New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-13

a hook WAS his comfort and delight. He read care
frlIv and Thought much on what he read. He was
in the habit of making copious extracts and notes
after the perusal of volume. His mscellanies
contain comments on the ancient aud modern histo-
rians and the characters they portrayed His reso-
Lutte and commanding aspect gave the stranger the
immersion of a stern old Roman, without the pos
session of the softer traits. But those.who knew
him in private were aware that this was blended
with peculiar gentleness and tenderness OF heart
that made him the object of no less affection than
reverence. among the pleasing "reminiscences con-
nected with his memory is that of witnessing this
singular combination of tenderness and sternness, In
his person and manner as he walked with his wife
along the street. going to or returning from church,
or on other occasions. The side next to her, az she
leaned on his arm was all gentleness and courteous
carefulness, the other side he was treading and
gesticulating with athletic energy. and looked as
though he was ready to meet world in arms" lie
was quick to discern any violation OF harmony OF
proportion in works of art, though he had PAID no
special attention to architecture, or painting, or
sculpture. But in music he took delight. His tenn
permanent was poetic. He admirer of Shake
speare and Milton, Cowper and Pope and often re-
peated portions of their works thus storing them in
his memory. He would shed tears passages from
his favorte poets and often repeat them for his own
enjoyment
Colonel Pickering was sincere believer IN the
Christian religion. He receiyed it as a divine reye-
lation while he recognized the presence OF the Deity
in the laws of Nature. He beheld divine hand Ill
the grains that out of the earth along the track
of his pillow, as well in the movements OF the
starry hosts. He had no hesitation in accepting the
evidence of miracles. To him, the Scriptures were
the great fountain of moral and religious wisdom.
No subjects more attracted him than topics of rel-
into ufio A.
fond of specializing on the deep things of religion
comparing opinions where only conlectures were
possible, and absolute knowledge was beyond the
ken of the human mind.
We have only to express our sincerely cordlai
thanks to the author OF these volumes for his admir-
able labors to revive the memory of one OF the most
strongly marked characters in American history.
The fame of Colonel Pickering should not be per
mitted to pass away with the age OF which he was
signal illustration. Ii is not the property OF circle
of private friends, of the local community III
which he was held in such aiiectionate yeneratlon'
but of the whole country. No one can contemplate
his robust and athletic character without proht Ills
example of.pure and noble manhood Is like the spec
tacle of the ornament on starry nlght. tohlclh-
duence goes forth from his virtues like that of some
"herb of grace" in atmosphere of contagl0n
and disease In the performance of his CRATE
full task, Mr.. Upham has eyinced a solid Judgment
a patience of study, and a power of literary eXecu-
ton which will enhance his previous high reputa-
ton as a successful worker i'll the field OF history.
The materials for his work to be sought III an
immense mass of original manuscripts. These have
been scrutinized by the author with incredible dill
pence and the results set forth III the present shapey
and attractive form. In the of his narrative,
several questions of not little delicacy come up for
discussion as for instance, the relations of Colonel
Pickering with Washington, concerning which there
has been much misunderstanding. Mr. upham
handles these questions with equal candor and dis
elimination. His impartiality Is not surpassed by
his acueness Indeed, considering Ills deep personal
friendship with the subject of the memoir, the TEN
perance and fairness of its tone is remarkable. lie
makes no attempt to throw fictitious brIlliancy
around the character of Colonel Pickering by an
excess of coloring but is content with the simple
light of truth The style of the work is animated,
sometimes even fervent, but always sincere ana
chaste. The subject, in general, affords but little
scope for eloquence picturesque description, but
there are occasional passages of uncommon rhctOr-
cal beauty of the most striking OF winch is the
graphic picture OF the freshet Oh the Susquehannah
in the valley of Wyoming. Mr.. Upnam has depos'
tied the fruits of many years of energetic toni III
these volumes, and they will prove lasting memo
rial of his rare accomplishments and better still, OF
his rare conscentOusness in historical composition