus his constant ministers beng like portion Of his
| own personal existence.
Attributable, perhaps, to rallyng Of his animal
spirits With cessation from work. could not but wonder
the eilortes play Of "Dedrich Knickerbockcr huor
which ran through all his conversation-Wa
irving in his best days. am very sure never was more
socially agreeable" than with us for that brief visit
Ono little circumstance mentioned in the course OF
this pleasant gossip There was some passing discussion
of the wearing Of beardshs friend Mr. Kennedy having
made that alteration IN bis physognomy since they had
met-and Mr irving closed a playful comment or two
upon the habit by saying that he could scarce afford The
luxury himself involving as it would do the loss of the