The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-06-21
opened law office, and for a time eked out
scanty income by teaching fencing and spar

opened law office, and for time eked out
scanty income by teaching fencing and spar
ring.
But he did not forsake literature. In 1928
The Yankee 'burst," to use Mr.. Neaps
words, ''like northern meteor upon our
people," Seven-eighths of it was written by
Neal himself, though it numbered among its
contributors Whittier, who wrote his first
verses for it, Poe, Albert Pike and Grenville
Mellen. In year it had swallowed three
rivals and was removed TO Boston. The
same year in which The Yankee was estab-
lished witnessed the publication of "RacLel
DYER" powerful tale of the Salem witch
craft. In 1880 Authorship appeared, and
in 1888 "The Down-Easters.' For a quar-
ter of a century after no novels appeared
from Mr.. NeaPs pen, but he constantly con-
tribated to periodicals. During these years
he took great interest in public affairs.
mingled in politics, and devoted much time
and labor to the furtherance of the prosperity
OF his native city. In 1850 he retired from
the active practice of his profession. In
1859 his last tale, "True Womanhood'' was
written. Ten years later he published vol
ume OF "reminiscences. fragmentary and
utterly without method, entitled 'Reminis-
cences OF Somewhat Busy Life" character
istlc and entertaining. The last few years of
his life have been quiet and uneventful,
Surrounded by his friends. crowned with
honors, he has taken the ease to which his
labors have entitled him.
a. 1t is impossible within the confined limits
of newspaper article to comment with JUS
tice upon Mr.. NeaPs position among men of
letters, or to ascertain the value of his labors.
He began his literary life with fierce pro-
test against the manner of writing which
then obtained, manner which was pale
copy of the work of Queen Anne's men and
OF the authors who fourished under the early
Georges. For rules of rhetoric he had an
utter contempt, and Blair and Alison were
his pet aversions. His dogma was that men
should write as they talked, and his own lit
erary method was an attempt to carry that
dogma into practice. From his impetuous
temperament and strong feelings the result
could easily be predicated. He fought with
his pen as he did with his fists, gave aud re-
ceived sharp blows, made many bitter enc
niles and many warm friends. He was born
for a Journalist, and when he strayed into the
paths of miscellaneous literature wandered
from his true way. His prose has many men,
orable passages, his poems some lines of
striking beauty. The patent characteristic
of both is exaggeration.
He had the form of an athlete. the
stride Of cavalryman, the port of an
English gentleman. He was fine specimen
OF physical manhood, and built, as regards
endurance, on the model of the Deacon's
ehorse shay. Like that, when he broke.
he broke all over. His personal appearance
during the later years of his, life suggested
his own ''fierce grey bird"
In his personal relations he was a warm
friend and bitter enemy, though he was
ever ready TO forgive ali except treachery and
meanness. He was quick and gener-
Gus in his feelings, eager to search
out and encourage talent in young
men, ready to acknowledge the merits
OF his contemporaries. AS citizen he was
liberal minded and honest, foremost in the
reforms of the day, quick to condemn chic
anery and intrigue. In the affairs of his
native city he took the warmest interest, and
his voice was often raised in defense of
liberal and progressive municipal policy. He
was an honest man, faithful friend, good
citizen, an ardent patriot. In his latest work
he writes: 'My book itselfis is only a preface
And what, after all, is any life but preface
"a preface to something better?' Then is
the book and volume of his existence but
just opened.