The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-08-06
Editor and Proprietor

breeze FRONT he mountain tops of learning
ThesNorth, Anaecrian RepieaO, which had hith-
erto been only a literary magazine--of signal
merit, it is true-paSsed by accamatioE into
the hands Of Mr.. Everett and from that time
the literature of our country was in possession
OF journal combining brilliant and genial
criticism, profound phil sophie and political
discussion, and accurate reports of the pro-
gress of learning in every civilized land A
large portion of the contents were from Mr..
Everetts own pen. His papers in the North
American are of the very highest order of lit
erary excellence. They took even his warmest
admirers by surprise. Even if ne had written
nothing else, they would form q significant
memorial of the richness aud fertility of his
mind, his sparkling and versatile fancy, his
delightful humor, his wonderful power of IL
lustration, and the variety profoundness of
his learning. The literary resources displayed
in those contributions, which must after all
partake more or less of an ephemeral charac-
ter, if embodied in q great historical work,
would furnish a noble Illustration of the geni-
us of the author, and constitute one of the
most splendid achievements in English letters.
During his connection with Harvard COL
lege, MIR. Everett entered upon the remarkable
career of popular oratory, in which, for q
long term of years, he has won brighter and
moro enduring laurels, if possible, than have
decorated his brow as a statesman and a schol,
ar. his performances in this kind are ac-
knowledged masterpieces. Such succession
of elaborate compositions, in which the gravest
themes are illustrated by the highest splendors
of rhetoric, have never before been presented
to the masses of the people. Although never
at loss in extemporaneous debate, Mr.. Everett
is most at home in the discourses suggested by
an important occasion, which he has wrought
out with artistic skill in the retirement of
the study, crowded with the fruits of his
torical researches and philosophic reflection,
and inlaid with the most precious gems
of poetry and eloquence In these produc-
tions clearness of thought is always combined
with beauty of expression. They contain no
vague, rambling defamation. With all their
richness Of Illustration, they are free from
superhuous ornaments. Everything tends to
the development of the theme to which they
are devoted. The ideas are marshalled in
systematic order. They are sustained by
protusion of learning, which, however, is
brought in without ostentation and without
pedantry, rather in the way of delicate allu-
sion than of positive statement. The "spoils
of time" are ransacked for illustration but
no odor of antiquity rests upon the living
graces of the orator. The visible glories of
nature furnish Mr.. Everett with an exhaustlesS
storehouse of magnifi2 2ent imagery. No epic
poet ever made a nobler use of the beauty
and grandeur of the material universe. The
starry heavens, especially, are a favorite
source with MIR. Everett from which to draw
! the sublime images that render certain pass
ages in his orations the most remarkable spec
| linens of decorated prose in the languages.
In manner, Mr.. Everett is composed, dig
nifed, and never for moment losing his self
possession. His voice is grave and earnest,
blending tones of peculiar sweetness and pathos
with those of impressive majesty. He is never
| rapid or impetuous; never led away by
| tempestuous passion; never tempted to leave
the region of pure intellect in enthusiastic
| flights. But his calmness can never be mis-
| taken for GOODNESS except by the most super
| fetal observer. No man holds the hearts of
the audience more closely on his lips, alter
nately melting and thrilling than by bursts of
! tenderness or pathos. He always appears
upon the platform without manuscript. His
| Grafton has been composed with the most
| elaborate care; but so faithful in his language
to his thought, that the act OF writing alone is
almost sufficient of itself to imprint his words
upon his memory. ...-..
The brilliant efforts of Mr. Everett in be-
half of the Mt. Vernon fund form a remarka-
| BILE feature in his public career, and are
certainly without precedent in the history of
a literary man. The sum of seventy thousand
dollars was thus raised for the purchase of the
estate containing the tomb of Washington,
including the munifcent remuneration pre-
sented BY the editor of the New York Ledger
for Mr.. Everett's contributions to that journal.
! In this way as we'll as by the admirable pop
ular biography of Washington, his name has
become indissolubly associated with that of the
Father of his country.
As man, Mr.. Everett is distinguished for
his polished courtesy of manner. His innate
kindness of heart prompts the habitual desire
to please, and makes rude or ungracious ex-
preston impossible. OF the minor virtues,
which so many great men are apt to deem
unworthy of notice, he is ginning example
With all his gifts of genius, he is as orderly
and systematic in his habits as if his reputa-
ton depended on his precision and proInpti-
tude No man was ever disappointed who
trusted in his promise. His love of beauty is
apparent in his dress, in his conversation, in
his elegant and tasteful surroundings. His
handwriting from a schoolboy has been like
copper plate. His fastiaious, classical tastes
have never chilled his heart to the common
interests of every day life. He is always ready
to impart the wonderful treasures of his learn
ing and eloquence for the instruction of the
people. Delighting in the black letter tones
of his choice library, he selects the popular
journal as his favorite organ. Such man is
the peculiar product of American society. he
has grown up under the genial influence of
republican institutions, of which he has always
been the strenuous champion as well as the
brilliant ornament. His name is identified
with American letters and ststeSmenship, and
will always be a word of honor with every
truly American heart.
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