New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-08-23
SUMMER LETTERS.
NEWPORT AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
THERE.
BROOKs-HIGGINsoN-IDA LEwIs.


NEWPORT, r. l., Aug. 1G.-Newport contains
great many quaint old buildings and places made in
teresting by historic associations Among these the
mouse where Charming born, and where he lived
during much of his life; the dwelling occupied by Count
Rochambeau, and great many places with which the
name Of Washington is associated. Those persons who
have read Higginsons Malbone" will recall the amusing
reflections of It's author upon the number OF these houses
and his doubt TO whether the Father OF his Country
could ever have occupied even portion of them have
taken much pleasure in visiting the scenes mentioned in
Malbone, and tracngup its local illusions The descrp
tons very accurate particularly those of the natural
features Of the place. Many Of the word pictures
exceedingly beautiful, and indicate close OBJ
servaton Of nature find imagination, and a
highlycultvated STYLE The old Maxwell House,
where the principal events Of the story occur
just as described in the book, with its central hall,
carved archway great mahogany staircase, painted tiles
and beautiful cornces plasters and pineapple carvings
There Is secret stairway with the tradition Of ghost
and other mysteries, and altogether the building very
interesting. saw several other places which
ferred to in the book well OF the persons who
sre supposed TO have been portrayed among charao
ters including the certain young girls whO hay
ing astonished the community for month by the low
ness Of their dresses brought bear their only
manning art and struck everybody dumb by appearing
clothed" and the fishers little daughter who awaited
her father ct night some deserted and crumblng
wharf with his blue pea jacket her fair ringeed
head, and great cat standing by with tan upfted-her
sole protector"
T. W. Higginson whose stalwart form brings to mind
the Colonel Of the War and the muscular Christian" OF
all time has lived in Newport for years. and despite
the old saying Is prophet of honor in his
country He takes active interest in the affairs of the
city, particularly the library and gymnasium, and is
much respected by its Inhabitants, particularly the
He lives in a pretty little cottage surrounded
with flowers and looking quite hOmelike and cOsey.
19
Army Life in Black Regiment" for the press. II will
consist Of articles from The Atlantic MONTHLY with
additional matter There has also been rumOr that he
would edit the pOsthumOus writings and journals Of
ThOreau, which are very yOuminOus. This is task
which heard Emerson say would require the cOmbua'
ton OF a lnn9us and a poet 10 htly perform.
The Rev. Charles T. Brooks the wellknOwn translator
OF Faust" and "Titian" is also resident OF Newport
where he has presided the Unitarian Society for
about 80 years lie Is regarded with reverence and
love by the people which will be fully appreciated after
has his face and enjoyed his refined society He
looks like poet. and his fine eyes and fair complexion
give him almost feminine beauty. He has usually
ony small congregation, except in the Summer when
increased by the number OF Unitarian visitors from
Boston His preaching is Of literary meditative char
acter, ana is strongly imbned with the spirituality and
Col Hlggiuson's, and is well stocked with pictures and
books, including fine selection OF German works.
Ida Lewis is now the ayorte OF Newport and is really
worthy Of all the nOlce she has received she has been
greatly Onzed during the and has been quite
6arrassed by the number OF visitors who have neset her
Though her house at the Lime Rock Lighthouse IS a
mile distant from the main land II Is visited by crowds Of
strangers who call at al hours ana frequently subject the
family 10 great Inconvenience Miss Lewis does not an
swer TO the popular conception OF heroine She Is en-
tTcy unaffected and simple, and looks just like what she
is-namcly New England girl not much accustomed 10
society but with all her powers naturally developed and
strengthened She is 26 years Of age, but does not look
be than H. Her manners quite glrsh, with
all that freshness and ndicee which Is so attract
i've in youth She is very candid aud plainspo
KEN and IN some respects quite artcss and innocent
In personal appearance she far from hOmey but looks
like rather pretty girl who had been hardened by eN.
pOsure She is small and slightly built. No one would
suspect her OF possessing much strength or physical en-
DURANGO but when her exploits recountcd, shells
the bay in her elegant new boat, handling the
paYs w lrDfg
will be entertained. Her popularity In tine nClghbOr
hood isyery great. The citizens OF Newport are natu-
rally proud 20 link her with their own, while she IS
fairly idohzed by the fishermen and scaarng people In
Rhode Island by whom she has been known for years.
All the hshermeu's children about Newport name their
dolls Ida Lewis and doubtless dream Of initiating ner
example. Miss Lews's parents enjoy the admiration
which their daughter has received, but evidently
surprised at the reputation which she has gained. The
bOahOuse ordered 10 De erected by gentleman OF New
York for the accommodation Of the lfebOat Rescue
scented Miss Lewis on the Sd OF July, has been com
plcted and IS a very neat looking affair.