New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-11-30

Dut never cbkabcd 40 the pIdttce o ine pI0f5s-ioi
AT the commencement of the following year tbs
first number OF "Salmagundir made It's appear
ance-a sem-monthly periodical TO which be WE
the principal contributor, in connection with bis
brother, Mr.. William Irving, and the since distin-
guisbed author, Mr.. James X. Paulding. The live
ly humOr ard brilliant satire of this work made il
a fayorite with the public, although il was diseon-
tinued after the twentieth number. In December,
1909, lie gave to the world stiIl more character
istic specimen Of his peculiar genius, in Knicker
boeker's History Of New York, which has since
maintained the position, which it gained at once, as
a masterpiece Of jubant irony, aUdacious e1traya-
gsnce and picturesque delineahon.
IL 1910, Mr. Irving was admitted as partner IN
the extensive commercial house Of two of his broth
ers, which was conducted by them in New-York
and Liverpool, with the understanding that be
should not neglect bis literary pursuits for the de-
tails of business. During the war with Great
Britain, in 1Sl3-14, he published series of naval
biographies 10 the "Analectic Magazine and in
the autumn Of the latter year he was appointed
ade-de-eamp and military secretary Of the governor
of New-YOrk, with the rank of colonel. On
the close Of the war, Mr. Irving again
embarked for Europe in the spring Of Isis,
with the intention of deyoting some time 10 travel
but the financial difficulties which followed the re-
turn of peace, caused the bankruptcy Of the house,
in which bis brothers had given him an interest
and he was thus led to look to the abors of bis pen
as the means eff subsistence. The frst-fruits Of
this change in his fortunes was the Sketch-BOok,"
(1SI9) the successive numbers of which were trans
mitted from London, where they were composed
for publication in New-YOrk. The success, which
inn edately attended this work both in America
and England was, in the highest degree, cheering
to the author. With the natural modesty, which
was always delightful trait in his character, he
was diffident of his power to interest the public.
lie submitted this new venture to the world with
no saDgune anticipations even of a kindly recep-
ton. Much less did he dream OF the beautiful
fame, of which il was to prove the commencement.
But it soon won all hearts. Its genial glow of
feeling its delicate tenderness of sentiment, the
quiste flow of its narrative, and the liquid melody
of its diction, exerted winning force over every
class of readers.
After a residence Of FIVE years in England Mr.
Irving removed to Paris in 1890, where be re-
manned about year, when he returned to England
aud published "Brscebridge HalP' in the Spring of
Of l622. He subsequently, took up his abode at
Paris Bordeaux, and Madrid, where he remained
two years, publishing, between 1924 and 1882, the
"Tales of a Traveller" 1.-The Life and Voyages Of
Columbus" "Chroncles of the Conquest of Gran
ada" "Voyage of the Companions of Columbus"
and "The Alhambra." In Iaf, 1922 he was APP
pointed Secretary Of Legation to the American
embassy at London, which ofsee be held until the
return of Mr. McLane in 1881, when, after re.
naming few months as charge, be resigned on the
arrival of Mr.. Van BureD. While in England,
Mr.. Irving received the wel-deserved compliment
of one of the fifty guinea gold medals, provided by
George " for emnenco in historical composition
the other being awarded to Mr. Hallam.
In Nav, 1892, after an absence Of seventeen
wears. Mr.. Irving returned to New-York, where
he was welcomed with the warmest demonstrations
of public honor, and personal regard. The greet
ings. which had awaited bis arrival, were such as
are rarely accorded to the most eminent national
benefactOrs, and perhaps, never before TO one
whose highest claim on the gratitude of his coun-
trymen was the productions OF his magic pen
soon after his return to the United States, he made
an extensive tour in the West, of which he has
LETT an animated record in the Tour on the
Prairies" published in 1885. This vas followed
in the same year by "Abbotsford snd Newstead
Abbey" and d" Legends Of the Conquest OF Spain.
In 1886 he published Astoria" aud in 1887, the
Adventures of Capt. Bonneville in the Rocky
Mountains and the Far West" In 1889 and 40,
he contributed series of graphic papers to the
Knickeibocker Magazine" portion of which
with other fugitive pieces were afterward published
in volume entitled " Wolfert's Roost.
In Feb. 1872 Mr.. IrTing was again summoned
TO DIPLOMATIC services having received the appoint
ment of Minister to Spain. He remained IN this
capacity at Madrid until 1886 when he returned
home and from that time resided at the celebrated
rural retreat at Sunnyside, on the banks OF the
Hudson. After his return, he published the " Life
Of Goldsmith" .Mahomet aud his Successors, and
completed his Life of Washington, the great
work which was at once the employment and the
soIace Of bis declining years, and which VIII prove
a lasting monument to the subject ana 1he
author.
The character Of Mr. Irving gas cherished with
sueh admiration and delight in the hearts OF IN;
countrymen, that cold analysis of its qualities
almost thin the hour OF bis departure, would be
DO less impertinent than superfluous The latg
mage of 70, eulogium has been lagished in bis
parse. Our most eminent writers have loved tC
make his virtues the theme of cordial panegyne
In truth the sympathy which he called forth by the
sweetness and Kindness Of bis heart was mol
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