Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-03-22

The Albany Times has discovered an old gen
tleman as yet unknown, except to a few select
spirits, but of whom the world will talk in the
future as we now talk of Milton and Shakes
peare. His appearance, as he presented himself
in city church last Sunday, is thus described;
SIN this church appeared an old man, with
long hair and bushy whskers tinged with grey.
His hat was Of style several years gone by,
and his coat, though neat, was of the cut fash
ionable twenty years ago; stout cane, rough
gloves and coarse boots made I'D his costume
His manner was timid and hesitatng; he was
evidently stranger in the city, and looked as if
he come from the country. Taking off his hat
Teverently, he asked for seat of the wel-dressed
usher, who had suddenly become interested in
another direction. The request was repeated
before the usher heard him, then, coldly bowling,
he placed him in one of the first pews. A few
minutes after, the old man went to the usher
and asked him for seat further up. The usher
said sharply, 1t is full; you can't have front
seat"
The history of the venerable poet is given as
follows;
"Thirty-fve years ago he was consul TO Ma
pies, student and minister by profession,
and heir to an immense property His wife
died, and he returned and retired from public
life. He has spent the remaining years on
romantic little farm in Fulton county, of this
state, leading an almost hermit life, working but
few hours in the garden every day, and spend
ing the remainder of his time in writing and
reading. Every week the express company
carries up box or package of books from New
York, and at long intervals his financial agent
pays him a hurried visit. His neighbors never
sec him unless by accidents then he is invariably
courteous and polite. An overseer and family
live in one part of the house, but they (like the
0wner), are very reticent, and will tell nothing
of his habits and purposes. The village post
master will tell you that letters are sent to and
received from Longellow, Whittier, Tennyson,
Bryant, Emerson, and even Carlyle He will
tell you with mysterious ShakingS of the head
that the old man in the red house will vet fill
the world with his fame. Years ago an old man
went up on a visit to this hermit, and was
Obliged to spend the night near his residence.
He announced that the hermit was writing an
epic poem that would have fifty years labor ere
it was complete should he live so long. Other
facts confirm this statement. George w. Curtis
of New York was up 10 the hermits house few
years ago, and he remarked that the world
would talk of that old man in the future as we
now talk of Milton and Shakespeare. When
Charles Dickens made his last visit to this coun-
try party of the finest intellect and culture in
the country gathered at the home of Emerson
in Lowell, Mass. Some of the most dstin.
gulShed men in literature were present, and
among them was this old man who was deemed
unworthy of front seat at the church yester-
day morning. He has been a frequent and well
come guest of Bryant and Longfellow. The
mystery of his life, his close intimacy with these
great men, his extensive correspondence, and his
vast acquaintance with literature, all indi-
cate that perchance he may be hero for future
ages. His physiognomy is intellectual, and his
conversation is said TO be particularly engaging.
AT the request OF friends the name is withheld,
but there is hope that all these long years of
mysterious and quiet labor, in thar little old
farm house OF dingy red, and these frequent
visits to the great thinkers OF tine land, will Gull
inmate in some great work thatwill live through
ages"