Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1873-12-03
miscellany.
an Interview with the Poet
whittier.

During a summers ramble among the
green hills of New England, diversified
with many interesting incidents, is one
Of peculiar interest--a visit to the Qua
ker poet, Whittier:
Upon a pleasant morning In early
summer we left Newburyport, large,
uld-fashioned town in Eastern Massa-
chasetts, for Almsbury, a small manu-
featuring town, chiefly noted as the
residence of Whittier. We rode along
bv the side of the silver Merrimack as
it hastens on to seek the ocean. near
old Salisbury, whose white sands are
visible, lying eastward few miles.
Situated upon the left bank of the river
is a fine estate known as the Laurels,
from the beautiful plant of that name
which adorns the entire region.
Upon an eminence overlooking the
river is palatial residence which was
occupied for the season by the English
ambassador, Sir Edward Thornton An
hours drive through this beautiful
country brought us to the residence of
the sweet bard of the Merrimack, John
G. Whittier.
At his plain, Unpretending mansion
We alighted, feeling somewhat doubtful
of an interview. But our fears were
soon dispelled by the appearance of a
pleasant little girl, who, upon our in
quiry for Mr.. Whittier, Immediately
ushered Us into his study. There sat
the poet beside a small table, over
which hung an old-fashioned mirror,
which once graced the walls of his i'm
Inortalized homestead, and oft reflected
the loved form of the dear sister whose
large, sweet asking eyes are now bathed
IN the fadeless green of paradise.
Within the open fireplace were the
charred remains of q wood fire, by
whose light, doubtless, the poet mused
the chilly evening past, recalling the
scenes of childhood the faces of loved
ones once gathered around the fireside
IN the dear old homestead, among them,
MS boyhood days.
Upon our entrance he arose, and with
calm dignity greeted US with the cor
diality of friend.
Allusion being made to our trespass
upon his time, he replied, MY time is
worth nothing. Sit as long as you wish;
lam very happy to see you"
After a brief conversation concerning
lfis old homestead, he said, with much
feeling: at is in the possession of a
man who has not driven a nail, in the
way of repairs for years. am trying
to get it into my hands. Ii l do not
succeed hope it viii burn down."
Speaking OF autographs, lie said: 81
am surprised at the desire of persons
for autographs. L am the recipient of
800 requests annually for mine"
In form and feature the poet Is well
represented by his pictures, but they
faiI TO portray the refined and spiritual
expression which Eliminates his coun-
tenance in conversation. His eyes are
deep set, with an earnest light in them.
which beam very kindly upon one, yet
indicate fire in reserve for an occasional
demand. His hair is gray
"As was his sire's th&; winter day.
He combs it smoothly back from his
lofty forehead. His whole appearance
Is spirituelle-in matter and mind q
true poet.
After a half hours pleasant converse
tion we took leave, with a hearty re-
sponse in our hearts to his fervent,
God bless thee" ''God bless thee,
Whittier (" va raitprata