The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-23
"Reminiscences of Whittier.
A writer in the Springfield Republican,
narrates the following: ~ ,'';. '.'i

A writer in the Springfield Republican,
narrates the following: ~ ''';. '.'i
In the spring of 1856. was alstudent
out of health and out of funds. To be
sure there was nothing remarkable in that,
for students are apt to be in that way.
But it led me to ramble toward the sea,
and that took me through Amesbury, the
home of Whittier. l carried the universal
black bag, filled with ''pins, needles, thin
bles, sewing silk, &C., which served me
as purse; to all intents and purposes,
then, l was q pedlar-a class OF men not
generally mentioned the same day with
the minister, nor thought much of in COM
parison with quarterly meetings.
tired and hungry with a long days walk
without dinner. had little money in
my pockets, 80 depended on the bags. So
Ibegan the inquiry for an abiding place
for the Sabbath but what right had !, a
pedlar, to expect any family to put them
selves out to accommodate me! "There
was a good hotel in the place." But with
me hotel was out of the question. As I
trudged on, I got substantially the same
reply from all. At length I turned into
Friend street; had entirely forgotten
that the "Quaker poet I" lived in town.
And going on unfortunately in my appli-
cations, approached the neat cottage,
embowered in shrubbery, and the yard
adorned with flowers, and through an open
window I observed table piled up with
books and newspapers. Probably law
yer or minister, said I; "lttle luck for
me here" l rang the bell, and tall,
spare man, with prominent features and
mild oountenance, opened the door. From
the portraits l had seen, recognized him
In a moment. had stumbled upon the
poet.
"Good evening, young man." said he.
responded. But was abashed and
observing hesitation in my manner, he
invited me in. The benevolence of his
voice gave me assurance. IN .g;
81 am peddler, sir" said I, SIN pur-
suit of place to spend the Sabbath" "
81 would keep you with great pleasure"
said he, chad l place for you to sleep;
unfortunately there is q quarterly meeting
of Friends here, and I have my beds full.
But there is good man lives in that house
(pointing), who will-but you look tired"
said he; "8re you well
/ confessed was not.
~ think Mr.. Barnard will do we'll by
you," said he |" if he cannot come back
to me. l am sorry to send you any fCr
ther. 1t is thing I never do when l can
avoid it." u.s. 20. y. :
.Iwent to Mr.. Barnards, presented my
request, and was at once received. But /
had scarcely disposed of my bag and hat
when Whittier entered. ~ 80 ..s
"You look so pale, young man." said
he, +" that 1 felt had not done right, and
come on after you lest You would be o6m-
PEELED to walk further. I happened to
think I could sleep on the sofa myself
He then sat down and talked with mo
for an hour, while the good wife was pre-
pairing supper, as if had been an equal. |
was, in fact, for he compelled me to be.
He would not even receive my thanks for
his kindness. A..l'' Z t1s. r.. .@i.ai.%
The next morning he invited me with
him to their meeting, at their plain wood
en- meeting house on the edge Of the wood
near the village. He showed me all othe
conveniences of the house, how they d.
vided it by partitions, &c. He then took
me into his seat, and sat down with his
hat on. Plain, intelligent prim looking
men, tidy women and neat children came
in and sat down quietly. There was new