Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-23
Anecdotea OF the Poet Haileck and
Washington Irving. -

4
Cincinnati Times some anecdotes never
beforexpublished of Washington Irving
and Fitz Green HaIleck:
As is well-kuown Fitz Green Halleck,
/ the poet, whose monument in his native
place, Guilford, Conn.,, was dedicated
with appropriate ceremonies early in Ju-
ly, was, for the last quarter Of a century
or more of the life of that individual, the
head book keeper, confid initial clerk or
actuary Of John Jacob Astor. The fact
that the great pioneer fur trader having
the author Of Morco Bozzaris for clerk
and Washington Irving for n historic
grapher, has rendered his name more
famous than all his millions could have
/ done. After having served his master
faithfully for the greater portion of bis
life, when the old man gave up the ghost
he facetiously left him the immense an
nuity of two hundred dollars, TO be paid
each year ont of bis immense hoTdings,
besides making him trustee of that lit
erary humbug, the Astor library, which
trust Hallect declined to accept and i'm
mediately resigned to another whom he
recommended for the position. So great
was the outcry at the shabbiness of this
bequest, that even the son, VIM. B. As
tor. albeit, if common report speaks truly
is as grasping and selfish as his renowned
parent, ashamed of the transaction, made
the poet present of $4,000.
Any one who has read his poetry at
tentively, may well imagine the author
of +" Fanny" who, rs he states at the
outset, "was younger once" aud "pret-
tier, of course"-was always brimful Of
humor, and an incorrigible wag. The
merry twinkle of bis eye when relating
an auecdote, or telling joke on some of
his numerous crones, was the most elo-
quent feature of the performance. A
favorite story of this character was upon
bis bosom friend, Washington Irving.
When the latter came to town it was the
Custom of Mr.. Aston to invite the author
of the Sketch Book and Astoria to bis
house. One morning, after Messrs. Irv-
ing, Coggswell-wbo had made the Sc
lection for the Astor library--and Hal
leck had breakfased with old John Jacob,
the latter remained behind for short
business confab with the millionaire. Re-
joining his friends, they perceived by the
expression of his face and roguish twinkle
of the eye we have alluded to, that some.
thing funny had happened. and each in
sisted upon knowing it, when the wag
gish poet informed them that immediate
ly after they retired, the entertainer of
the company remarked. 81 wouldn't
have you mention it to him for..the world,
but did you not notice that Mr.. Irving
took great deal too much butter on his
cakes at breakfast" This profound Sc
cret being in such hands, was well kept,
of course.
When Washington Irving was U. S.
Secretary Of Legation in London-ac-
companied by his friend Henry Brevoort,
of New York-he went on an excur-
sion by stagecoach to some place in the
interior to visit a fine collection of paint
ings, belonging to a nobleman. with
whom, however, neither was acquainted.
Having for fellow passenger man of
gentemanly appearance and pleasing ad
dress, who, ascertaining that they were
not acquainted with the owner of the
gallery they were going to visit. protested
TO be intimately acquai; ted with his lord
ship, and volunteered to give them let
ter, which would make them all right
upon their arrival at the park.
The friends gladly accepted the offer,
at the first stopping pace to change hor-
ses very handsome letter of iniroduc-
ton was written, which was received
with thanks. Arriving at the noble.
mans house, the letter was sent in by a
servant. After considerable delay,
which the visitors could not account for
they saw man, evidently the master of
the establishment, taking furtive glance
at them through an upper window COM
manding view OF the situation. The
inspection proved to he favorable, for in
a short time he came down, and well
coming the gentlemen, invited them in.
Sending servant for some wine. he
commenced making inquiry of them
concerning their introducer, Upon be-
ing told all the circumstances be laughed
heartily and remarked, :" / know gentle.
men that you could not be aware that
that man is The most accomplished for
ger to be found any where in the king
dom. l had him transported myself for
seven years, and as his term of service
has but recently expired, l presume he
has but just returned" The visitors had
not only the pleasure Of examining fine
collection Of paintings by ancient and
modern artists, as well as masterpieces in
sculpture, but the owner courteously
gave to Breveort, who was enthusiastic
in such matters, letters which threw op-
en- to him all the collections of similar
treasures of any value during his travels