New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-09-12

How love the very name! A name dear
to every true American heart; for was it
not there where American liberty raised
its first voice, and where its youth was nur-
tured and sustained?' cannot express the
qualification I felt on reaching Boston, the
place, above all others, had longed to see.
1t was the realization Of my infant dreams
to stand on the spot of my country's origin,
with all its memories clustering around it.
1t were superiuous to descant upon the
perplexing Irregularities of the streets, for
every one who has every heard of Boston
knows of that. They are like the wind
(which bloweth where it listeth, and no man
can tell whence it cometh nor whittier it
goeth." Boston abounds in objects of in
terest and historic note, each Of which is in
itself an ample theme for volumes, but which
may barely touch. Almost the first thing
which nearly everybody who goes to Boston
wants to see, is the Common, of which they
have heard so much. Many who have their
expectations raised too high, are disappointed
| in it. 1t is simply what its name would in
dicatc-a large square, inclosed by an iron
fence, and free of access at all times and to
| all classes. 1t is very plain, being inter-
sected by numerous walks and well supplied
with shade trees. The celebrated old elm
tree, which has stood the storms of centuries
still stands in the Common, and is guarded
with tender care. Opposite the Common is
more modern institution, the Public Garden,
which is just about as beautiful as art and
flowers can make it. In the centre of the
Garden is pond promiscuously dotted with
swans and pleasure boats, while beautiful
bridge arches it over. The walks are adj
mirably laid out, and the flowers tastefully
arranged. Itcontains several statues, among
which is one to DR.. Morton, the dscoverer
| of ether, and another-a bronze statue-of
that gifted sentence-monger, Edward Ever
EFT. But there is no rose without thorn,
and the great thorn of the Garden at this
time are the unmerciful mosquitoes, which
actually drove me away. The boundary of
the Common on one side is Beacon street,
one noted for containing more magnificent
residences than any other street in the coun-
try. As one rides along for mile or two
he sees nothing but an unbroken succession
of lofty brown stone mansions ON either
side. The solid elegance, the massive gran
deur of that locality really beggars descrip-
ton.
Chester Square is another locality remark
able for its fine residences. In that vicinity
the houses are mainly "swell 'front.'" which
is very prevalent style in Boston. In the
private library of gentleman living in
Chester Square, (Which was almost equal to
public library in size, while it was much
choice,) 1 saw, besides other literary curl
osities, some of the original manuscripts of
Robert Burns and Sir Isacc Newton.
1 took great pleasure in riding about those
beautiful suburban towns surrounding Bos-
ton-Chelsea, Cambridge, Charlestown, &C.
so familiar in name, though new to my gaze.
Many Of the old landmarks still remain in
Boston, while others have given way under
the memorable behests of progress. The
old State House still stands but the Brattle-
street Church, cherished relic of the Revo-
luton, which stood so long with the ball
which was Embedded in its wall by British
cannon during the bombardment of Charles
town, is being torn down to give place to a
more stately ediice.
When stood in Faneuil Hall 1 seemed to
feel the sentiment of love of country kindle
anew, The very atmosphere of the place
impaired aspiration. 1 could but feel for the
place which had rung with the eloquence of
such long line of patriot orators as that
from Otis and Adams down to Webster,
Choate, Phillips, and Sumner. Nor can one
pass by Bunker Hill as by an ordinary spot
spot sanctifed by the first blood of the
Revolution. Andwhen looked aloft to the
top of that stately monument there felt
that the eloquent exhortation of Webster had
been fulfilled. 1 refer to that sublime pas
sage where he said: "Let it rise till it meet
tile sun in his coming; let the earliest light
of morning gid it, and the departing day
linger and play upon its summit"
Socially had fine time in Boston.
During my ten days. sojourn, besides even
ing entertainments, attended two picnics,
at all of which met the Washington belle,
Miss Genevieve Fleet, who, if possible,
shonc with more than her ordinary brilliancy.
At the more general gatherings there were
many handsome ladies but female beauty is
much more scarce in Boston than in most of
the Southern cities. What is known as the
first circle in colored society in Boston is
small but correspondingly select. 1 am
deeply indebted for much of my enjoyment
there to Messrs. Howard Williams and II. c.
Wilson, and 1 should be ungrateful if l
failed to acknowledge the many kindnesses
of Messrs. Marsh, Fleet, Francis, and Nc
Claim. But was most happy and fortunate
in meeting in Boston my accomplished friend,
Mr.. Richard Il. Greener, of Philadelphia.
Besides many other places, We visited to-
gether Harvard University, Of which he is a
distinguished graduate, the Public Library,
and the "Athenaum." Always most ge-
NAL and instructive companion, on these oc-
casions he was almost indispensable; for the
pleasure and profit of those visits would have
been lost without him. At the Atheneum
he appeared to admirable advantage in his
comments and criticisms of its contents, his
&c hoo o,%